As he got up from the bench to take off his tracksuit, the start of a nice ovation accompanied him from the spans of the FTX Arena. After ten minutes of play against the Rockets, Victor Oladipo made his debut with the Heat this season, 11 months after leaving the NBA courts.
Three quarters later, the Florida crowd had seen enough to chant “O-LA-DI-PO” chants. “ It was a great feeling. Incredible. I don’t really have the words to describe it. I appreciate that they did that”delivers the rear. “It made this moment even more special. Unfortunately, last year ended the way we know it. But there are definitely better days ahead. I’m optimistic and looking forward to it. »
This return was already one of the “better days”. ” Only athletes really understand what it’s like to get hurt and have to deal with all that frustration and that behind-the-scenes time.”judges his coach Erik Spoelstra. “But he handled it by being very positive. Physically he is in much better shape than last year. I think looking back, you marvel that he was able to do what he was able to do on one leg the previous two seasons. »
His own “MVPs”
Teammates, coaching staff, fitness staff, personal trainers, family… Victor Oladipo went around all the people who helped him get through this period and return to the highest level. ” They are the real MVPs. »
After such a long period of absence, he showed flashes of what he could bring to an already dense Florida formation. From his first action in defense, the back caused an offensive foul from Alperen Sengun. Then, after a few messy possessions, he found the 3-point target in the corner, on an “extra-pass” from Kyle Lowry.
“The attack, the rhythm and the fact that everyone is on the same wavelength, it will take a little time”estime Erik Spoelstra. “But defensively, he’s good. So he’s going to be much closer to what he was four years ago defensively right now, just because he has two legs in great shape. »
His rear, to whom he awarded the title of player of the match in the locker room, completed his comeback with 11 points (4/7 on shots) and 4 assists. We note in particular, in addition to another forceful passage provoked, his baseline attack to perfectly serve Dewayne Dedmon in the dunk. And especially his explosion in the circle ended with a dunk also without opposition.
Game time still limited
A great first outing in 15 minutes, the playing time Erik Spoelstra had in mind. Victor Oladipo is aware of the path that awaits him before finding optimal use.
« In the end, with this injury and what I’ve been through, there’s no clear cut answer. It’s just about my body and how it reacts over time. Spo and the staff understand it. It’s not something that’s going to happen overnight, it’s going to take time. You have to be patient, myself included. But they will eventually let go of the reins. I just have to keep improving until then. »
The back has the feeling of progressing, of being stronger, after this warm-up lap. ” I can’t wait for the sequel”he displays. “It won’t always be perfect, but that’s okay. My mentality will always be the same. I have always been resilient since my first breaths. I’m not going to stop now. »
