In the world of professional basketball, some athletes are hailed as prodigies before they even set foot on an NBA court. Greg Oden was one such talent, with basketball aficionados and scouts alike touting him as a once-in-a-generation player. Standing at 7 feet tall, Oden possessed incredible physical gifts, but his career was marred by injuries that prevented him from reaching his full potential. In this article, we will explore just how good Greg Oden was, the challenges he faced, and the legacy he left behind.
High School and College Career
Greg Oden’s basketball journey began in Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis, where he quickly gained attention for his dominant performances on the court.
- Led his high school team to three consecutive state championships.
- Named the National High School Player of the Year in 2006.
Oden’s reputation as a basketball prodigy grew as he showcased his shot-blocking prowess, rebounding ability, and agility for a player of his size.
After high school, Greg Oden made the highly anticipated jump to college basketball, committing to Ohio State University. In his lone season with the Buckeyes, Oden lived up to the immense expectations surrounding him.
College Stats (2006-2007 Season)
| Statistic | Average |
|---|---|
| Points per Game | 15.7 |
| Rebounds per Game | 9.6 |
| Blocks per Game | 3.3 |
As you can see from Oden’s college stats above, his performance was top-notch and got him a lot of attention from the big leagues. He even earned as few accolades in the process:
- Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year
- Big Ten Rookie of the Year
- NABC Defensive Player of the Year
- NABC Pete Newell Big Man of the Year
Oden’s defensive presence was particularly striking, as he seemed to effortlessly swat away shots and alter opponents’ attempts at the rim.
NBA Draft and Early Setbacks
In the 2007 NBA Draft, Greg Oden was selected as the first overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers. The expectations were sky-high, as Oden was seen as the franchise-changing center the Blazers had been searching for.
Greg Oden’s career in the NBA didn’t start off too hot; he had to get surgery for his knee in September of 2007 and ended up missing the entire season. He did have blog, where he posted about his rehab and was able to keep fans up-to-date with the progress he was making.
By the time the 2008 – 09 season rolled around (what is considered his true rookie season), Greg’s rehab was complete and he was able to play his first NBA game. Unfortunately, he ended up suffering a handful of injuries during this time and had to miss a few weeks of playing. Below is a table showing the average stats for Greg during his rookie season; the numbers are promising, especially when you consider that his average playing time was only 22 minutes.
| Statistic | Average |
|---|---|
| Points per Game | 8.9 |
| Rebounds per Game | 7.0 |
| Blocks per Game | 1.1 |
Although Greg had huge upside value, his subsequent years were plagued by injuries that did not let him live up to his potential.
Injury Woes
Below, we’ve created a timeline of Oden’s NBA absences due to injuries and surgeries, as well as the time that he had to miss because of each one.
- September 2007 – Microfracture Surgery On Right Knee – Out For Season
- October 2008 – Right Foot Injury – Out For Two Weeks
- February 2009 – Chipped Left Knee Cap – Out For Three Weeks
- December 2009 – Fractured Left Patella – Out For Remainder Of Season
- November 2010 – Microfracture Surgery On Left Knee – Out For Season
- February 2012 – Arthroscopic Surgery On Both Knees; Microfracture Surgery On Left Knee – Out For Season
In March of 2012, only a few weeks after Oden’s surgery on his knees, the Blazers announced that they would be waiving him to create space on their roster. Instead of immediately signing with another team, Greg Oden said that he would be sit out for the rest of the season so he can rehab properly. In mid-2013, he ended up signing a contract with the Miami Heat for the upcoming season, where he averaged 9 minutes per game and about 3 points.
Conclusion
Oden’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of an athlete’s career and the unpredictable nature of injuries. Furthermore, Greg Oden’s struggles with injuries prompted the NBA to take a closer look at player health and injury prevention. His experiences highlighted the importance of investing in medical research and player care to ensure the long-term well-being of athletes.
Greg Oden was undoubtedly a talented basketball player, and his potential was immense. However, his career was battered by injuries that prevented him from achieving the greatness many had predicted for him. Despite the adversity he faced, Oden’s resilience and determination to continue pursuing his passion for basketball are qualities that should be celebrated. His legacy serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. While he may not have reached the heights that were once expected of him, Greg Oden’s impact on the basketball world is undeniable, and his story is one that will be remembered for years to come.