Victor Oladipo’s NBA comeback pitch comes one year too late for 76ers

There’s a seasoned NBA guard looking to make a comeback, and the Philadelphia 76ers are no strangers to helping players achieve that kind of dream. Just a couple of years ago, the Sixers plucked Guerschon Yabusele from Spain to give him a chance to restate his case to the NBA years after leaving.

Victor Oladipo is a different case–considering he played in the NBA for over a decade–and has an impressive resume: Two-time All-Star, All-NBA, NBA All-Defensive, Most Improved Player of the Year. That guy wants back in, and the Sixers are a win-now team that could possibly use seasoned vets to add depth to the roster. Unfortunately, Oladipo’s message to the league probably comes one year too late.

Oladipo is saying all the right things

In an honest letter, Oladipo opened up about his career and the comeback journey he’s been on over the past few years. In his Player’s Tribune piece, Oladipo sent a clear message to NBA GMs: “I believe my body is finally right. I believe I still have GREAT (and more importantly, WINNING) basketball in front of me. I believe I can be a valuable contributor to an NBA locker room. And what I’m asking for right now is an opportunity to prove it.”

The timing isn’t right for Philadelphia

Last year, the Sixers could’ve used a guard, as the depth took a hit. Oladipo hasn’t played since his 42-game run with the Miami Heat in 2022-2023, but his latest campaign included averages of 10.7 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

It was truly difficult to watch the Sixers trade away Jared McCain and the aging Eric Gordon, rotating guards like Tyrese Martin, Hunter Sallis, and Dalen Terry beyond VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes. Not to mention, the seasoned vet Kyle Lowry took up a spot, while only giving the Sixers 14 games (8.4 MPG) of work throughout the year.

The NBA knew that Oladipo wanted back in as early as last summer, but the push is extremely hard this offseason. With an open letter and private workouts out in Las Vegas, Oladipo is hitting every angle to ensure he gets a comeback. Currently, the Sixers have reasons to look away.

Edgecombe will resume as a starter, while Anfernee Simons is an exciting new addition. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was another notable addition, added shortly after the acquisition of LeBron James. We found out last season that depth in the offseason can quickly take a hit when the games start up, but Oladipo’s true position doesn’t help his case here.

If the Sixers eventually go on the hunt for a guard, it will likely be behind Tyrese Maxey. They watched the two-time All-Star collect a league-high 38.0 minutes per game last year. They won’t want to run up his miles again. And if the rookie Labaron Philon Jr. isn’t ready, then looking for a backup ball-handler could be key come December. By then, Oladipo will either be elsewhere or not exactly what they need.