Victor Oladipo isn’t done yet. The former two-time NBA All-Star has made it clear: he believes he still belongs on basketball’s biggest stage. At 33, Oladipo is defying expectations and challenging the narrative that age and injury have sidelined his career.
“I don’t believe in age, bro,” he recently told Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.“I know the world might tell me I’m 33, but I don’t feel 33… If we was in a practice gym or in the back of a dump truck, it don’t matter. As long as there’s a rectangle and people there competing, I’m going to play at the highest level I can.”
That fire has been on full display this October, as Oladipo suits up for the Guangzhou Loong-Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association during their U.S. preseason tour. Facing NBA competition for the first time in over two years, Oladipo has turned heads with his performances against teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers. He dropped 20 points, five steals, and five rebounds against the Spurs, then followed up with a 24-point outing against the Clippers, showcasing the explosiveness and defensive tenacity that once made him one of the league’s most feared two-way guards.
Oladipo’s journey back to relevance has been anything but smooth. After a string of injuries derailed his prime years, he bounced between teams including the Pacers, Rockets, and Heat, never quite regaining his All-Star form. But now, with his body healed and his mindset sharper than ever, he’s using this preseason stint with the Loong-Lions as a springboard for a full NBA comeback.
“The NBA is where I’m supposed to be at,” Oladipo said. “And if the opportunity presents itself, I’m going to be ready. I’ve been ready, if I’m being honest.”
His performances have reportedly caught the attention of several NBA teams, and with rosters still in flux ahead of the regular season, a return could be imminent. For Oladipo, this isn’t just about proving doubters wrong, it’s about reclaiming his place among the elite and inspiring others with his resilience.
