Oden reportedly trying to return
by Adi Joseph, USA TODAY Sports
Greg Oden has played 82 NBA games since being drafted first overall in 2007, none since December 2009.
But three microfracture surgeries later, the big man is preparing for a return, ESPN reported, citing “sources close to the situation.” The ESPN report says multiple teams have shown interest in signing Oden this season to a multiyear deal that would allow him to rehabilitate until next fall.
Oden currently is rehabbing and taking classes at Ohio State, where he starred for one year en route to the national championship game before being picked by the Portland Trail Blazers. His selection was widely agreed upon but has since become a running joke because of the success of Kevin Durant, the Oklahoma City Thunder forward picked second in 2007.
To run down Oden’s maladies: a multitude of knee problems including those three microfracture surgeries, a wrist injury in college, a tonsillectomy and a variety of smaller injuries. That’s how you play 82 games while under contract for five seasons.
Here’s the thing, though: Oden has been really good when he’s played. He averaged 11.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 23.9 minutes a game for the Blazers in fall 2009, before his injury. He’s not a smooth, high-scoring superstar like Durant, but at his healthiest, he was an elite defensive center with good post moves and a soft touch.
Any team to take a shot on him will have to limit expectations. Oden may never return to an NBA court, and any greater hopes risk putting yourself in the same position the Philadelphia 76ers have landed in while waiting for Andrew Bynum. But we will spin through five teams that could most benefit from adding Oden:
Miami Heat: Of course they’re the frontrunner, as ESPN reports. Heat President Pat Riley always loves a gamble, particularly with a low cost. But Oden would fit everything they do. The Heat struggle to control the paint, particularly on defense. And Oden does not demand many touches to be effective on offense.
New York Knicks: The Knicks don’t need any help in the starting frontcourt, but the bench is old — historically … [For more on Greg Oden reportedly trying to return; which teams fit?, click here.]
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