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"At 33, somebody gotta love you" - Jeff Teague on the only way a former star can return to the NBA
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- "At 33, somebody gotta love you" - Jeff Teague on the only way a former star can return to the NBA
In the NBA, the pace at which fans and the media elevate a player's reputation is often matched by how quickly they forget him once his performance dips. This harsh reality has ended the careers of many players prematurely and Victor Oladipo is the latest player of this unforgiving cycle.
Once hailed as one of the most explosive guards in the NBA, he now finds himself playing in the Chinese Basketball League for the Guangzhou Loong Lions. Despite his flashes of brilliance against Victor Wembanyama and his San Antonio Spurs , Jeff Teague recognizes the harsh truth that "Dipo" will never make his way back to the NBA.
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Teague is certain Oladipo will not return to the NBA
When the Spurs faced the Loong Lions in their preseason friendly, Oladipo emerged as one of the standout players for the Chinese team. In just 29 minutes, he registered 20 points on 42.1 percent shooting from the field, along with five steals and five rebounds; in a contest that saw the Lions register merely 88 points and concede 119.
Clearly, he played with confidence, showcasing that he still has the aggression to battle it out against the NBA-esque competition. And it wasn't against the team that's going to find few wins in the upcoming year, the Spurs are expected to really be competitive in the Western Conference.
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However, while Teague acknowledged Oladipo's effort, he also admitted that it is unlikely for the latter to return to the NBA at the age of 33, especially when teams want to bring in fresh talent on their roster. Moreover, considering how Oladipo has struggled with an injury history over the recent past, Teague reveals that NBA teams are hesitant to commit to such veterans.
"Not to hate, he played well, but like guys like who are still trying to make the league in their 30s… I'm sure he's 31, at least 32, it's probably like let's try to make it over real quick if I still love hooping. You still a quality player, you still got it," Teague said. "I ain't hating but at 33, somebody gotta love you (for you to return into the league)."
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It isn't easy for veterans in the NBA anymore
Teague's point could be better understood when drawing parallels to the current situation of Russell Westbrook , former All-Star and MVP who is facing similar challenges.
Despite still being capable of averaging double-digit points and leading a second unit effectively, he is now 36 and has struggled to find a place on an NBA roster, with the 2025-26 season just weeks away.
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Put simply, Westbrook's case mirrors a growing trend in the league, where veteran players, perhaps even those with proven credentials, often struggle to secure meaningful opportunities once their athletic peak fades. So safe to say, this broader shift highlights the ruthless nature of the NBA today - the window for success has become smaller and teams are quick to move on from players the moment they sense decline.
That is why former player turned analyst Teague, who can see things from a media perspective, is certain that veterans are not likely to get another chance at making their way back to the NBA, amid the increasing competition level.
Related: "I was just drawn towards that" - Victor Oladipo on why he wanted to be like Dwyane Wade
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
