The Miami Heat understand that in order for newly signed center Greg Oden to be productive on the court, he first must be 100 percent healthy. Oden's career started and stopped with injuries. After being drafted as the No. 1 overall pick, he has only played in 82 games total and has undergone three separate knee surgeries. Now on the mend once again, Miami is making his health the top priority.
The end goal is Oden is to have him on the court when the season begins. The Heat need his size more than anything as they prepare to face bigs like Roy Hibbert and Joakim Noah once again. However, baby steps are necessary for that to happen and they start in the training room. In a statement released by Heat president Pat Riley, the team is first focused on Oden's health and then will focus on his basketball skills.
"After many months of discussion, evaluations and speaking with Greg, we felt it was a perfect time for him to make his comeback and re-enter the NBA with the Miami Heat," Riley said in a released statement. "It's a great challenge for him. We know all about his past injuries, but we feel that there is a huge upside and the possibility of him helping us, that's why we took the risk. We will continue his program and then we will tackle basketball issues after that."
Reports from those that have watched Oden workout have all said he looks very healthy and is playing like he did before he got drafted by Portland. He impressed enough to have multiple teams interested in him during free agency. There were about six suitors involved in trying to sign Oden, but the Heat ultimately won out with a mix of their rehab plan and the opportunity to win a championship.
Optimism is high for Oden. Everyone is well-aware of that talent he has, but this is the guy that has undergone three microfracture surgeries. Oden has not seen a basketball court since 2009. New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis recorded more minutes in his rookie season that Oden has in his entire career to this date. Miami knows they do not need Oden on the court immediately. As the season goes on, Oden's size will be a necessity and when the playoffs start, he will likely play a large role.
