Former number one pick Greg Oden wants to play for the Miami Heat – NBA Update
Greg Oden seems to be a forgotten name in the NBA, with many believing that his career is almost over. The big however thinks otherwise and has recently expressed his desire to join Miami Heat.
Oden has a long way back if he wants to return to the NBA. He recurring knee problem has people doubting his level of fitness and would not want to take a risk with him. He would definitely not be in the first rotation of any team,
and has to prove his health and fitness before he can be considered for a prime spot.
The 7 foot star was the number 1 pick of the 2007 NBA Draft with high expectations to perform in the league. However, Oden has been battling a knee injury for five years now. He has not played since the 2010-2011 NBA season and
is currently recovering from his 5th knee surgery in five years.
The seven foot centre, who was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers, has only played 82 games in his career, averaging 9.4 points 7.3 rebound and 1.4 blocks. He was finally released by the franchise in March.
Oden has plans of taking the coming season off to recover from his latest knee injury, and then work on his fitness and making his knee stronger. He is eyeing a possible return in the 2013-2014 regular season.
However, his agent has something different to say about his future plans. Mike Conley Sr recently said that Oden will be back in full fitness in December or January, ready to play. He also said that Oden has expressed his desire
to play in the Miami Heat team. Conley said that there has been no interaction with the Heat on this issue but Greg has expressed his desire to him and has no plans of retiring in the near future.
Only time will be able to tell if Oden truly recovers from his injury and by what time will he be able to play basketball on a competitive basis night in and night out. But if his agent is to be believed, and Oden does recover,
then the thought of him going to Miami is not a bad idea after all.
Oden is a strong center with a good rebounding ability. He would adjust well in the Miami team, who do not usually score points through their center. His job in the Heat lineup would be to defend the rim and grab rebounds, while
going for the dunk or put in every now and then. His career average of 9.4 points per game is not that bad, and could give the Heat another scoring option away from their two main superstars in James and Wade, giving them the depth everyone has been talking
about.
But Miami are already knee deep in terms of salary caps and budget. They have spent a great deal of money to get LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in South Florida and it remains to be seen if they have the space and the
money to go for another player.
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