Victor Oladipo is one of the new acquisitions for the reigning Eastern Conference champions, Miami Heat. The South Beach franchise did not have to give up much for Oladipo, just some salary matching and a pick swap, but there are questions about his fit with the team.
Oladipo has had a rough time since coming back from a torn quad injury. He has averaged a solid 20.8 points per game on 41.4 percent shooting. His defense has absolutely slipped off the map as well. He struggles to navigate screens or play passing lanes anymore, which was his primary value as a defensive player. Dipo still isn't much of a playmaker and his athleticism has really slipped.
So what value can Oladipo provide the Heat this year as they chase a return to the Finals?
Article Continues Below“We like the strengths that he has as an offensive player. He can be a downhill, attack, getting you on your heels type of player…We need that,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of Victor Oladipo, per Brady Hawk of Five Reasons Sports Network.
Oladipo still generates a good amount of rim pressure in the half-court, but he has struggled to convert those attempts at the rim. He only had four total dunks in his Rockets tenure, which is a good proxy for his drop in athleticism and finishing ability.
The Heat have a crowded guard rotation, with players like Goran Dragic, Kendrick Nunn, Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro all deserving of minutes. With that said, Oladipo will have to earn his minutes in Miami.
Coach Spo, for his part, will have to sort out the rotation with the new acquisitions.