Former Pacer Victor Oladipo finally makes his Miami Heat debut
By Luke Parrish
Former Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo was bound to be a member of the Miami Heat at some point in his career and that became a reality at the trade deadline. Whether he is there for the long haul or not, there is no denying that Oladipo was eyeing this move for a while.
He missed a few games after his long-awaited trade due to a head cold, including a return to Banker’s Life Fieldhouse, but is now with the team. His debut with Miami went about as you’d expect given his play this season.
Victor Oladipo debuts for the Miami Heat
The Heat hosted Golden State on Thursday down in South Beach and Victor Oladipo was in the starting lineup in place of Goran Dragic. Vic went on to play 23 minutes while Tyler Herro came off the bench for 35 minutes of his own and actually knocked down his shots.
Oladipo shot just 2-of-8 from the field and 0-of-4 from three-point range, finishing the night with just six points. His playmaking ability was there, however, as he added five assists and three rebounds.
It was a mixed bag for Vic in his debut which Pacers fans will understand given the early struggles of Caris LeVert. Vic turned the ball over three times, racked up five personal fouls, and could not find his jumper all night. He also posted a team-low plus/minus of -6 in his 23 minutes.
Miami pulled out the victory, which is all that matters for them at the moment, but Oladipo may want to lock it in if he hopes to secure a long-term deal with the Heat. He has not done all too well since being traded by the Pacers early in the season.
He shot just 40.7 percent from the field in the 20 games he played with Houston but did average more points and assists in an elevated role. If his efficiency continues to plummet this season, it’s hard to see him getting the money he is hoping for in free agency.
Hopefully, for Vic’s sake, he can turn things around in his next appearance for the Heat. He has the tools to be the extra option they need on offense.