Victor Oladipo is still soaking up exactly what it means to be a member of the Miami Heat, with some help from franchise legend Dwyane Wade.
The newly-acquired guard said “Flash” has instilled within in him some understanding of what “Heat Culture” really entails.
Victor Oladipo says his interactions with Dwyane Wade helped him learn about Heat culture.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) April 1, 2021
A lot has been made of that culture, one cultivated through the years by the likes of Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra, and, of course, Wade. The kind of gritty and tenacious mentality the Heat displayed in their run to the NBA Finals defines said culture.
Now, Oladipo is part of the construct. He told Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel he is ready to embrace everything about the organization:
“For me, personally, I thought I definitely could fit into the Heat culture and what they stood for, how they play, how they get after it and things of that nature,” Oladipo said, per Winderman. “So when told I was being traded there, first and foremost it’s not like I’m going to a foreign land where I don’t know anybody or a foreign experience. It’s something that I’m comfortable with.”
Oladipo also told Winderman he has already spoken to Riley, who is preaching defensive effort and energy. The 28-year-old is certainly capable of being a tough on-ball cover who can defend multiple positions and use his length to be disruptive. He is a former steals champion, after all.
Can Oladipo also get back on track offensively? He can be a terrific shot-creator and playmaker at his best, but has been quite inefficient thus far.
Perhaps the change of scenery and really buying into that idea of “Heat Culture” will help Oladipo rediscover his past All-Star form.
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