The Indiana Pacers traded Paul George to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis before the 2017-18 campaign. Oladipo instantly became a franchise pillar for the Pacers, but multiple significant lower-body injuries derailed his career.
However, the 34-year-old remains determined to get back on an NBA floor for the first time since 2023.
NBA World on the Fence About Victor Oladipo’s Return Bid
Oladipo earned his two All-Star selections with Indiana in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 campaigns. He scored a career-high 23.1 points with 4.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game in his first season there. The guard took home Most Improved Player, Third Team All-NBA, and First Team All-Defense honors in that same season.
Unfortunately, 2017-18 was his last healthy campaign. Oladipo did not play more than 42 games in a single season after suffering a right quad rupture in January of 2019. Two years later, he re-injured the same quad with the Miami Heat. In the 2023 playoffs, Oladipo tore his left patellar tendon, which required a third major lower-body operation in four years.
Nonetheless, the former star guard is not giving up on an NBA comeback. He wrote an article in The Players’ Tribune, telling general managers he can still contribute to winning.
“I believe I can be a valuable contributor to an NBA locker room. And what I’m asking for right now is an opportunity to prove it,” Oladipo wrote.
The NBA world shared its thoughts on X, formerly known as Twitter, about his comeback bid from all angles. Some people think teams should give Oladipo another chance. Others believe his history of injuries and age will prevent him from contributing effectively.
One user is convinced Oladipo can help an NBA franchise after reading the 6-foot-3 guard’s article.
“Reading it now. I do think that he would contribute to many teams,” the account posted.
If he signs a deal, it would likely be for one year close to the veteran minimum. Teams just need to be willing to take a small risk. Another fan strongly feels Oladipo is “still an NBA talent.”
“Really don’t understand why proven players, even though a little older, get banished like that when you see teams who clearly need their capabilities! Vic is still an NBA talent! A former all-star, a former number one option … its a bunch of malpractice and negligence if you ask me!” the user posted.
Really don’t understand why proven players, even though a little older get banished like that when you see teams who clearly need their capabilities! Vic is still an NBA talent! A former all-star, a former number one option! You mean an experienced coach can’t use his now-wiser…
— Alister Albert (@akca_9) September 1, 2026
Even though Oladipo could contribute, teams must factor in his injury history. He hasn’t played a game since 2023, and there is no way to know how much his age and knee issues could affect his availability.
@LaFanForever24 thinks the former Indiana University prospect has to play overseas before making it back to the NBA.
“He’s gonna have to play in Europe [because] I don’t see any team interested, but if he’s balling in Europe, NBA teams will take a 2nd look,” the account commented.
He’s gonna have to play in Europe bc I don’t see any team interested but if he’s balling in Europe nba teams will take a 2nd look.
— LakerLife (@LaFanForever24) September 1, 2026
Another pointed out how Oladipo cost himself a lot of money with the Pacers, even if the player has previously disputed this claim. If he signs for the veteran minimum, he would likely make between $1.3 and $3.8 million this season.
“Victor Oladipo’s decision to leave Indiana and reject contract extensions ultimately cost him between $59.5 million and $92.4 million in potential earnings. One of the worst decisions you’ll ever see a player make,” the account tweeted.
Training camp starts later this month for the 2026-27 campaign. If Oladipo is to find a spot on an NBA roster, it must happen sooner rather than later.
