Victor Oladipo, the former NBA All-Star, is making headlines with his determined quest for an NBA return. Recently, he was acquired by the Cleveland Charge, the Cleveland Cavaliers' G League affiliate, marking a significant step in his comeback journey.
Oladipo's path has been anything but conventional. He started this season overseas with the Loong-Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association, showcasing his skills during the NBA's preseason exhibition games. His journey then brought him back stateside, where he signed with the Wisconsin Herd, the Milwaukee Bucks’ G League affiliate, back in November.
During his stint with the Herd, Oladipo put up solid numbers. In 26 games, he clocked over 28 minutes per contest, averaging 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals. His shooting splits were 40 percent from the field, 32.4 percent from beyond the arc, and 71.4 percent from the charity stripe-showcasing his all-around game.
The Cleveland Charge secured Oladipo in a trade that sent Jacob Gilyard and Drake Jeffries to the Herd. This move is seen as a strategic step for Oladipo, who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft and last played in the NBA with the Miami Heat during the 2022-23 season. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to an ACL injury in the playoffs, sidelining him for the entire 2023-24 season.
Oladipo's journey through the NBA landscape has been a whirlwind. After being traded by the Heat, he found himself with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2023 offseason.
The Thunder then moved him to the Houston Rockets just before the 2023-24 season began. Without playing a game, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, who eventually waived him around the 2024 trade deadline.
As Oladipo steps onto the court with the Cleveland Charge, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this marks the beginning of a successful return to the NBA. His resilience and determination are evident, and this latest chapter in his career could be pivotal.