Former Magic No. 2 Overall Pick Eyes NBA Return Amid Strong Preseason Play

That player is Victor Oladipo, who is trying to showcase his talent to the rest of the NBA during the preseason with hopes to return to the league in the near future.

Victor Oladipo Impressing During NBA Preseason

For Oladipo, he has played well this preseason with the Guangzhou Loong-Lions in their first two games.

So far this preseason, the 33-year-old veteran guard is averaging 22.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 3.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game over two games played.

Oladipo began his preseason by recording 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and five steals against the San Antonio Spurs that caught attention by many around the NBA.

He then backed up that performance by posting 24 points, five assists and two steals in their second game of the preseason against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Victor Oladipo Eyeing NBA Return

After his game against the Clippers, Oladipo was interviewed by ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly where he made a bold statement as he eyes a return to the NBA.

“I don't believe in age, bro… I know the world might tell me I'm 33, but I don't feel 33… 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,” Oladipo said. “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.”

With this statement, it is clear that Oladipo has his sights set on a return to the NBA as he believes that is where he belongs.

Of course, the veteran guard was the second overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2013 NBA Draft and he spent three seasons in Orlando before they traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016.

He then spent one season with the Thunder before they sent him and Domantas Sabonis to the Indiana Pacers in the Paul George trade in 2017.

After four seasons in Indiana, they traded him to the Houston Rockets in 2021before Houston sent him to the Miami Heat later that season.

Oladipo would then spend three seasons in Miami before suffering an injury that caused him to miss the entire 2023-24 season, which was his last in the NBA.

Over his 10-year NBA career, the 33-year-old guard averaged 18.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 43.6% from the field and 34.7% from three.

Of course, injuries played a large role in Oladipo’s NBA career but after his strong performance so far this preseason, he believes that he can still be a solid player in the NBA and he main draw some interest from teams this season that could lead to a potential return to the NBA.