Victor Oladipo Seeks NBA Return After 13.5 PPG G League Stint

Victor Oladipo has issued an open letter to NBA general managers declaring he is healthy following a 26-game run with the Wisconsin Herd.

Victor Oladipo, a two-time NBA All-Star and former No. 2 overall pick, has officially petitioned all 30 league general managers for a roster spot via an open letter in The Players' Tribune. The 34-year-old guard last appeared in an NBA game in April 2023 as a member of the Miami Heat, a tenure that ended when he tore his left patellar tendon. During the most recent season, Oladipo completed a 26-game stint with the Wisconsin Herd of the G League, where he averaged 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per contest.

In his career spanning 10 NBA seasons, Oladipo has maintained averages of 16.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals. To demonstrate his current physical condition to front office personnel, he conducted a private pro day workout in Las Vegas during the July NBA Summer League. This session was designed to address long-standing health concerns following a series of major lower-body injuries, including a ruptured quadriceps tendon in his right knee sustained in 2019. Since that initial rupture, the veteran has not surpassed 42 games played in any single NBA season.

Health Status and Physical Recovery

Oladipo explicitly stated in his letter that his body is "finally right" after years of rehabilitation. He asserted that he remains capable of being a winning contributor to a professional locker room and possesses high-level basketball ability. The former Indiana Pacers star emphasized that he is currently seeking a singular opportunity to prove his utility to a franchise. His recent G League statistics serve as the primary baseline for his current on-court production following the April 2023 injury.

Personal Motivation and Family Legacy

The veteran guard identified his daughter, Naomi, whom he refers to as "Nomi," as the primary inspiration for his attempted comeback. He wrote that he wants his daughter to see this specific version of him as she grows up. Oladipo expressed a desire for this chapter of his life to serve as a reference point for her when she faces difficult times, showing that it is possible to demonstrate both strength and vulnerability simultaneously. He noted that if a feeling is true, showing weakness is actually a form of strength.

Professional Outlook and Front Office Appeal

Addressing the uncertainty of his professional future, Oladipo acknowledged that his journey's conclusion remains undecided. He recognized that while he is asking for a chance, the final decision rests with the league's front offices. The letter concluded by characterizing his entire basketball narrative, from the first page to the last, as a "love story." He thanked the executives who took the time to read his message, promising that his commitment to the game remains a constant factor regardless of whether a team chooses to sign him for the upcoming season.