As the Miami Heat prepare to open training camp in the Bahamas, all eyes are falling on Greg Oden. The newly acquired member of the two-time defending NBA champions has plenty of question marks surrounding him as the 2013 season inches closer to starting. As the Heat plan their title defense, the plan for Oden remains to take it slow and not rush getting back on the court.
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.
Because Miami does not need the center right away, they can take things slow in training camp and as the season progresses.
"Really, for me, I'm happy being on the court and playing and getting back into the thick of basketball," Oden said, via the Orlando Sun Sentinel. "I bang a little bit, still taking it slow. I'm taking steps. So I do a little bit, do a little bit of up and down, but we're not trying to wear out the knee. We're trying to make sure I can do a little bit and the next day I can do something, too."
Heat fans understand that not having Oden on the court in October is not a big deal. However, if it is February and the All-Star game has come and gone and Oden has yet to be heard from, panic can set in a little. Miami needs Oden in the playoffs when facing teams like Indiana and possibly Brooklyn if they live up to the hype. Until then, Heat president Pat Riley plans to take it easy with Oden and not rush the investment.
"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."
