For former lottery pick Greg Oden, living up to his potential as a top selection was just never fully realized. His story of what happened during his career is somewhat depressing, with his health issues largely being out of his control.
Coming out of college, Oden was projected by many to move on and become an elite center. He was slated to be selected as a top-3 pick, and at a towering 7’0″ and 280 pounds, was feared by many who had the unfortunate task of going against him.
Unfortunately for Oden, his body would give up on him early in his career. He would suffer a number of injuries after getting drafted, including a knee problem that resulted in him getting surgery and missing the entire 2007-’08 season — his rookie campaign.
He would later be waived by the Trail Blazers and sign a short deal with the Heat years later, but that stint was also underwhelming.
Now, at 28 years old, Oden’s luck appears to have run out for good. When asked if he’d ever play basketball again, Oden gave the answer his supporters have always feared.
“I wish. It’s over,” Oden told Dana Hunsinger Benbow of indystar.com.
…
“I wouldn’t say I regret anything,” said Oden. “I would say I just wish I did things better.”
For Greg Oden, his shortened NBA span will go down as one of the most underwhelming and disappointing individual careers in league history. The feared giant coming out of Ohio State is now a physically broken man, with his body simply no longer cooperating with him.
Nonetheless, Oden is now moving on. He’s enrolled as a sophomore back at Ohio State majoring in sports industry, and told IndyStar he still hasn’t exactly figured out what’s next:
“I’m still trying to figure out my life,” Oden said. “Since I’ve been in fourth grade, all I’ve known was basketball. I’m just trying to better myself and work on my degree and set something up for the future of my family.”
Greg Oden played 105 games as a pro, scoring a total of 840 points and grabbing 656 rebounds.
