Heat Rumors: Victor Oladipo to Return from Injury, Make 2022 Debut vs. Rockets

Miami Heat shooting guard Victor Oladipo is reportedly set to make his long-awaited return to the court.

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Oladipo is set to make his season debut Monday against the Houston Rockets. The two-time All-Star hasn't played since undergoing surgery to repair his right quad tendon on May 13.

Oladipo was traded to Miami last season from the Houston Rockets, who had acquired him earlier in the year from the Indiana Pacers. But he only appeared in four games for the Heat and averaged 12.0 points, down from the 21.2 points he averaged in 20 games with the Rockets.

When healthy, the 29-year-old Oladipo is a versatile player who can lead an offense and anchor a team's defense. He enjoyed his best year during his first season in Indiana in 2017-18, when he averaged a career-high 23.1 points and a league-leading 2.4 steals.

But Oladipo's career took a turn midway through the following season when he ruptured the quad in his right knee. He's appeared in just 52 games since making his return in Jan. 2020. 

The Heat are leading the Eastern Conference with a 41-22 record entering Thursday. Miami ranks fifth in the league in defense, holding opponents to 104.9 points per game. Adding Oladipo to the lineup will further boost an already strong unit.

While it may take time for Oladipo to get back into a groove offensively, he should have no problem integrating into the team's defense. When paired with All-Star forward Jimmy Butler, the two of them should wreak havoc on the wing. Opposing backcourts will be in for a long night when they face Miami with Oladipo back in the lineup.