After a few years away, former Milwaukee Bucks G Leaguer Victor Oladipo may finally be making his NBA comeback dreams a reality. The two-time All-Star has been working hard to get back into the league, and Jake Fischer (subscription required) has reported that the Sacramento Kings are looking for a veteran point guard and attended one of Oladipo's recent workouts.
Oladipo may finally get his NBA wish
There is so much to like about Oladipo and his desire to continue chasing his dream. In the 2017-18 season, he exploded from a role player to a genuine star. He averaged 23.1 points per game as he led the Indiana Pacers to the playoffs while earning the Most Improved Player Award and spots on the All-Defensive First Team and All-NBA Third Team.
Oladipo started the following season well, but an injury-riddled second half derailed it, and he has struggled to find a permanent home in the NBA since. Having bounced around several teams, he joined the Wisconsin Herd in November of last year in hopes of showing that he could still perform against high-level talent.
For a Bucks team that was struggling, there were calls to give Oladipo a shot on the roster, given his quality performances in the G League. In 15 games, he averaged 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and two steals per game for the Herd.
That opportunity never came, but the Kings are considering him to be a potential mentor for Darius Acuff Jr. to grant him his wish. They weren't the only team present at Oladipo's Pro Day in Las Vegas, but they are the most interested right now.
Bucks' revamp has changed roster makeup drastically
In recent seasons, the Bucks have relied heavily on veterans, hence why some wanted Oladipo in the mix last year. In years past, perhaps he would have been a worthy target. Yet, with some of the oldest rosters in the league, they went from being a title-winning team in 2021 to being run off the court by the fresh-legged Indiana Pacers in back-to-back first-round exits. Something had to change.
The Bucks are now embracing youth this summer, as their only players aged 30 and above are Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma, and Caris LeVert, all of whom are trade candidates. That's another reason why Oladipo, who turned 34 recently, simply wouldn't fit.
There was a case for Oladipo to join the team and mentor the likes of Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. while providing a bit of juice to a team that could use guidance. Yet, right now, they are looking to get down to the maximum of 15 standard contracts, with a backcourt currently overflowing, making it even more reasonable for the Bucks to pass on him.
Victor Oladipo won't give up on his NBA return, and teams are clearly taking notice. It would be a great story to see him go from the highs of that 2017-18 season to the lows of his injury-riddled years and still find his way back into the league. Hopefully, he can make that comeback dream a reality.
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