NBA Fan favorite Victor Oladipo’s name has been swirling around the NBA-verse the past week mentioning how he’s a free agent that could realistically latch onto an NBA team this season.
Here’s why Oladipo realistically makes sense as a free agent option for the Los Angeles Lakers and other contenders.
Victor Oladipo Signing With the Los Angeles Lakers
Victor Oladipo has been balling out in the NBA’s Preseason with three games played so far, and albeit’s not the regular season, it still counts for something.
In addition to this, he also received praise from Clippers Superstar Kawhi Leonard:
“Vic looked good… I thought he was moving well. You see that transition lob he caught, knocking down his three-point shot, getting to the paint. I think he looked good to me. He’s moving well. I mean, that’s all you want to really see. He said he feels great. And I’m just happy for him.” While Leonard’s opinion shouldn’t be an end-all be all, it is still a positive thing to note for teams that are looking to fill holes on their roster, and Oladipo, whether it’s now or after an in-season injury, should be on the top of NBA General Manager’s lists for potential replacements.
Victor Oladipo Wants Back in the NBA
With a lot of these current NBA free agents, there’s either baggage with them like Malik Beasley’s betting scandal, Ben Simmons allegedly contemplating retirement, but that is not even a question with Oladipo. Here’s what he had to say after his last preseason game:
“Honestly, if we was in a practice gym or in the back of a dump truck, it don’t matter… As long as there’s a rectangle and people there competing, I’m going to play at the highest level I can.
The NBA is where I’m supposed to be at. And if the opportunity presents itself, I’m going to be ready. I’ve been ready, if I’m being honest, but yes, I’m ready.” With him outright mentioning that he wants to be back in the NBA, it puts the ball squarely in these NBA teams’ court to where if they see a potential fit, he would be undoubtedly interested in joining whichever team it may be.
Victor Oladipo Stats
In his first game against the Spurs he dropped 20 points on 8-19 shootings with 5 steals, 3 assists, and 5 rebounds. Against the Clippers in his second game, he dropped 24 points and five assists in 29 minutes, shooting 8-12 from the field and 2-4 from a distance. While he didn’t have the greatest game against the Timberwolves, shooting 5-14 for 14 points, his first two games showcased the offensive punch he could still provide to an NBA roster.
While Oladipo is already 33 years old, his veteran presence and seemingly still available scoring punch could be a huge benefit to an NBA team, and he needs to be discussed in the same breath of a Ben Simmons and Russell Westbrook in regards to the next potential free agent signee.
