Greg Oden is set to make the next step in his comeback sometime this coming week. The center has wrapped up meetings and work outs with multiple teams and is now simply mulling over contract offers. While money will play a large role in where he signs, so will location. As Oden appears to be favoring a rebuilding team, the New Orleans Pelicans have jumped in as the leading team.
Oden had six teams come and watch him work out. New Orleans, the Miami Heat, Sacramento, San Antonio, the Atlanta Hawks and Dallas. Everyone has shown a fair amount of interest in the center, leaving him with plenty of options to chose from. Several factors will likely play into Oden's decision, the biggest being guaranteed money. Oden has injury issues and needs to sign with a team that will pay him the most no matter what. However, location and media market might play into his choice as well.
NBA.com reports that Oden is looking to sign with a team currently rebuilding, lower on the pecking order. He is targeting a team where the expectations are lowered so he can make his comeback without a giant spotlight on him. He wants to move back into the league slowly with less pressure. This would leave just the New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento and the Hawks as options.
While the Miami Heat could offer him a strong contract and possibly get Oden a championship ring, the spotlight will be bright. Instead, if Oden stays healthy, he could possibly earn a starting spot on a rebuilding over one with an established roster. He could easily gain fans over time.
Oden's comeback is considered sensitive. Once considered to be the future of the NBA, Oden quickly fell to being a lost caused with a washed up professional career. His No. 1 overall draft potential was marred by multiple knee injuries and surgeries. Oden has not seen a basketball court since Dec. 2009, having only played 82 games in the league.
The Pelicans have the rebuilding roster. They have Monty Williams at head coach who worked with Oden in Portland. The center could possibly be a starter at one point during the season and they could offer him a favorable deal. After impressing at his workouts, Oden now has the ball in his court. Time will tell soon enough where he goes.