Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Heat‘s biggest flaw is their front court, so Pat Riley spent the offseason trying to address the defending champs’ Achilles heel. I am still scratching my head and trying to believe that Riley signed the disintegrating 7-footer Greg Oden. Riley has been known to take risks with some players, but Oden may turn out to be a mistake.
Miami is expecting Oden to have an impact early, but those are some lofty expectations. The former no. 1 pick of the 2007 NBA draft, Oden spent all of his rookie season on the bench after suffering a knee injury. Over the next two seasons, he played a grand total of 82 games before suffering more hobbling knee injuries.
Oden has never played a full season and has not played in the NBA since 2009. He has undergone three microfracture knee surgeries during his injury-plagued career and has proven to be as durable as an infomercial product. Oden has never had an opportunity to log consistent and quality game time.
Miami signed Oden to help with their rebounding woes and post troubles, but he will not be the answer. He has not played in four years and has minimal experience. His durability and health are as wide open and unknown as the universe. If Oden can stay healthy, it will take an extended period of time for him to become acclimated with the league and the game of basketball. Chances are that he will not stay healthy.
For Riley, he really can’t lose in this situation. If Oden stays healthy and makes solid contributions, Riley looks like a genius. If Oden gets hurt and is out for an extended period of time, its only $1 million lost. Miami signed Oden for cheap, which was smart considering his track record.
If I was a gambling man, I’d bet Oden makes no impact in South Beach — not even a ripple. Based on his history, Oden will be injured by December. Then again, Riley is a wise man and has been rather successful when he takes chances. I am still going to go against him. I hope Joel Anthony and his forehead are reading to play — they might get their opportunity sooner rather than later.
Shane Phillips is a Miami Heat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Smphil01, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
