After yet another knee injury, Heat guard Victor Oladipo is hesitant to give a specific date for when he will make his season debut.
He won’t be on the court when the Heat play the Grizzlies on Monday in Memphis to finish a four-game road trip (8 p.m., Bally Sports Sun).
But he is confident that his return is approaching.
His left knee ailment, which has kept him out since late in the preseason, is expected to be healed “hopefully soon,” he stated on Friday in Boston.
“I feel fantastic and have been moving more. I’m just going to make sure that everyone makes the right choice. I will only decide some things. I’m just going to make sure everything is comfortable, and I can give my best effort.
Oladipo is back at the Heat’s practice facility but not for full-contact drills. Does he think he can participate in a regular-season game in a week or two?
“I’m not sure,” he said. “Let’s see. How I feel and what I think makes the most sense daily. I believe in our training team and the folks I work with to develop a strategy and ensure I’m prepared.”
What’s encouraging is that the knee has recently tolerated demanding exercises well, both on and off the court.
Regarding the knee, he said, “I feel wonderful.” “I’m doing fine. I am much more at ease. I am awaiting my opportunity to assist the team there,” he added.
Oladipo made a brief appearance in the final preseason game before being sidelined due to tendinitis in his left knee, which had not undergone surgery.
Medical journals define tendinosis as the tendon’s collagen degenerating due to repeated usage. Repetitive little motions can result in tendinosis.
Doctors, according to Oladipo, have said that his ailment is unlikely to become chronic.
He uttered, “No, no, no.” “I can get over it,”
During preseason, my left knee started to hurt suddenly.
He remarked, “I suppose it was me going hard as I do. “Things like this occur when you step it up and push yourself. That’s just how the game is. Fortunately, it wasn’t anything serious. I’m fortunate. I’ve been able to continue to become better and get better. We’ve been working on a fantastic strategy for my comeback to the field of play. Anticipate going outside and having fun.
Oladipo’s right knee has had two surgical procedures to rehabilitate it and has not given him any recent problems. Oladipo underwent two surgeries between May 2021 and May 2021 after suffering a ruptured quad tendon in January 2019.
He didn’t make his season debut until March 7 of the previous year, at which point he helped the Heat reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
Oladipo claims to be in high spirits despite ongoing difficulties, as his contagious smile showed during a pre-game interview in Boston on Friday.
He remarked, “I accept setbacks because, in the end, it makes you who you are. It strengthens you; the year was challenging to manage. But it’s not a big deal. Most of the time, you must keep the big picture in mind. I’m aware that my huge blessing is coming soon. You must maintain your optimism and keep making progress.
Oladipo knows that his defense can make a difference in a season where scoring is up around the league. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the previous season, he had ten steals.
Yes, he replied, “I believe I can assist. “Wanting to be of assistance.”
Oladipo was available for 35 games (including the postseason) last season after making a March comeback following a second knee procedure, and he played in 23 of them. However, he took part in the Heat’s remaining 15 playoff contests. In the Eastern Conference finals versus Boston, he played all seven games for an average of 23 minutes each.
Oladipo has only started five of the Heat’s 12 games in the regular season (out of 462 total games). With Tyler Herro firmly established in the Heat starting lineup, a bench position when he returns is very plausible.
Getting his offense back to par with his defense following the two significant knee operations was one of Oladipo’s off-season goals. Before his most recent injury forced him to skip the rest of the summer, he worked on it all.
Oladipo had scoring outbursts of 21, 40, 23, and 23 points in his 23 combined regular-season and postseason games for the Heat last season. He was also a defensive threat at times during the playoffs.
But he can become more effective. He made 6 of 22 three-pointers and shot 20 of 48 from the floor (41.7 percent) in six postseason games against Philadelphia (27.3). He made 8 of 29 three-pointers and hit 19 of 62 (30.6) in seven playoff games versus Boston (27.6).
He averaged a career-high 23.1 points per game for Indiana during his 2017–18 All-Star season, shooting 47.7 percent overall and 37.1 percent on threes. But in terms of field goal percentage, that was a bit unusual. Throughout his career, he has shot 34.8 three-pointers and 43.8 overall.
Oladipo signed a two-year, $18 million contract with Miami in July after initially agreeing to a one-year, $11 million pact.
The Heat avoided paying the luxury tax this way, which could have cost the team more than $15 million. With a $9.5 million player option for the next season, he will make $8.8 million this year. Oladipo has the right to refuse any trade this season and isn’t susceptible to being dealt until January 15.
HEADING TO G LEAGUE
Following Friday’s victory in Boston, the Heat assigned forwards Nikola Jovic, Jamal Cain, and guard Dru Smith to work with its G League franchise, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
On Sunday, the Wisconsin Herd visit the Skyforce, giving Jovic, Cain, and Smith a chance to play in a G League game.
Despite being labeled out for the game, Jovic and Smith are anticipated to join the Heat in time for Monday’s game against the Grizzlies in Memphis. Cain will play for Skyforce for a lengthier period and also listed as out for the match on Monday.
REST OF THE INJURY REPORT
The Heat will be without Cain, Jovic, Oladipo, Smith, and Omer Yurtseven (left ankle surgery) when they play the Grizzlies on Monday.
Questionable players include Jimmy Butler (right knee pain), Gabe Vincent (left knee effusion), and Dewayne Dedmon (left foot plantar fasciitis).
Max Strus (right shoulder impingement), Haywood Highsmith (right ankle sprain), Duncan Robinson (left ankle sprain), and Herro (left ankle sprain) are all expected to participate despite their injuries.