Miami Heat About To Add Former All-Star To Lineup

 

The Miami Heat continue to hold 1st place in the Eastern Conference, and one huge under-the-radar reinforcement is coming soon. The Miami Herald reports that former 2-time NBA All-Star Victor Oladipo is on course to return from major knee surgery in February. 

“He’s going to be a great addition to this team when he gets back," said center Bam Adebayo, who himself recently returned from injury. "He’s starting to be at practice more and more. We’re starting to hear his voice and he’s starting to get opportunities to run in transition. When he’s able to suit up, it’s going to be a big day for all of us.”

As recently as 2019, Oladipo was an All-Star, for the second straight season for the Indiana Pacers. Injuries have derailed his career since then, but in the 33 games he did play last season, for three different teams, he averaged 19.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists. 

Victor Oladipo 2020-21 Stats:
19.8 ppg
4.8 reb
4.6 ast
1.2 stl
41% fg

Miami has a STAR on their bench. And he's coming back soon.🔥 pic.twitter.com/JUTPBfUyAY

— michael hakim🌴 (@michaelhakim33) January 26, 2022

This season, he's been working his way back from knee surgery, though observers couldn't tell from watching him in the gym. Under the watchful eye of Heat president Pat Riley, Oladipo has been moving around very well at practice sessions, getting up jumpers and running without favoring his knee. 

The Heat have him on a one-year, $2.6M contract, and own his Bird rights to re-sign him this offseason.

“He’s itching to get back,” Adebayo said. “He’s one of those guys that’s really determined."

Photo Credit:  Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports