Getty Image / Megan Briggs
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 22: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Miami Heat reacts after suffering an injury during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Kaseya Center on April 22, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
It was not that long ago when Victor Oladipo was considered one of the NBA’s great young stars, and a player who could make the leap to superstardom. Since then, the shooting guard has been snake bitten by injuries more than maybe any player in the league.
Victor Oladipo was the third player selected in the 2013 NBA Draft out of Indiana University by the Orlando Magic. He made an all-rookie team there but really blossomed in Oklahoma City after being traded there in 2016. In 2017-2018, Oladipo was the winner of the NBA’s Most Improved Player award and was named to The All-NBA third team as well as first-team All-Defense.
But, things started to go wrong for Victor Oladipo the next year. Traded once again, this time to the Pacers in a package for Paul George, Oladipo ruptured his quadriceps in January, and he’s never been the same. He had to get surgery on the same tendon at the end of the 2021 season, as well.
This season, Victor Oladipo played 42 regular season games for the Miami Heat, the most games he has played in the regular season since 2017-2018. But, disaster seemed to strike again at the end of Miami’s Eastern Conference first round game 3 win against the Milwaukee Bucks, as he went down with another injury.
Victor Oladipo went down and grabbed his knee after this play 😳 pic.twitter.com/oENCnLDQqB
— Backcourt Alerts (@BackcourtAlerts) April 23, 2023
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Yikes. That looks terrible. After the game, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra spoke out on the injury.
Erik Spoelstra on Victor Oladipo:
“I feel like throwing up right now, but I don’t know what the diagnosis is. I want to stay positive on this.”
— Brady Hawk (@BradyHawk305) April 23, 2023
NBA fans are sending out their thoughts to Victor Oladipo.
Oladipo been through enough. Hope hes good
— KENNY BEECHAM (@KOT4Q) April 23, 2023
Oladipo is like the nicest dude ever. He never complains. Always pure. He don’t deserve this
— Austin (@ChefTrillie_) April 23, 2023
NOOOOO Oladipo might’ve torn a ligament again
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) April 23, 2023
Now Victor Oladipo is down…man, the guy just has the worst luck.
— Heat Nation (@HeatNationCom) April 23, 2023
Let’s hope it’s just a big scare and Victor Oladipo can return shortly. The Heat lead the series, 2-1.