Victor Oladipo’s comeback has been nothing short of inspirational. He is slowly but surely surging into a resemblance of the old Oladipo we saw and loved with the Indiana Pacers. The only issue has been the looming question, “Was his comeback too late?”
The Miami Heat finished the season 6-1 after that horrendous 0-5 losing streak they endured in late March. They hashed their issues and now look ready for the playoffs. Oladipo’s rehab recovery was more than necessary and very practical since Miami stayed afloat, securing that number one seed.
Will the Miami Heat find a rotational fit for Victor Oladipo in their second unit?
Miami now has found their set starters with the latest Max Strus for Duncan Robinson switch, but the second unit, with the obvious exception of Tyler Herro, always has for improvement. Some matchups will rely heavily on a post-focused Bam Adebayo and Dewayne Dedmon combo, while others might see Caleb Martin defending the 4. That is something I hope consistently holds.
Even Robinson and Gabe Vincent will be complimentary to Herro’s execution. Oladipo, as it has of late, will be the question mark or the odd man out. But does he have to be?
He knows this season has been a rollercoaster of an emotional ride, but he definitely has his spirits up.
"“Unfortunately I wasn’t dealt the right cards. Right now, I’m in a position where I have all I need to maximize whatever it is I need to maximize as far as my health goes. Right now, I’m feeling better.”"
The fact is, he shouldn’t be shunned or forgotten early on, especially since his defense could be an immense factor down the stretch. It won’t be a difference-maker since the Heat’s current rotation is playing extremely well, but when the timing hits, Coach Spo should definitely let Oladipo set his tone defensively more than anything.
In Miami’s last game of the season, a game where we saw the majority, if not all, of the starters sit out and rest up for the Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs, Heat fans were still pleasantly gifted with Oladipo’s best game in a Heat uniform.
-40 points
-10 rebounds
-7 assists
-2 steals
-59% shooting (13-of-22)
-36 minutes
This gleeful glimpse of the old Oladipo tells us he is ready to defend a fast transition guard in any combination of full or half-court defense. With that smooth step-back three, you also have another low defended threat behind the arc and a quick fake and drive guard who can finish or dish it out.
I think his defense is more crucial and the reason he can make his case when Coach Spo is deciding between him or Gabe early on in Games 2 or 3. Regardless of the situation, Oladipo is ready, and I know I can speak on behalf of Heat Nation when we say, we hope we see him get his minutes.
"“If my number is called, I’ll be ready.”"