Miami Heat Should Stay Away From Greg Oden

Former No. 1 overall NBA draft pick Greg Oden’s career has been derailed by multiple injuries to both of his knees and it looked like it Oden’s career could end before it really even began. However, Oden still plans on making another comeback, and there are several teams that may be interested in his services.

It seems that two teams have emerged as favorites to sign Oden, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the defending NBA champion Miami Heat. I can understand the Cavaliers’ interest in the 7-foot big man, seeing that he played his college days at Ohio State, and there’s the temptation to try and revitalize his career to add another weapon for Kyrie Irving to utilize. However, the Heat’s interest in the injury-prone center seems a bit puzzling.

Miami doesn’t have the greatest depth at the center position, with only Joel Anthony and Dexter Pittman listed behind Chris Bosh; and honestly, they don’t need Oden to be successful. The obvious point to make here though is that of all their interest in signing Oden is only contingent on the health of his knee, and that is a major question mark.

Oden was released by the Portland Trailblazers after an injury-filled five-year stint, and Oden hasn’t even played a single minute in the NBA since 2009. He has had several surgeries on his knees, with the latest one coming last February and there’s serious questions about whether his knees could hold up to a grueling NBA season. Due to the knee injuries, Oden said that he is taking this year off but would like to return next season.

With that said, Miami should stay away from Oden and not waste their money. Bringing him in would be a mistake because even if Miami believes they could develop him into a productive player once again, the risk factor for another injury is too great.

It’s a shame that Oden has had so many injuries because when he came into the league, he had serious star potential. The Blazers took a chance on him, but their risk didn’t pan out the way they would have liked. Oden has had some bad luck, and he still believes he can play in the league; but, despite that notion, the Heat should just stay away.