Greg Oden has his chance to essentially hand pick the team he is going to play for. He could play for the two-time NBA champs or he could play with a re-named franchise in order to join some familiar faces. For a guy that has not played since 2009, he sure is garnering a lot of attention and probably leaving other free agents jealous as teams are flocking to the center. While the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks are considered the frontrunners to land Oden, the New Orleans Pelicans have a weapon that might win the center over.
ESPN's Marc Stein reports that there is a growing indication that Oden is more likely to sign with the Pelicans. The former No. 1 overall pick is scheduled to sit down with the team on Wednesday are will be looking at them with serious consideration with the main factor being Monty Williams. The newly hired head coach was an assistant with the Portland Trailblazers while Oden was on the team.
New Orleans is attempting to see Oden on the idea that he can make his comeback into the league with the Pelicans where the media spotlight does not shine as bright as say, Miami. There would be no pressure to bounce back right away from the three knee surgeries Oden has undergone. After playing just 82 games since being drafted in 2007, Oden will not be prepared to make a full jump back into being a starter.
New Orleans has a core of young players all close to Oden's age range. Having the center play alongside Anthony Davis would give the Pelicans a big presence on the inside. Oden will have to decide if he wants to be with a large-market team or make his comeback quietly down in New Orleans.
The Mavericks are another team trying to up their recruitment of Oden. After losing out on both Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum, the Mavericks are in need of a big man. They are currently pursuing Oden while in Las Vegas. Dallas thinks bring on Oden is completely worthwhile despite his injury history. Plus they can get the center at a much cheaper cost. With a starter and a backup already in place at center, Oden could easily take his time coming back.
With the Miami Heat in the picture, it seems unlikely that Oden will pick either team. He appears ready for the spotlight once again and South Beach is the place to get it.