NBA Rumors: According to a recent report, Victor Oladipo is nearing a return for the Miami Heat.
As the Miami Heat inches closer and closer to the postseason, the questions surrounding Victor Oladipo’s possible return had been garnering more and more press. Hinting that he’s close to a return, there’s reportedly a window of when we could see Oladipo back in the Heat lineup.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Oladipo could be back playing for the Heat within two weeks. That means we could see him as soon as March 11.
On the surface, it may seem like there might not be much of a role for him on the current version of the Heat. However, there’s a clear role that he could fit with the team as they begin to round into playoff shape.
Oladipo, depending on how he looks in his return, could fill the backup point guard role for the team. He’s a dependable defender and has the ability to hit open shots. Even if he isn’t, say, 80 percent of what he was with the Indiana Pacers, he could add depth to the team.
In five games played with the Heat last season, Oladipo averaged 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists per game. He struggled with his shot but was still beginning to look more and more comfortable just before his injury.
Even if the Heat gets that version of Oladipo, he’ll have the opportunity to have a positive impact on the team headed into the playoffs. And if he can offer something more, he could help unlock this team’s championship chances.
Either way, there’s really no scenario in which the return of Oladipo won’t help the team. Many are quick to overlook the Heat. However, if this team is the No. 1 seed and is getting a healthy Oladipo, I’m not sure it’s all too smart to continue to do so.