Victor Oladipo Opens Up About Battling LeBron, Learning From Russell Westbrook, Injuries and More 

Tommy and JJ have been on a tear since their return. Nothing better to start my day off 🫡

This podcast has done wonders to humanize professional basketball players, and in turn athletes in general. It makes me more of a fan of the players I'm already a fan of.. great episode!

amazing content, for the one time. Lets give Tommy his flowers. JJ is incredible and has an incredible experience in the highest level of basketball in the planet, but to have someone whos able to take the backseat on topics and also drive home really hard hitting questions (even light ones "how long you done karaoke") Tommy is a legendary fit. The way he assists this podcast by allowing easy carefree informative energy in the room, feels like alot to do with him. Love the pod appreciate you both keeping this amazing show going!

TIMESTAMPS ⏭️ 04:05 Go-to Karaoke song and singing talent 🎵 06:30 Summer Basketball Runs in LA 🏃🏾‍♂️🏀 10:30 Looking back at previous years and preparation coming into this summer ☀️ 14:15 Learning to understand the body as a result of significant injuries 🤕 16:20 Cause of first tendon tear 😫 20:12 Second injury 🤕 22:38 Any regrets on that part of your life/career. 24:00 How difficult was the physical and mental toll of recovering through serious injuries. 31:20 Viral quote about being one of the best players in the world 🌎 and journey into basketball 🏀 40:50 Being overlooked in early years - factors that contribute. 44:30 Gaining college coach's trust 🤝🏽 46:23 Fueling motivation through doubts by teams offering vet minimums 🤨 50:40 Experience at OKC & Russell Westbrook 😏 52:05 Impression made on JJ during first game against VO 🤯 55:59 Lessons learned from LeBron during playoff series 🧠 1:00:40 Miami Heat Culture 🔥

So happy Vic is better now

The detail Vic went into talking about his injury was special. From the mental challenges to the physical challenges. Having to subconsciously adjust his game to “make it work.” Even something as simple as not wanting to drive for more than 30 minutes because of how grueling rehabbing and injury is. This is definitely TOP 5 interviews JJ and Tommy

one of my favorite episodes of all time, Vic has always been so eloquent and articulate but the way he described his injury and how he dealt with it is top 2 not 2. hope he goes off this year and gets a huge pay day to stay with the Heat. shoutout Vic 💪🏽

I love this dude. He’s so genuine. I’m. Glad he stayed with the Heat

Victor Oladipo is such an old soul and a high class dude, very talented musician and a dangerous basketball player on both ends, let's wish for him to stay healthy through out the season.

So happy for Vic and pray he has the best season of his career! OLA-DI-PO!!!!!!!! Lets GO HEAT!!! 🔥🔥🔥🏆🏆🏆

Bro, this Episode it me hard.. I’ve broke my ACL twice, and hearing Olapido’s story is like, bro thats me! All the bad days, the “Dark Place”, the responsability to get better and better everyday. That was the worst 2 and a half years of my life, but that made who I am. And Thank God I’m doing what a love again. ❤️

As a Pacers fan, I really wish nothing but the best for Victor Oladipo and hope he will have an amazing full year comeback.

Blessings to Victor & I'm happy he's still in the NBA with everything he's gone through with injuries. Great interview JJ

I will always root for players like Oladipo and John Wall. Great talents that went through some rough injuries and bad moments, mentally and physically. I hope both of them will have a bounce back type of season this year.

Can relate to Vic more than you can imagine. Tore my patellar my junior year of D1 basketball, right before he tore his quad tendon. Very similar, gruesome injury to the quad tendon rupture he had. Everyone wants to categorize it like an ACL tear but it it much harder to be effective on the court after recovery. When he tells his story I can imagine my 20 year old self going through the same battles and emotions. Great pod. Forever a fan of Vic.

51:06 major pause. Bro just kept going too😂

That specific injury question from Tommy was a really good one. That made me think back to a big injury that I had that I was actually grateful for. I feel it may be stronger afterwards with the recovery. Mine was my second time I dislocated my right knee.

This is one of the most powerful pod I have listened to in a while. Thanks JJ. and Thank you Vic for sharing!

Always been a fan of Vic and glad to see him back. His approach to what he has gone through and his mindset moving forward is incredible. Great podcast!

I would love for you guys to have Derrick Rose on - from being a once in a generation talent and the youngest MVP ever, to going through what he did and how he got to where he is now.

JJ, you’re the reason I wore #4 from elementary to college, used to wear your Duke jersey to school in 3rd grade till I outgrew it. It’s so dope seeing your podcast , it sounds creepy but people like me have followed your whole journey since you were 18. You’re an idol to many. Keep doin good with the responsibility you carry

January 29, 2020 gotta be my favorite Oladipo moment. Came back from an injury and calmly hit a deep 3 to send the game to OT vs the Bulls. Still get chills hearing the commentator yell “ohh he’s back! He’s back ladies and gentleman”

U gotta commend Vic for coming back after all he’s been through. A true warrior

One of the only shows where the Cohost actually brings value and asks good questions

Tommy asked very little but asked exactly the right questions at the right time!!! JJ u have a hell of a partner I hope u appreciate him as much as we do.

Man hearing this from Vic is honestly so real, man proved it can be done, Miami all the way this season 🌴 🔥

I got alot of time for Oladipo man. Guy is a ...well a Victor. Looking forward to his 'comeback tour' this season.

I love Victor. I love hearing him sing, hearing him Talk, and watching him play. Can't wait to listen to this interview

Tough to watch him talk about the injuries and all that, especially after the patellar tendon tear… hope he can bounce back once again! Heat culture🔥🏀

I love Vic. He really seems like one of the good guys of the NBA. I'll always be rooting for him.

This is one of the best podcast episode ever

Already one of my favorite episodes. Bless you two, Dipo and the comment section! Reflect Dipo's energy which he shared to your core of people.

I love this podcast so much

When he said Stan, my love for this podcast and jj reddick in particular grew

Keep up the great content! 🙏🏽

I commented on the clip but I want to say this again, as an athletic trainer I love this convo and Vic opening up about his physical and mental journey of an injury. People do not understand the mental toll it can take on someone when their body is their livelihood. Should really put in perspective guys like KD and Klay, just as popular examples, who have had brutal injuries to literally coming back the same player. Respect the guys who are always on the floor ✊🏼 awesome interview JJ

Unreal Episode, the story about him in high school up to the league is some of the most inspiring stuff ever

as a casual basketball fan, this pod is awesome! I've watched a few now and they have some incredible insights! SHAHT AHT JJ for going on the Pat Mcafee Show otherwise I wouldn't have heard of this pod!

Pacers fan here. I wish you nothing but the best Victor. Can't imagine how difficult it must've been to find out the first surgery wasn't done correctly.

I would love to see you interview D🌹

Victor is a incredible person.

What an amazing human being, great episode, one of my favorites

Dope to see Oladipo back and healthy! Very talented when healthy. 💪🏽

Good content with another one of my favs Vic! Him and PG two of my favorite especially bouncing back from they injuries !! #Respect

I’ve heard Vic on every single podcast and it’s always good!

one time for Oladipo for real, i hope he can stay healthy and make all star again

Love listening to a podcast episode every Thursday morning prior to the gym. Thank you for this JJ🤞🏼

Best NBA podcast in the world

Wow. I had no idea of what kind of person Oladipo is, such a great interview and incredible person.

I didn’t know too much about victor but he just gained a new fan!

Victor is such a smart player, really enjoyed watching this one. Tommy with the good questions as well.

Listening to Victor Oladipo, now that's money.

Can I just say how much I liked that cash app ad. Something about it makes me happy.

Thank you for bringing a table of contents. Hopefully all that is in order so it’s easier to scroll through the show

Rooting for Vic. What a badass.

Vic is very courageous to let us listen to his journey without all the smoke and lights other players have sometimes trying to be cool 24/7

Hoo Hoo Hooooooosiers!! Love vic, keep playing hard my man

I remember being 11 years old seeing Vic play at his high school in DC after being drafted by the Magic. Got on the floor and shot around with him and watched him play KD. Automatically knew he was a good guy with drive. Hope he gets back to the point of himself that satisfies him.

Oladipo 🔥🔥

really liked this one... Oladipo's a real one

Excited for Vic to play after a healthy offseason. Lets go Heat!

VO man top 3 fav players rn, he the Xfactor and will make his full comeback this szn🐐

New favorite episode ever.

Very good interview victor is such a humble guy

Definitely one of the podcast I needed to here

Love watching these. So much overall life wisdom... and coming from my favorite sport.

This interview has really made me like oladipo. Great podcast, great platform

A Miami Heat player on the podcast? So unusual! ;) Always been a fan of Oladipo. I hope he regains his all Star form this year

Super good episode and I didn't expect it at all.

This podcast is making me love basketball again

Such a good timing for this to drop!❤

Felt this. Wouldn't be surprised for another MIP

Best episode to date! Amazing human being that continues to work towards his goal despite the overwhelming challenges, a true inspiration to all who have faced or are facing life adversities and setbacks!

41:20 I haven't listened to Vic's answer, but I have one of my own from teaching different college students (I taught math at a community college for 15 years). Every person has to decide for themselves that they want it, and a lot of guys who reach the top of whatever league they're playing in feel like they've arrived and they don't necessarily slack off, per se, but they're less motivated to keep evolving, keep adapting, keep learning. They might still be trying very hard, but they haven't had the experience of trying hard and _not_ being the best - when they try hard, they win MVP of whatever league they're in, they become top 20 recruits, people laud them and their talent. It can be very hard to get away from that since it's worked so well for so long, so even if they really do have the drive to be the best, success can breed complacency, sure, but it can also breed conservatism (not in the political sense, but in the sense of resistance to change). I used to ask my very best students how I could get my other students to be more like them. What were their best habits? To what did they attribute their own success? Were there things they would do differently if they could go back? The answers I got were all over the map, but the best one was "Give them a couple years out of high school. Let them figure out that they really want to be here." Maybe it's just because that was what I already thought, but it seemed like the best answer I ever got. If they want it and they want to change and they want to earn it, they're going to be successful. If not, not.

DIPO ball out for us heatlifers brother, all the power and life in you💪💪

You all would have said no at first. I'm so glad this is a yes.

That ladies and gentlemen is how you break the ice on an interview. That karaoke thing really relax victor and prepped him for the rest of the interview. Amazing job!

Love the episodes boys, hope to see you on ESPN with the season starting soon Jj

"Lebron knew how what was needed from him and when" This is the most important factor that can never be brought up in a box score or stats

Watching jj reddicks podcast on the clock, that’s money 🙏

Time stamps, okay fine. But I appreciate the free flow of conversation. Good stuff guys! And Victor, kudos and good luck to you this year

Keep coming keep coming keep coming keep coming

Much respect 💪🏿

what a good dude. Hope he dominates this year

Not a drill we are back to the heat culture podcast and I’m lovin it

the image of JJ doing Stan in my head has my DEAD 😭

The goaltend on dipo was a good no call anyway bc the cavs were supposed to have the ball from the previous possession…. Refs called out of bounds on cavs it was actually out on pacers‼️

They beat my cousin back to back years in the championship😢. I remember Vic being Uber athletic. Grant being very versatile. We couldn’t stand Quinn cook though😅

I feel like, JJ should ask all the nba players if they played with or against a player that they thought that they were going to make the nba but ended up not making it. Would make an interesting convo.

Damn what an amazing interview

Victor was/is a bucket I hope he gets back to form and able to lead a team

Best thumbnail of all time

Let’s go Heat! 🏆 🏆 🏆

His interview/q and a part was meh...but damn if this dude ain't one of the best story tellers in the league. He is right to do a book. I could listen to his stories for hours.

This the only Pod about the NBA that tries to shine light on Westbrook while everyone else drags bruh name through the dirt. Got to love it.

love it!!

“Unfortunately…maybe even fortunately” Wow 17:43

Love the podcast! If y’all can get Derrick Rose on here it would be amazing.

Great interview

I’m so happy JJ’s go to karaoke song is STAN 😄