Sights and Sounds: Victor Oladipo makes long-awaited return for the Heat

Benyam Kidane

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Sights and Sounds: Victor Oladipo makes long-awaited return for the Heat image

After nearly a year on the sidelines, Victor Oladipo made his return to the court for the Miami Heat in Monday's 123-106 win over the Houston Rockets.

In what was just his fifth game in a Heat uniform after last taking to the court on April 8, 2021, Oladipo played sparingly, recording 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting in 15 minutes of action.

It's been a long road back for the 29-year-old, who worked his way back after undergoing a second surgery on his right quadriceps tendon, an injury that originally occurred while playing for the Indiana Pacers in 2019.

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“Physically he’s in so much better place than he was last year,” Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said following the win. 

He checked into the game to a raucous reception from the Miami crowd, receiving a standing ovation.

It didn't take long for him to make his presence felt, drawing a charge within seconds of getting onto the floor.

And in case you forgot, Oladipo can still finish above the rim with the best of them, throwing down a huge one-handed jam in the fourth quarter.

"It's almost 300 days since I played so probably be a little rusty," Oladipo said of his return. "But for the most part, my teammates did a wonderful job picking me up and keeping me positive, I appreciate them."

Oladipo's return comes right in time for the Heat, who have withstood a ton of injuries this season but find themselves as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference at 42-22.

Adding a scorer and playmaker of Oladipo's caliber to their bench rotation alongside Sixth Man of the Year candidate Tyler Herro gives them another dynamic option that will no doubt come in handy come playoff time.

Oladipo put it best: "Great days ahead."

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.