The Cleveland Cavaliers have been cooking up an NBA offseason masterclass like your grandma’s secret chili recipe. Lonzo Ball? Check. Sam Merrill back in the fold? Check. A heartwarming reunion with Larry Nance Jr.? Double check. It almost feels like the Cavs can do no wrong right now. But hang on, they’re not quite done yet.
Despite all that action, the Cavs are still sitting one player short of a full house. After locking in rookie Tyrese Proctor on a four-year deal, they’ve got 13 out of 14 roster spots filled. On paper, that last spot might seem like a throwaway, an end-of-the-bench cheerleader who rarely sniffs actual minutes. But in Cleveland, we all know those final pieces can make or break a playoff run.
Are the Cleveland Cavaliers Interested in Victor Oladipo?
The Cavaliers have been snake-bitten by injuries down the stretch in recent seasons. Sure, Tristan Thompson has been the ultimate locker room hype man, but at this point, the Cavs need someone who can step in and actually contribute on the hardwood, even if it’s only in short bursts. Now, in comes Victor Oladipo
Yes, that Victor Oladipo. The two-time All-Star who once terrorized defenses with his explosive first step and highlight-reel steals. The same Oladipo who, sadly, has spent more time on injury reports than on SportsCenter’s Top 10 in recent years. But don’t write him off just yet.
At 33, Oladipo has been grinding away at Summer League workouts, looking to prove he’s still got something left in the tank. Originally drafted by the Orlando Magic back in 2013, he peaked as an All-Star with the Indiana Pacers before injuries torpedoed his trajectory. His last meaningful NBA action was with the Miami Heat in 2022-23, where he put up 10.7 points and 3.5 assists per game, not exactly eye-popping numbers, but he showed flashes of his old self.
According to King James Gospel, the Cavaliers were front and center at Oladipo’s workout and left “impressed” with what they saw. If he really is regaining some of that old burst, Oladipo could be the ultimate low-risk, high-reward signing. As Fedor put it, “Oladipo is a zero-risk signing for the Cavaliers.” Translation? They have nothing to lose.
Where Would Oladipo Fit in at in Cleveland
The Cavs’ core is set. Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell are the headliners, and after a 64-win season that ended in a second-round flop, the only thing Cleveland fans care about now is keeping those two fresh for the playoffs. With more strategic rest days likely on deck, having Oladipo available to soak up backcourt minutes could be a sneaky move that pays big dividends.
Let’s not forget, Oladipo averaged 16.9 points, 3.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds across his career, while hitting 34.7 percent from deep. He even snagged the NBA Steals Champion title in 2017-18. Sure, he’s not that same defensive menace anymore, but he’s still posted at least one steal per game in two of his last four seasons. That kind of instinct doesn’t just vanish.
And here’s the kicker: if Oladipo does come back strong, he can not only help on the court but also serve as a mentor to Proctor and other young guards. That’s like getting bonus fries in your bag when you only ordered a burger.
Cleveland’s front office has shown it’s serious about going all-in. The last thing they need is an empty seat collecting dust when they could have a battle-tested veteran ready to jump in at a moment’s notice. With veterans looking to join contenders as free agency money dries up, the Cavs are a prime destination. A chance to compete for a title? Check. A supportive environment? Check. A city ready to go wild for a comeback story? Big check.
Can Victor Oladipo Really Make This Comeback?
Oladipo might not have been on anyone’s free agency bingo card at the start of summer, but that’s exactly why this could work out so beautifully. In the end, he offers the Cavs everything they need in that final roster spot: veteran savvy, a scoring punch, defensive instincts, and zero expectations to be a savior.
So while NFL fans are busy debating Steelers training camp battles (good luck with that), Cavs fans should keep one eye on Victor Oladipo. Because if Cleveland pulls the trigger, they might just accidentally stumble into the perfect backup guard for their championship chase. And hey, sometimes the best surprises come when you least expect them.
