Victor Oladipo's season-ending torn patellar tendon in his left knee has proven to be an extremely saddening reality for members and fans of the Miami Heat organization to accept. With this, it marks the second time during his three-year tenure with the franchise that his campaign has been cut short due to injury.
However, though initial reports seemed to be rather grim when it came to his expected recovery timeline being up to one year, it is now being suggested that his rehabilitation could take just half of this aforementioned time, as per The Athletic's Shams Charania.
“Sources say there is optimism Miami's Victor Oladipo will be able to resume basketball activities in six months and return to action next season. Oladipo is set to undergo surgery on his left knee this week,” Charania wrote via his personal Twitter account.
Since 2017-18, the two-time All-Star has endured a tremendous amount of harsh luck in the injury department.
Over the last five seasons, Victor Oladipo has only managed to suit up in 138 out of a potential total of 390 regular season games and has seen his stock drop from being considered a legitimate franchise cornerstone to a reserve option along the way.
After having signed a two-year, $18 million deal this past summer, the shooting guard went on to appear in 42 games in 2022-23, his most since 2017-18, and posted averages of 10.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals in 26.3 minutes a night.
Despite yet another hardship, Victor Oladipo intends to “continue his NBA playing career” once his rehabilitation is complete, as per a report by the Miami Herald‘s Anthony Chiang.