At one time it did not seem possible, but all signs are pointing towards Greg Oden signing with a team before the start of the 2013-14 season. The one-time No.1 overall draft pick has not played a minute of NBA basketball since Dec. 2009. However, after announcing he is fully healthy, the center is gaining interest from several teams looking for a big man.
HOOPSWORLD reports the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs are the frontrunners to land Oden in free agency. Oden will fly out to Las Vegas this week to meet with officials from both teams. He has also scheduled meeting with the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings. After other centers like Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum were taken off the market last week, Oden remains one of the better options for teams in need of a true big man.
The Heat have been keeping their eyes on Oden for some time now. Prior to the trade deadline last season, Miami was taking a serious look at the free agent. Oden was not prepared to step on a court last season, so any team showing interest decided to hold off and see how his health progresses. The Heat can offer Oden the best contract of any team. Miami still has the taxpayer mid-level exception to work with. The Spurs who are also the other main team at play can only offer Oden a minimum contract.
Oden, 25, had been recovering from his third microfracture knee surgery in February 2012. Knees have become an issue for Oden. Once touted as the future of the NBA, his career lasted just 82 games after being drafted in 2007. Playing for the Portland Trailblazers, Oden averaged 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
The Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorites for Oden during last season. The center had been working out near team facilities and had been spotted around the area. Oden's rise to basketball fame took place at the University of Ohio and many thought that a return to the state could be good for his career. However, Cleveland opted to sign Bynum instead.
Reports of Oden's rehab have been extremely positive, but any team looking to sign him is well-aware of the risk being taken. Three knee surgeries does not exactly spell out a long career in the making. The Mavericks will meet with Oden sometime on Monday. Heat president Pat Riley has already had extended conversations with Oden and his possible future in South Beach.
