Kyle Lowry further weaponizes the Miami Heat, but if they're going to win the Eastern Conference, let alone the NBA Finals, they need a little more oomph. That oomph is a healthy Victor Oladipo.
Injuries have held back Oladipo for the better part of the last three years, as he has suffered two season-ending knee injuries over that span. The latter came after the Heat acquired him at last season's NBA trade deadline, when he appeared in just four games for their operation.
Miami re-signed Oladipo for the veteran's minimum this offseason. The auspicious news for both sides is the recent word that Oladipo is ahead of schedule in his rehab and could very well return around the start of 2022. If that's indeed the case, it's a game-changer for the Heat, especially if the guard gets a reasonable amount of games under his belt before the NBA Playoffs.
Yes, the two words “when healthy” can be tedious in sports. That said, when healthy, Oladipo is an impact player on both ends of the floor. He can score in isolation, get to the rim off the dribble, has a capable jump shot and is a stout defender.
Through thick and thin, Oladipo has averaged a combined 20.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game over the last four seasons (these combined statistics come across time with the Heat, Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers).
Despite the impact he can have on a team, Oladipo will likely come off head coach Erik Spoelstra's bench when he returns to the floor. That comes from the presence of Lowry, Jimmy Butler and Duncan Robinson, who are part of a presumed starting five that also includes Bam Adebayo and P.J. Tucker.
Miami's Achilles heel at the moment is depth. With Oladipo sidelined, they do have respectable commodities like Tyler Herro, Markieff Morris and Dewayne Dedmon. On the other hand, they lost young big man Precious Achiuwa and veteran Goran Dragic in their sign-and-trade with the Toronto Raptors to attain Lowry's services. They also lost Trevor Ariza to free agency. That's a lot of proven and reliable players walking out the door.
Oladipo's return will be a much-needed shot in the arm for the second unit.
First of all, imagine a one-two scoring punch of Oladipo and Herro off the bench: would there be a comparable bench duo in the NBA? The Heat would have a dynamite duo off the bench and a pair of players who can handle the rock. At the end of games, Spoelstra could put Oladipo on the floor if they go small.
NBA rotations shrink in the playoffs, and Oladipo would inevitably be a consideration in crunch time, which is pivotal. As is, the Heat have a great starting five with pieces that fit well next to one another. Lowry is a composed floor general who scores. Butler is a two-way star who scores in isolation. Robinson is an elite shooter. Adebayo is a multidimensional big man. Tucker is a proven defender and shooter.
Again: the issue is depth. Victor Oladipo gives them another player who can create their own shot and attract defensive attention and/or reap the benefits of Butler and Lowry attracting attention themselves.
The East has depth. At the top, the reigning-champion Milwaukee Bucks are returning roughly the same team and a core in its prime. The Brooklyn Nets have a loaded roster from top to bottom with a historic big three. While Ben Simmons is attempting to ruin their livelihoods, the Philadelphia 76ers figure to be a hassle.
The Atlanta Hawks took the 76ers to six games in last season's Eastern Conference Finals. Meanwhile, there are teams like the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls and others with competitive upside.
Miami is firmly in the mix. They're a safe bet to make it past the first round of the playoffs, which they failed to do last season. For starters, they get more time off this offseason. After appearing in the 2020 NBA Finals in what was a suspended season, the Heat had just two months of rest before the 2020-21 season commenced. That was likely a catalyst in their .500 play throughout the bulk of the season, as well as them getting swept by the Bucks in the first round.
Even with that advantage on Miami's side, is their roster good enough to make it back to the NBA Finals? Teams like Brooklyn and Milwaukee don't just have more stars: they have deep rotations. Miami's success is severely reliant on their core staying healthy, and Oladipo's recent health doesn't bode well for that concern.
With that said, Victor Oladipo will have more time off the court than his teammates and won't be asked to be the driving force or even a secondary source of offense. Him playing to his strengths off the bench potentially as a third or fourth scoring option at the end of games inhibits teams' ability to double those on the floor. He gives them another lethal scoring option.
Victor Oladipo doesn't make the Miami Heat the team to beat in the East, but if they're going to legitimately contend for the NBA Finals, they need everybody. A former All-Star's return looms large.
Follow Us
Subscribe