Once an All-Star and franchise cornerstone for the Indiana Pacers, Victor Oladipo is now fighting for a second chance in the NBA. At 33, after years plagued by injuries, the former No. 2 overall pick is suiting up for the Guangzhou Loong-Lions in China — and making waves in the process. In a recent exhibition game against the LA Clippers, Oladipo turned heads by scoring 24 points and looking every bit like a player not yet ready to close the chapter on his NBA career.
After the game, he made his intentions clear: I still belong in those three letters — N-B-A.
It was a defiant statement from a man who once stood near the top of the basketball world but has since faced a grueling journey of surgeries, setbacks, and uncertain comebacks. The question now is simple, yet complex: Can Victor Oladipo truly rise again?
At his peak, Oladipo was one of the league’s best two-way guards. He averaged 23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in the 2017–18 season while earning All-NBA Third Team and NBA All-Defensive First Team honors. His explosive first step, defensive instincts, and clutch shot-making made him a nightmare for opposing guards and a beacon of hope for a rebuilding Pacers franchise.
But in January 2019, everything changed.
A ruptured quad tendon in his right knee sidelined him for more than a year. When he returned, he was never quite the same. A series of injuries — including further knee issues and surgeries — derailed what was once a promising career trajectory. After short stints with the Rockets and Heat, Oladipo struggled to stay healthy and fell out of the NBA rotation altogether.
Now, Oladipo is using the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) as a proving ground. The level of competition may not match the NBA, but it offers something he hasn’t had in years: consistent playing time. More importantly, it gives him the chance to showcase that he still has gas left in the tank.
His 24-point outing against the Clippers, even in an exhibition setting, was more than just a stat line — it was a signal. He attacked the rim with purpose, moved well off the ball, and hit shots from mid-range and beyond the arc. He looked confident, comfortable, and — most critically — healthy.
I’m not just here to play, Oladipo told reporters after the game. “I’m here to prove something — to myself, to the world. I’ve been through a lot. But I know what I’m capable of.
While scoring points in China is different from doing so under the lights of an NBA arena, Oladipo’s story has the makings of a compelling redemption arc. His path back to the league won’t be easy, but it isn’t closed.
Most likely, his re-entry point would be through a training camp invite, a 10-day contract, or even a two-way deal if he’s open to some time in the G League. Teams are often cautious with players who have long injury histories, especially as rosters get younger and more athletic. But Oladipo’s skillset — defense, shot creation, and leadership — could be appealing to teams in need of veteran depth.
Franchises like the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, or Golden State Warriors could make sense. These are teams with playoff aspirations that value experience, defensive intensity, and players who can contribute in short bursts off the bench.
One key to Oladipo’s potential return will be his ability to accept a new role. He’s no longer a 30-minute-per-game star, but he could thrive in a 15–20 minute bench role, guarding tough matchups, running second units, and bringing energy on both ends. In today’s NBA, veteran guards who can defend and space the floor are always in demand — especially if they come at a low cost.
If Oladipo is willing to adapt — and all signs suggest he is — there’s no reason to believe he can’t earn a final act in the league.
Victor Oladipo’s comeback story is far from over. His time in China may seem like a detour, but for him, it’s a necessary chapter — one of growth, healing, and rediscovery. While the odds are long, his belief in himself is unwavering. And in a league that’s always looking for experienced, driven contributors, that might be enough to get him one more shot.
He’s no longer trying to be the face of a franchise. He’s just trying to be a part of one. And for Victor Oladipo, that might be the greatest victory of all.