The Miami Heat were as close as it gets to reach the NBA Finals without actually pulling it off.
Had Jimmy Butler converted the transition pull-up 3-pointer while facing a 98-96 deficit with less than 20 seconds remaining in regulation, a lot could have changed. It likely would have been the Heat in making it out of the Eastern Conference instead of the Boston Celtics.
While PJ Tucker opted to depart in free agency to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, one of their key free agents opted to return: Victor Oladipo.
When detailing the Miami Heat’s trade outlook for Jae Crowder from the Phoenix Suns, Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer explained an intriguing detail about Oladipo — stating that the former All-Star turned down a starting role with the Washington Wizards to stay in Miami.
“Zach Lowe already detailed how it will be tricky for Miami to find a matching salary for Crowder until Caleb Martin, Victor Oladipo and Dewayne Dedmon become trade-eligible in a few months. Plus the Heat have high hopes for Martin, and Oladipo spurned a potential starting opportunity in Washington to return to Miami in free agency for an impact position.”
“Most teams, not just the Heat, will look to evaluate their current groups through a 20-game sample or so before jumping to make any sweeping changes.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Victor Oladipo, Miami Heat & Washington Wizards Updates
With Tyler Herro moving into a full-time starting role, the Heat will undoubtedly need the impact of Oladipo for their bench group. His tough shot-making and defensive versatility have offered intriguing flashes during his limited Heat tenure. Can it become a regular outcome?
The Wizards seemingly would have deployed Bradley Beal as their starting point guard to have Oladipo at the shooting guard spot. There would have been some limitations with playmaking in a potential backcourt partnership and both have struggled with injuries lately.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Victor Oladipo, Miami Heat & Washington Wizards Updates
It’ll be important that Victor Oladipo stays healthy and makes an impact for the Miami Heat during the upcoming season for him to re-establish himself in the NBA. He’s clearly betting on the competitive situation with the chance for a key bench role to accomplish it.
