Victor Oladipo Reportedly 'Impressed' NBA Insiders in Workout Amid Comeback Attempt

Former NBA star Victor Oladipo is working toward a return to the league after not playing since 2023, and he reportedly has been building some positive momentum.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Woo, Oladipo participated in a private workout on Monday in Las Vegas, and multiple attendees "came away impressed, with Oladipo described as being in excellent shape as he pursues another comeback."

Woo noted that Oladipo's workout drew a large audience, "with a large contingent of NBA and European teams attending." He reportedly "played full-court five-on-five in a group workout of international pros."

Oladipo last appeared in an NBA game in the 2023 playoffs when he was with the Miami Heat. He suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks that April. During his time on the sidelines, the Heat traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who then sent him to the Houston Rockets, who later traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies. He was waived by the Grizzlies in February 2024.

The No. 2 pick in the 2013 NBA draft, Oladipo eventually blossomed into a productive two-way player before injuries derailed his career. He earned back-to-back All-Star appearances in 2018 and 2019 while he was with the Indiana Pacers. In 2018, he also earned the NBA Most Improved Player award, All-NBA third-team honors and All-Defensive first-team honors after leading the league in steals.

Woo added that despite Oladipo's lengthy layoff, there's optimism that the 33-year-old will be able to work his way back into the league.

"His long injury history has delayed his potential return, but there's currently some consideration around the league that he might eventually work his way into a roster spot, as teams finalize plans to round out their depth entering the fall," Woo stated.