Miami Heat: 3 crucial X-factors for the 2021-22 NBA season

Victor Oladipo will be an X-factor for the Miami Heat in 2021-22

After rumors surfaced that Victor Oladipo had an interest in joining the Heat last year, it seemed inevitable that he would wind up down in South Beach sooner or later. Ultimately, the team made a trade deadline move to acquire him last season, but he lasted just four games before suffering a quadriceps injury that sidelined him for the conclusion of the regular season and playoffs. Knowing that he would have to prove he can contribute at a high level, Oladipo inked a one-year minimum deal worth $2.4 million to remain with the Heat in the offseason.

When healthy, there is no questioning just how impactful Oladipo can be. He is a two-time All-Star and former All-Defensive honoree, having shown signs of excellent two-way play. Unfortunately, he has not managed to stay healthy over the past three years, having appeared in just 88 games in that span. It started with a devastating quad injury early in 2019, which has hindered his availability drastically. Bringing him back on a minimum deal is a very low risk for the Miami Heat, and if Oladipo can get back up to speed, it could simultaneously be a very high-reward move.

Including his brief stint with the Heat, Oladipo showed signs that he had returned to his pre-injury form by averaging 19.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game last season. Having a player like that on the bench will be a massive boost for the Heat, although they are slated to be without him at least to begin the season. There is no timetable for the guard to return, but he said that he wants to be back “hopefully sooner than later” next season, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. The Heat will not rush him back by any means, but his play off the bench will be an X-factor for this Miami team as the former All-Star looks to write his comeback story.