He was considered one of the biggest busts in NBA draft history. Greg Oden was selected first overall in the 2007 NBA draft. He was picked ahead of Kevin Durant, Joakim Noah, and Marc Gasol. The 7 foot center was going to bring back the dominant center role for the Portland Trailblazers. Unfortunately, Oden was never able to stay healthy and struggled with knee injuries. Thinking that he still had potential, the Miami Heat signed him in August. It was a low-risk, high-reward move by the defending champions who proved they do not need Oden to be healthy to be the best in the league.
Last night, the Miami Heat played the New Orleans Pelicans in a preseason matchup and Greg Oden got his first taste of NBA action in years. He has played in a game since 2009, but yesterday he looked like he had not missed a day of action. Within minutes, Oden used all of his height to deliver a dunk. Nobody was more excited than Oden himself to step onto an NBA court. “It’s been a long time,” Oden said. “It’s been a long road for me, just to get that off my back, my first step tonight. I’m happy I’m able to walk off this court and I’m able to play another day.” His teammates were also thrilled for him to be back out there. It is a small step for Oden, but at least this time it is in the right direction. He is only 25 years old and if he can stay healthy long term, he can rebound from his tough start in the NBA.
