Victor Oladipo last appeared in an NBA game in 2023 with the Miami Heat, when he tore his left patellar tendon in a playoff game against the Milwaukee Bucks. See more
Victor Oladipo’s NBA journey is a testament to both remarkable talent and the brutal toll injuries can take on a professional athlete’s career. Once heralded as a rising star, his path has been a series of exhilarating peaks and heartbreaking valleys.
Oladipo, the second overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, truly broke out during his time with the Indiana Pacers. The 2017-18 season was his career apotheosis: an All-Star nod, an All-NBA Third Team selection, an All-Defensive First Team honor, and the coveted Most Improved Player award. He was a two-way force, leading the league in steals and showcasing an explosive offensive game. The future seemed boundless for the dynamic guard.
However, a ruptured quadriceps tendon in his right knee in January 2019 marked the beginning of a relentless battle against injury. This was a severe setback, sidelining him for a full calendar year. He fought tooth and nail to return, demonstrating incredible resilience, but the impact of that initial injury lingered, requiring a second surgery in 2021.
Then came the agonizing moment in April 2023. Playing for the Miami Heat in the playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks, Oladipo was driving to the basket when his left patellar tendon tore. It was a cruel blow, not just for the Heat, but for a player who had already endured so much. The image of him on the court, surrounded by concerned teammates and staff, unable to put weight on his leg, was a stark reminder of the fragility of an athletic career. This particular injury is notoriously difficult to fully recover from, especially for a player whose game relies heavily on explosive athleticism and jumping.
The patellar tendon tear effectively ended his 2022-23 season and kept him off an NBA court entirely for the subsequent season. Yet, Victor Oladipo’s spirit remains unbroken. Despite the long absence and a history of debilitating injuries, he recently participated in a well-attended private workout in Las Vegas in July 2025, impressing NBA and European scouts with his conditioning and performance in full-court five-on-five scrimmages. He has publicly expressed confidence in his recovery, stating he feels “great” and that his injuries are “behind him.”
Victor Oladipo’s story is a powerful narrative of perseverance. From a two-time All-Star at the top of his game to facing multiple career-threatening injuries, his determination to return to the highest level of basketball is truly inspiring. Whether he can fully recapture his past glory remains to be seen, but his ongoing comeback bid serves as a testament to his love for the game and his unwavering belief in himself.
