Victor Oladipo seeks final NBA chance
Free agent Victor Oladipo says in an open letter to NBA GMs that he is finally healthy after years of injuries and believes he can still help a team win.
Victor Oladipo has not played in the NBA for three seasons. The 34-year-old free agent has written an open letter to league general managers, stating he is finally healthy and seeking an opportunity to prove he can still play.
In the letter published by The Players Tribune, Oladipo described a long, difficult recovery from a ruptured quadriceps tendon suffered in 2019. That injury derailed a career that had peaked just a season earlier. He said it took years to stop chasing his past form and focus on getting his body right.
The plea for an opportunity
Oladipo directly addressed team executives. He acknowledged many people have counted him out. He framed his request as a simple one.
"To say to any GM who's willing to listen: I believe my body is finally right," Oladipo wrote. "I believe I still have GREAT (and more importantly, WINNING) basketball in front of me."
He concluded by thanking any front-office personnel who read his message, leaving his basketball future in their hands.
A career derailed by injury
Oladipo's peak came during the 2017-18 season with the Indiana Pacers. His performance that year earned him significant accolades before his major injury the following season.
He has not regained that All-Star level since rupturing his quadriceps tendon. His most recent professional action came partly in the NBA G League last season. Playing for the Wisconsin Herd, he averaged 13.5 points per game in the regular season while shooting 32.5% from three-point range. He has also played in China in recent years.
The current market reality
Reports have loosely linked Oladipo to the Sacramento Kings as a potential backup for rookie Darius Acuff Jr. No official deal has materialized. His situation reflects a common challenge for veteran players.
Most teams prefer to use roster spots, especially backup guard roles, on younger players they can develop long-term. The appeal of a veteran often lies in locker-room presence and the ability to provide limited, reliable minutes.
Oladipo's letter is his public pitch to convince a team he can be that kind of contributor. He states he has found perspective and humility through his ordeal. Whether any general manager is convinced remains an open question. His basketball journey, for now, is on pause.
