NBA Rumors: Miami Heat‘s former All-Star guard looks in better shape than last season
The Miami Heat's best move this offseason was to sign former NBA All-Star Victor Oladipo to an extension. Oladipo has struggled with injuries over the last few years. However, he showed tremendous promise in his comeback season last campaign.
Oladipo's best performance came during a regular-season game in April against the Orlando Magic, when he dropped a 40/10/7 game on 59.1% shooting. With the Heat having injury troubles in the postseason, the former Pacers guard received plenty of opportunities in the playoffs. He played roughly 25 minutes a game across 15 appearances.
Bill Russell to Uncle Drew: "What these young bloods have to understand is this game has always been and always will be about Buckets."
Victor Oladipo just posted this video on IG after getting buckets on Uncle Drew and added the audio 👀
https://t.co/7sHwb5PXZa
Victor Oladipo produced multiple 20-point outings. He has emerged as a solid scorer off the bench on several occasions. Oladipo entered the offseason healthy and will be available on the opening night for Miami. NBA analyst Wes Goldberg revealed Oladipo's trainer told him that the guard looks in better shape than last campaign.
“Victor Oladipo’s trainer texted me and said, ‘Vic looks better than ever. He looks better than he did even last year,'” said Wes Goldberg during a recent episode of the “Locked on Heat” podcast. (H/T Heat Nation).
Victor Oladipo’s trainer says Miami Heat guard looks even better than he did last season: heatnation.com/media/victor-o…
The Miami Heat haven't made a star signing this offseason, despite being linked to several big names in the market. They haven't replaced veteran P.J. Tucker either, who departed in free agency to join conference rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers.
That said, the Heat will be banking on Victor Oladipo (who has been an All-Star twice) to rejuvenate himself and play at an All-Star level.
Victor Oladipo gets a standing O then draws the charge in his first play back
Heat culture 🔥 https://t.co/TRDdbKuVW3
Victor Oladipo key to Miami Heat's hopes of making the NBA Finals
The Miami Heat are unlikely to make significant changes to their roster for the next campaign this late in the offseason. The Heat arguably have been among the losers this offseason. They didn't make any decisive roster moves and lost frontcourt depth with the departure of P.J. Tucker.
James Harden's new deal helped the 76ers create the salary cap space for the reunion of his former Rockets teammates Montrezl Harrell, PJ Tucker, and Danuel House. https://t.co/255vMeEAjl
Meanwhile, the rest of their conference rivals have been more active. The Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics have bolstered their depth to a great extent. Miami finished as the No. 1 seed with their current core, but that may not be the case again.
However, the Miami Heat were shorthanded for long stretches last season. There could be optimism surrounding their roster heading into the new season that they can replicate last season's success.
Victor Oladipo could be the key here. The Miami Heat need an additional scorer outside Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro, and Oladipo could provide that. If he finds his groove early on, he could also be a difference-maker on the defensive end of the floor.
“If Victor Oladipo gets even close to his previous form, then an argument could be made that his offseason signing will trump any outside signing by the Celtics, Bucks, Nets or even 76ers.”
- Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman https://t.co/5BVEiuGFAv
If Oladipo shines in his first full season in four years, the Heat could potentially have four All-Star caliber players on their roster. Butler, Herro and Bam Adebayo would be the other candidates.
So even if the Miami Heat don't make any significant changes, there is a decent chance Oladipo re-signing works wonders for them.