The 2022-23 NBA season is just around the corner, so it's time to get your head in the game. Obviously, a new season means new players. From Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic to Jabari Smith Jr. of the Houston Rockets, the rookie competition could lead to the rise of a once-in-a-generation talent. What happened to Greg Oden? Here's what we know about the guy who used to play in the NBA.
What Happened to Greg Oden?
Greg was considered the next big thing prior to his professional basketball career. He was supposed to replace a generation of celebrities, but due to a series of catastrophic injuries, he had to abandon his ambition just nine years later. Greg has gotten several great jobs after he formally retired from basketball.
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In April 2016, he was hired as the student manager for the men's basketball team at Ohio State University, his alma mater, while completing his degree. Greg earned a bachelor's degree in the sports industry in 2019 and began working as an athlete adviser for Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment that same year. He is currently the director of basketball operations at Butler University.
Greg Called Himself “the Biggest Bust in Nba History” as a result of His Injuries
Greg trounced his high school competition; college coaches and recruiters traveled across the country to see him play. The 7-footer eventually signed with Ohio State University and played for one season. Nonetheless, Greg helped the team win the Big Ten tournament in 2007 and advance to the NCAA tournament final game.
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Following his brief college career, Greg declared for the 2007 NBA Draft, where he was taken as the No. 1 overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers and was projected to be the franchise player. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned.
He had season-ending microfracture surgery on his knee in September 2007, which caused him to miss the whole 2007-08 NBA season. Greg returned the following year, however, he missed much of the season due to knee and foot injuries.
Greg injured his left knee on December 5, 2009, and required season-ending surgery for a broken patella, also known as the kneecap. In November 2010, he underwent second microfracture surgery on his left knee, effectively ending his 2010-11 NBA season.
The Trail Blazers waived him to make room on the roster after he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in February 2012. He quickly signed a one-year contract with the Miami Heat and exited the league after the 2014 NBA Finals.
The 34-year-old New York native spoke on Outside the Lines in November 2016 and referred to himself as “the biggest bust in NBA history.” Greg stated that this is how most fans would remember him, and he “can't do anything [sic] about it.”
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Fortunately, many people supported Greg, including Kevin Durant, who called the bust comments “crazy.”That is absurd. To be a flop, you must actually play and demonstrate to others that you have grown as a player “On November 13, 2016, the 12-time NBA All-Star told EPSN. “He didn't get the chance. He was hurt, which was unfortunate. But when he did play, he was a force to be reckoned with. Keeping the paint safe.”
