The Golden State Warriors are entering the offseason with ambition, looking to bolster their backcourt and find the perfect complement to Stephen Curry’s brilliance. With a strong finish to the regular season from rising star Brandin Podziemski, the Warriors are not resting on their laurels. The rumor mill is buzzing with their interest in high-profile guards, from 3x All-Star Bradley Beal to 9x All-Star Damian Lillard, alongside sharpshooter Seth Curry and a potential reunion with former Warrior De’Anthony Melton. Yet, amidst these marquee names, a wildcard has emerged—a former 2x All-Star and one-time teammate of Jimmy Butler, Victor Oladipo, who is fighting for an NBA comeback and boldly declared himself a “Warrior” in a recent social media post. The question is: Will Golden State take a chance on his redemption story?
At 33, Oladipo’s journey has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just 138 games since the 2017-18 season. His last NBA appearance was in April 2023 with the Miami Heat, where he showed flashes of his former self, averaging 10.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game across 42 games. One standout performance saw him erupt for 30 points, four rebounds, and two steals against the Washington Wizards, a reminder of the electrifying talent he once was. However, his injury history—most notably a series of setbacks since his All-Star days with the Indiana Pacers—has cast doubt on his ability to return to form.
Rewind to 2017-18, and Oladipo was a force to be reckoned with. That season, he averaged an impressive 23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and a league-leading 2.4 steals per game, shooting 47.7% from the field and 37.1% from beyond the arc. His accolades were staggering: NBA Most Improved Player, All-NBA Third Team, All-Defensive First Team, and votes for both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. Oladipo wasn’t just a star; he was a two-way dynamo who could dominate on both ends of the floor. That version of Oladipo feels like a distant memory, but a recent workout in Las Vegas reportedly turned heads, with multiple teams witnessing glimpses of the player who once lit up the league.
I feel so great right now!! Better than I felt in the last 7 years mind, body and soul. I know I am a fighter! I know I am a warrior! I have seen every lens this game and this league has to offer. I know I can help any team in any role win in any way! I also know the people want…
— Victor Oladipo (@VicOladipo) July 14, 2025
Golden State’s pursuit of backcourt talent suggests they’re prioritizing proven commodities like Beal, Lillard, Curry, or Melton. But if those options fall through, Oladipo could be a low-risk, high-reward gamble. His defensive tenacity, playmaking, and ability to knock down threes align with the Warriors’ fast-paced, versatile system. Moreover, his self-proclaimed “Warrior” mentality—boldly shared with the world on social media—hints at a hunger to prove himself. For a franchise known for taking chances on veterans with something to prove (think Andre Iguodala or Shaun Livingston), Oladipo’s story could resonate.
The Warriors face a dilemma. Do they invest in a player whose prime seems like a lifetime ago, or do they see the potential for Oladipo to revive his career in their system? His injury history is a red flag, but his upside—a former All-Star with elite defensive instincts and scoring ability—could make him a steal if he stays healthy. Golden State has a knack for turning reclamation projects into key contributors, and Oladipo’s Las Vegas workout suggests he’s not ready to call it quits.
As the Warriors weigh their options, Oladipo’s “Warrior” moniker might just be prophetic. If they take a chance on him, they could unlock a spark plug capable of surprising the league once more. The question remains: Is Golden State bold enough to believe in Victor Oladipo one more time?