Victor Oladipo just hit NBA general managers with a direct shot, penning an open letter in The Players’ Tribune, begging for a chance to make his return to the league. The veteran guard has been on a relentless comeback trail since 2023, and now at 34 years old, he is putting it all on the line to get back on an NBA main roster.
Climbing the Mountain, Again and Again
Let’s be real, Oladipo has been through it. This isn’t some minor tweak we are talking about. His once-so-promising career, which saw him hit two All-Star games, got derailed way back in 2019 with a ruptured quad. That injury plagued him for years. He fought his way back to the court, only to suffer another brutal hit, a torn patellar tendon, during the 2023 playoffs. Since then, he has been grinding it out, playing overseas and even in the G League. He has been counted out by a lot of people, and frankly, probably laughed at by a few. Yet, he is still here, still fighting for an opportunity.
“I Believe My Body Is Finally Right”
What is driving this absolute warrior? His four-year-old daughter, Naomi, or “Nomi” as he affectionately calls her. Oladipo revealed in his letter that his primary motivation is for Nomi to see *this version* of her dad: the one who got kicked down the mountain, climbed back up, only to get kicked down again, but never once quit. He wants her to see the dad who kept his faith and purpose. He is asking any GM willing to listen to believe him when he says, “I believe my body is finally right. I believe I still have GREAT (and more importantly, WINNING) basketball in front of me. I believe I can be a valuable contributor to an NBA locker room.” He is not asking for much, just an opportunity to prove it. He even held an open workout for NBA teams in Las Vegas back in July.
The hustle is real. Last month, Oladipo teased that he has already received “some interest” from the Sacramento Kings, especially after veteran guard Russell Westbrook called it a career. He added that “the feeling is mutual,” which is exactly what you want to hear when a guy is laying it all out there. The NBA preseason is right around the corner, with the 2026-27 campaign tipping off next month. Will a team take a chance on a two-time All-Star whose faith and purpose are burning brighter than ever? It feels like we are on the edge of seeing a seriously inspirational comeback story unfold, and he is ready to show everyone he still has it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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