KEY POINTS

  • Oladipo tweaks knee in the Heat's most recent game
  • Herro could get a chance to be a starter anew if Oladipo's injury is serious
  • Oladipo's injury history throws shade on his long-term stay in South Beach

The Miami Heat appeared to score big when they landed Victor Oladipo in an NBA trade deadline move.

There is no question that the veteran guard gives Erik Spoelstra added experience, but this was on the premise he can stay healthy. Unfortunately, the South Beach squad suffered a big setback following reports that the 28-year-old suffered a knee injury.

Since joining the Heat, Oladipo has not exactly been in the groove. He had his best game in a Miami uniform against the Los Angeles Lakers but was unable to finish the game after seemingly tweaking his knee in the fourth quarter.

The two-time All-Star left the game in the fourth quarter, and the Heat have yet to issue an update on the status of Victor Oladipo.

Considering Oladipo has had a history of injuries, this is something that raises concerns. Should it be serious, this means that Spoelstra needs to turn to his young core once more to pick up the slack.

But if the video which can be viewed below is to be referenced, it may only be a minor tweak. Hence, there remains a chance that Oladipo may be out but only for a short time.

Oladipo has played three games so far with the Heat, averaging 10 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in 28.7 minutes of action.

These are numbers that pale compared to the 20 games he played in a Houston Rockets uniform. He normed 21.2 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in 33.5 minutes of action.

 Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers
Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers Getty Images | Kim Klement-Pool

If Oladipo’s injury is serious, one player on the Heat fold who could step up is Tyler Herro. The 21-year-old has been relegated to a bench role since February but was expecting to be a starter once more, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported.

Regardless, the 13 pick of the 2019 NBA Draft knows that his time will come and is willing to wait.

“Definitely thought I would be starting,” Herro said to Ira Winderman. “But I think as the season goes on, things change and I’m okay with coming off the bench right now and just continuing to do that."