Oladipo pens heartfelt open letter to NBA GMs amid comeback attempt

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Sometimes, you just have to let it all out and pour everything into a single piece.

On Sept. 1, 2026, former two-time NBA All-Star Victor Oladipo stirred emotions across the basketball world after writing a lengthy, heartfelt letter addressed to the league’s general managers.

In an attempt to return to the NBA, Oladipo directly appealed to league executives, saying he is back in optimal condition and will do everything to earn a spot on one of the teams’ rosters.

“And for the last three years, that’s what I’ve been doing. It’s taken a lot of work,” Oladipo wrote.

“In my rehab, in the gym, and yeah, I’ll keep it a million with you: in therapy as well. I think NBA players, we’re taught to put so much love into this game. And of course that’s a beautiful thing. But it can also make it hard to cope, or to find peace.”

Oladipo’s health remains one of the biggest factors in his comeback attempt after a series of major injuries derailed his NBA career.

Oladipo suffered his first major injury in 2019 when he ruptured his right quadriceps tendon, an injury that kept him sidelined for a full year while playing for the Indiana Pacers.

Just when the explosive shooting guard thought his NBA return was on track, another injury to his right quadriceps tendon became his biggest nightmare and required a second surgery in 2021.

The final strike came in April 2023, when Oladipo sustained a devastating torn patellar tendon in his left knee, and he has not played in an NBA game since.

Aside from his health, Oladipo also stated that the biggest reason he wants to make an NBA return is his main source of inspiration, Naomi, his young daughter.

“Now I want you to tell about the second dream,” Oladipo continued.

“This dream, and I had it about my daughter. Her name is Naomi, but I call her Nomi. She’s four and a half. And this dream isn’t about what she’s supposed to do, or what she’s destined to accomplish. It’s about what type of person I want her to feel like she can be in the world.”

Oladipo wrote that he wants Naomi to grow up seeing a resilient version of himself — someone who is open about showing weakness but refuses to fold under pressure.

“The version of her dad that’s finally found the perspective, and the humility, to write a letter like this one. To say to any GM who’s willing to listen: I believe my body is finally right,” Oladipo added.

After holding a workout for NBA personnel in Las Vegas in July, Oladipo drew reported interest from the Sacramento Kings, while the Miami Heat have also reportedly monitored his comeback attempt.

“I believe I can be a valuable contributor to an NBA locker room,” Oladipo closed.

“I believe I still have GREAT basketball in front of me. And what I’m asking for right now is an opportunity to prove it.”