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Greg Oden
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Greg Oden
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Gregory Wayne Oden Jr. (born January 22, 1988) is an American former professional basketball player. Oden, a 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) center,[1] played college basketball for the Ohio State Buckeyes for one season, during which the team was the Big Ten Conference regular season champion and Big Ten Conference men's basketball tournament champion with Oden as the tournament MOP. Additionally, the Buckeyes were the tournament runner-up in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship.[2][3]

Key Information

On June 28, 2007, Oden was selected first overall in the 2007 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. He underwent microfracture surgery of the knee in September 2007 and missed the entire 2007–08 NBA season as a result. Oden recovered and made his NBA debut on opening night 2008. In March 2012, he was waived by the Trail Blazers after missing the previous two seasons due to injuries.[4] Oden signed with the Miami Heat in August 2013, more than three years after last appearing in an NBA game,[5] and played with the team through the 2014 NBA playoffs.

After playing in the Chinese Basketball Association during its 2015–16 season, Oden stated in October 2016 that he was done with basketball and would not be returning as a player.[6] In July 2018, he played in The Basketball Tournament 2018.[7] In May 2019, Oden was selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2019 Big3 Draft.[8]

Early years

[edit]

Oden was born on January 22, 1988, in Buffalo, New York, and moved with his family to Terre Haute, Indiana at age nine.[9] He attended Sarah Scott Middle School in Terre Haute, where he first played interscholastic basketball. Oden then relocated with his mother and brother and attended Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, which he led to three consecutive Indiana Class 4A basketball championships before graduating in 2006. Oden was named Parade's High School Co-Player of the Year 2005 (along with Monta Ellis) and 2005 National Boys Basketball Player of the Year. He repeated as Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year in 2006. Oden was also named the 2006 Indiana Mr. Basketball. He was also on the McDonald's All-American Team and played in the All-American game, and earned first-team Parade All-American honors for the second straight year.

College career

[edit]

On June 29, 2005, Oden and Lawrence North teammate Mike Conley Jr. announced that they would be attending Ohio State University starting with the 2006–07 season.

On June 16, 2006, Oden had surgery on his right wrist in Indianapolis to repair a ligament injury that occurred late in his senior high school season.[10] As a result, Oden sat on the Ohio State bench during the beginning of the 2006–07 season, during which the Buckeyes were ranked as high as #1 before losing to North Carolina. He made his college debut on December 2, 2006, against Valparaiso, coming off the bench. Oden finished the game with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks. In December of that year, Steve Kerr described him as a "once-in-a-decade player".[11]

The Big Ten honored Oden as Player of the Week, along with Wisconsin's Alando Tucker, on January 29, 2007. In the previous week, he had averaged 18 points and 11.5 rebounds.[12] On March 6, 2007, Oden was named First Team All-Big Ten as well being voted the conference's Defensive Player of the Year.[13] Going into the NCAA Tournament, Ohio State was viewed as heavy favorites due mostly to the efforts of Oden viewed as a consensus top player along with Kevin Durant.[14] Oden fouled out for the first time in his college career against Xavier in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, and was bothered by foul trouble throughout the tournament. In the Sweet Sixteen, Oden blocked a potential game-winning shot in the final seconds against Tennessee to preserve an 85–84 victory and went on to lead Ohio State past Memphis and Georgetown to advance to the 2007 National Championship. In the title game, Oden scored 25 points and had 12 rebounds and four blocked shots in a losing effort against the Florida Gators.

Oden, alongside Kevin Durant, Arron Afflalo, Alando Tucker, and Acie Law were named to the Associated Press All-American Team. Oden and Durant were the first freshmen voted to the All-American First Team since 1990, and the third and fourth overall. Throughout his high school and college career, Oden never lost a home game.[15]

Professional career

[edit]

Portland Trail Blazers (2007–2012)

[edit]
Oden at the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con

On April 20, 2007, Oden announced that he would be entering the 2007 NBA draft. Oden was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the #1 overall pick. To begin his Trail Blazers career, Oden chose the uniform number 52. On July 1, before his first NBA practice, Oden was signed to a contract which provided for two guaranteed seasons and team options for third and fourth seasons. On September 14, 2007, Oden had microfracture surgery on his ailing right knee. He missed the entire season.[16] Oden's progress was recorded on the Trail Blazers' website and his blog.

Although drafted in 2007, Oden was classified as a rookie for the 2008–09 season because of the knee injury.[17] Entering the 2008–09 season, he was listed at 250 lb (110 kg), but according to Blazers' trainer Jay Jensen, Oden weighed about 290 lb (130 kg) in July.[18][19] Oden left his NBA debut with a foot injury after playing thirteen scoreless minutes against the Los Angeles Lakers.[20] He returned on November 12, 2008, after missing two weeks, and scored his first NBA points in the first quarter against the Miami Heat. On January 19, 2009, Oden had a career-high 24 points while also grabbing 15 rebounds in a 102–85 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.[21] On February 13, 2009, he injured his left knee in a game against the Golden State Warriors, by bumping knees with opponent Corey Maggette, and missed three weeks due to a chipped knee cap.

Oden dunking in a game against the Washington Wizards

On November 23, 2009, Oden matched his career-high for points in a game again with 24. He set a new career-high for rebounds in a game with 20 on December 1. Four days later, Oden injured his left knee in the first quarter of a game. He was taken off the court on two connected stretchers. Later, Oden underwent surgery for a fractured left patella and missed the rest of the season. That injury marked the second time Oden had missed major playing time due to injury.[22]

On November 17, 2010, the team announced that Oden would have microfracture surgery on his left knee, ending his 2010–11 season.[23] The injury marked Oden's third NBA season cut short due to a knee injury.

On December 9, 2011, the Trail Blazers announced that Oden had suffered an unspecified "setback" that left them less optimistic about his ability to play in the 2011–12 season. Rather than signing an $8.9 million qualifying offer, Oden and the team negotiated a different offer.[24] On February 3, 2012, he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.[25] On February 20, Oden was scheduled for a procedure on his left knee similar to the procedure he underwent 17 days earlier. However, during the operation, further damage to the articular cartilage was discovered, and Oden underwent his third micro-fracture surgery.[26]

On March 15, 2012, Oden was waived by the Trail Blazers to create room on the roster for trade acquisitions.[27] In May 2012, Oden announced his intention to sit out the 2012–13 season to focus on rehabbing his injuries.[28] In January 2013, it was reported that several teams were interested in signing Oden for the 2013–14 season.[29][30][31]

Miami Heat (2013–2014)

[edit]

On August 7, 2013, Oden signed a one-year deal with the Miami Heat.[5][32] He played in his first NBA game since December 5, 2009, in a preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 23, 2013. Oden managed to score two points through a dunk attempt and grabbed two rebounds in four minutes of play.[33]

On January 15, 2014, Oden made his long-awaited return to the court. In his first regular-season game since December 2009, he recorded six points and two rebounds in eight minutes during a 114–97 loss to the Washington Wizards.[34] On February 23, Oden made his first start since December 2009 in the Heat's 93–79 win over the Chicago Bulls. He played in three playoff games in that year. The Heat made the 2014 NBA Finals where they faced the San Antonio Spurs; Oden played a minute each in Game 3 and Game 4, recording only a personal foul in the latter. The Heat went on to lose the series in five games.[35]

Jiangsu Dragons (2015–2016)

[edit]

In March 2015, Oden was reported to be working out with the Memphis Grizzlies, while he also returned to his alma mater, Ohio State, to undergo some "high-level training" with Thad Matta, then Ohio State basketball team coach. Matta stated that since September 2014, Oden had been working out with the other Ohio State coaches. In June 2015, Oden had workouts with the Charlotte Hornets and the Dallas Mavericks. He told the media that he was attempting an NBA comeback with plans to return to the league for the 2016–17 season.[36]

On August 26, 2015, Oden signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Jiangsu Dragons of the Chinese Basketball Association.[37] On December 9, he recorded a season-high 22 points and 14 rebounds in a win over Shandong.[38] On February 1, 2016, Oden parted ways with Jiangsu.[39] In 25 games for the club, he averaged 13 points, 12.6 rebounds, and two blocks per game.[40]

In July 2018, Oden agreed to play as a reserve with the Scarlet & Gray, a team of Ohio State alumni who competed in The Basketball Tournament 2018, a $2 million winner-take-all summer tournament.[41] Oden made his debut for Scarlet & Gray on July 27,[42] scoring 11 points in 16 minutes of playing time.[43] Scarlet & Gray fell to Team Fredette on July 29, with Oden playing nine minutes while recording two points, an assist, and a block.[44]

Post-playing career

[edit]

On April 12, 2016, Oden was hired by the Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball team to be the student manager for the team while he went back to finish his degree at the college.[45] In 2019, Oden graduated from Ohio State with a bachelor's degree in sport industry.[46]

On November 21, 2019, Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment announced that Oden had joined their team as an athlete advisor.[47]

In April 2022, Oden joined Thad Matta’s staff at Butler University as director of basketball operations.[48] He left the Butler coaching staff in 2024 to rejoin Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment as the director of player development.[49]

Personal life

[edit]

On August 11, 2014, Oden was charged with battery for punching his ex-girlfriend in the face four days prior in Lawrence, Indiana.[50][51] He pleaded guilty in 2015 to battery with moderate bodily injury, and the other three charges were dropped.[52] Oden was put on probation and ordered to pay a fine and attend counseling.

Oden married his wife Sabrina in 2017. They have one child, a daughter born in 2016.[53]

Career statistics

[edit]

NBA

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2008–09 Portland 61 39 21.5 .564 — .637 7.0 .5 .4 1.1 8.9
2009–10 Portland 21 21 23.9 .605 — .766 8.5 .9 .4 2.3 10.0
2013–14 Miami 23 6 9.2 .551 — .565 2.3 .0 .3 .6 2.9
Career 105 66 19.3 .574 — .658 6.2 .5 .4 1.2 8.0

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2009 Portland 6 0 16.0 .524 — .667 4.3 .0 .3 .8 5.0
2014 Miami 3 0 2.3 .000 — — .3 .3 .3 .0 .0
Career 9 0 11.4 .524 — .667 3.0 .1 .3 .6 3.3

CBA

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2015–16 Jiangsu 25 2 26.8 .538 — .526 12.6 .5 .6 2.0 13.0
Career 25 2 26.8 .538 — .526 12.6 .5 .6 2.0 13.0

College

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2006–07 Ohio State 32 31 28.9 .616 — .628 9.6 .7 .6 3.3 15.7
Career 32 31 28.9 .616 — .628 9.6 .7 .6 3.3 15.7

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Greg Oden

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Gregory Wayne Oden Jr. (born January 22, 1988) is an American basketball coach and former professional player who was selected as the first overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2007 NBA draft. A highly touted center from Ohio State University, Oden's career was derailed by a series of severe knee injuries, limiting him to just 105 games across seven NBA seasons with averages of 7.8 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. After retiring in 2016, he transitioned into coaching and player development, most recently serving as director of player development at Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment following roles as an assistant coach at Butler University and a graduate assistant at Ohio State. Oden's early basketball prowess emerged at in , , where he led the team to a 29-0 record and state championship as a senior, earning All-American honors and being named National High School Player of the Year. In his lone college season at Ohio State in 2006-07, he averaged 15.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game, leading the Buckeyes to the NCAA Championship game and earning consensus first-team All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year accolades. Drafted ahead of in a highly anticipated selection, Oden was expected to anchor Portland's frontcourt alongside , but his professional trajectory was immediately hampered by injury. Oden underwent microfracture knee surgery on his right knee just months after the draft in September 2007, causing him to miss his entire rookie season of 2007-08. He debuted in 2008-09, showing promise with 8.9 points and 7.0 rebounds in 61 games, but subsequent injuries—including a fractured left kneecap in December 2009 and additional microfracture surgeries on both knees—sidelined him for the entire 2009-10, 2010-11, and 2011-12 seasons. Traded to the in July 2013, Oden appeared in 23 regular-season games and three playoff contests during the 2013-14 season before being waived, effectively ending his playing career. Over three major knee surgeries and other setbacks, Oden's tenure exemplified the fragility of elite athletic potential in the NBA.

Early Life

Childhood and Family Background

Gregory Oden was born on January 22, 1988, in Buffalo, New York, to parents Zoe Oden and Greg Oden Sr.. He has a younger brother named Anthony.. Oden's parents divorced after 10 years of marriage when he was nine years old, prompting his mother to relocate with him and his brother to Terre Haute, Indiana, to live near relatives.. In Terre Haute, Oden began playing organized basketball in the fourth grade, joining the local Terre Haute Stars team, where he quickly stood out as the only Black player and an unusually tall child, measuring 6 feet 4 inches by sixth grade.. His mother, working as a single parent, supported the family's move and early upbringing.. By eighth grade, the family had moved again to , , where Zoe secured employment and Oden enrolled at .. Growing up, Oden navigated the challenges of his rapid physical growth and emerging talent under his mother's guidance, though details on his biological father, Joe Jones Jr.—a former college player at Fairmont State—emerged later in reports about family connections..

High School Career

Greg Oden attended in , , where he played from his freshman through senior year in the class of 2006. Standing at 7 feet tall, he quickly emerged as a dominant center, contributing to the team's success alongside future NBA player Mike Conley. Over his high school career, Oden helped Lawrence North achieve a 103-7 record, including three consecutive Indiana Class 4A state championships in 2004, 2005, and 2006. As a in the 2002-03 season, averaged 8.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game while shooting 72% from the field, providing strong interior presence for the team. In his year (2003-04), he improved to 14 points and 9.8 rebounds per game with 3.0 blocks, leading Lawrence North to its first state title under his influence with a key performance of 13 points in the championship game. His junior season (2004-05) saw further growth, averaging 20.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game; notable tournament performances included 18 blocks against Arlington and 29 points with 9 rebounds against Muncie Central, powering the team to a 24-2 record, the No. 6 national ranking, and the second straight state championship. Oden's senior year (2005-06) was particularly dominant, as he averaged 22.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and shot 74% from the field, guiding an undefeated 29-0 team to the third consecutive state title and a No. 1 national ranking. His career totals included 1,873 points, 1,058 rebounds, and 341 blocks. For his performances, Oden earned honors, two National Player of the Year awards (2005 and 2006), Co-Player of the Year (2005), All-American selection, and MaxPreps Player of the Year (2006), establishing him as the top high school recruit nationally.

College Career

Ohio State University

Oden committed to in 2006 as the nation's top high school recruit, joining the Buckeyes as a 7-foot center under head coach . His arrival bolstered a talented roster that included future NBA players like Mike Conley Jr. and , setting high expectations for the program. Despite dealing with a right throughout the season, Oden quickly established himself as a dominant interior presence, anchoring the team's defense and rebounding efforts. In his lone collegiate season of 2006-07, Oden appeared in 32 games, starting 31, and averaged 15.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 61.6% from the field. He led the in total rebounds (306), offensive rebounds (113), and blocks (105), contributing significantly to State's program-record 35 wins and an overall mark of 35-4. Under his leadership in the paint, the Buckeyes captured both the Big Ten regular-season and tournament championships before advancing to the NCAA Tournament . In the game against on April 2, 2007, Oden tallied 25 points and 12 rebounds in a 84-75 loss, showcasing his potential as a franchise cornerstone. Oden's defensive prowess earned him multiple accolades, including the National Defensive Player of the Year, NABC Defensive Player of the Year, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and the Big Man Award. He was also named a Consensus Second-Team All-American, highlighting his impact despite the injury-limited campaign. In 2024, Oden was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame. Following the season, Oden declared for the , forgoing further college eligibility and cementing his brief but influential tenure at Ohio State.

Freshman Season Highlights

In his freshman season at during the 2006-07 campaign, Greg Oden emerged as one of the most dominant big men in , anchoring the Buckeyes' frontcourt with exceptional shot-blocking and rebounding prowess. He averaged 15.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and a Big Ten-leading 3.3 blocks per game across 32 appearances, starting 31, while shooting an efficient 61.6% from the field. Oden's defensive impact was unparalleled, as he led the in both rebounds and blocks, swatting away a total of 105 shots and altering countless others with his 7-foot-0 frame and timing. His presence helped transform Ohio State into a No. 1 seed in the NCAA , where the team advanced to the for the first time since 1968. Oden's accolades underscored his immediate influence, earning him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors, as well as First-Team All-Big Ten selection. Nationally, he was named the NABC Defensive Player of the Year and the Big Man of the Year, while also securing Consensus Second-Team All-American status. These awards highlighted not just his statistical dominance but his role in elevating the Buckeyes' defense to one of the league's best, holding opponents to low shooting percentages inside the paint. Key performances defined Oden's season, including a crucial block on Ramar Smith's potential game-winning shot attempt in the final seconds of the Sweet 16 matchup against , preserving an 85-84 comeback victory after trailing by 20 points early. In the game against , he delivered 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting and grabbed 12 rebounds, showcasing his scoring ability against elite competition like and , despite the 84-75 loss. Earlier, Oden notched 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks in a tight 78-71 second-round win over Xavier, exemplifying his consistency in high-stakes tournament play. These moments cemented Oden's reputation as a generational talent, propelling Ohio State to the brink of a national title in his lone college season.

Professional Career

2007 NBA Draft

The took place on June 28, 2007, at the WaMu Theater in , . The , who had won the draft lottery earlier that year despite holding only a 5.3% chance of securing the top pick, held the first overall selection. This positioned them to choose between two highly touted prospects: Ohio State center Greg Oden and forward . The lottery victory marked Portland's first No. 1 pick since 1972, when they selected . Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard emphasized the franchise-altering potential of the top pick, stating that the draft was "top-heavy" and featured a "difference maker" in either or Durant, whom he described as "equally special players." The Blazers' decision leaned toward due to their existing young core, including guard (selected sixth overall in 2006) and forward (second overall in 2006), which already provided scoring and versatility in the frontcourt but lacked a dominant center. Pritchard noted that pairing with Aldridge evoked comparisons to successful big-man duos like and in , highlighting Oden's projected role as a defensive anchor. With just over two minutes remaining in their five-minute deliberation window, Portland selected the 19-year-old first overall, a choice widely viewed at the time as the safer, more immediate fit for building a contending roster around a rare elite big man. Oden, standing 7 feet tall with a 7-foot-4 and weighing 257 pounds, entered the draft as the consensus top prospect after a standout freshman season at Ohio State, where he averaged 15.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 61.6% from the field. Despite playing with a surgically repaired right that limited his dominant right hand, he adapted effectively, using his left hand for hooks and free throws (62.8% accuracy), and demonstrated elite shot-blocking (105 total blocks in 32 games) and rebounding instincts. Scouting reports praised his physical tools, basketball IQ, low foul rate (2.3 per game), and potential to become a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, drawing comparisons to franchise centers like Duncan for his work ethic and defensive impact. Oden's selection made him the first Ohio State player and first Big Ten freshman taken No. 1 overall, capping a season that included leading the Buckeyes to the NCAA championship game.

Portland Trail Blazers Tenure

Greg Oden was selected by the as the first overall pick in the , ahead of , with high expectations to anchor the frontcourt alongside and . However, shortly after the draft, on September 13, 2007, Oden underwent on his right to address cartilage damage, causing him to miss his entire rookie season of 2007-08. This procedure, performed by Dr. , marked the beginning of a series of knee issues that defined his professional career. Oden made his NBA debut on October 28, 2008, against the , but sprained his right foot early in the game, sidelining him for two weeks. He returned to play 61 games in the 2008-09 season, starting 39, and averaged 8.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game in 21.5 minutes. His performance helped the Trail Blazers reach the playoffs, where he appeared in six games against the , contributing 5.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in limited minutes. A career highlight came on February 12, 2009, when he recorded 13 points, 20 rebounds, and four blocks in a win over the , though he chipped his left kneecap in the process but continued playing. Entering the 2009-10 season as a full-time starter, Oden showed significant promise early on, averaging 11.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game with a 60.5% in his first 21 appearances. His season abruptly ended on December 5, 2009, during a game against the , when he fractured his left after landing awkwardly on a block attempt. Oden underwent to repair the kneecap, which ruled him out for the remainder of the year. Subsequent injuries compounded the damage. On November 17, 2010, Oden had on his left knee, missing the entire 2010-11 season. The Trail Blazers declined his contract option on October 31, 2010, amid ongoing recovery concerns. He underwent a third procedure on his left knee in February 2012, along with additional knee surgeries, totaling five operations during his Portland tenure—three microfractures (one right, two left) and the repair. These setbacks kept him out for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons entirely. Over his five years with the Trail Blazers, Oden appeared in just 82 regular-season games, averaging 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds overall, while missing 246 of 328 possible games due to injuries. The team waived him on March 15, 2012, after paying him approximately $20.8 million despite his limited contributions. His tenure represented a significant "what if" for Portland, as the trio of Oden, , and went 50-12 in games all three played together, hinting at untapped potential.
SeasonGames PlayedStartsMPGPPGRPGBPGFG%
2008-09613921.58.97.01.156.4%
2009-10212123.911.18.52.360.5%
Total826022.29.47.41.557.8%

Miami Heat Stint

Greg Oden signed a one-year contract with the on August 7, 2013, worth $1.027 million, marking his return to the NBA after more than three years away due to multiple knee surgeries. The deal provided Oden with a low-pressure opportunity as a backup center behind starters and starters like , allowing him to focus on defensive contributions such as shot-blocking and rebounding without heavy offensive responsibilities. Oden cited the chance to play alongside and compete for a championship as key factors in his decision, stating, "Obviously the chance to play with the best player in the world and compete for a championship was a big selling point." He also appreciated the Heat's belief in his potential to contribute, noting their pursuit showed they viewed him as a fit for a role emphasizing interior defense and finishing at the rim. During the 2013-14 regular season, Oden appeared in 23 games for the , starting six, and averaged 9.2 minutes per game. His statistical output was modest but efficient, including 2.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game, while shooting 55.1% from the field. Oden's role was primarily as a situational big man, providing rim protection and physicality off the bench in a Heat lineup already dominant in the paint; he logged his longest stretch of 15 minutes in a March 24, 2014, win over the , his former team. Despite the limited minutes, Oden expressed excitement about simply returning to competitive , saying, "The thing I’m most excited about is just being able to play basketball again." In the playoffs, Oden saw even more restricted action as the Heat advanced to the , appearing in three games with just 2.3 minutes per contest and no points scored. He played one game in the Eastern Conference Finals against the and two in the Finals loss to the , offering minimal contributions of 0.3 rebounds and 0.3 assists per appearance. Reflecting on the experience later, Oden described the Heat's culture as intense yet unifying, stating it was "scary" due to the high expectations but ultimately "amazing" as the team pursued a common goal. Oden's contract expired at the end of the 2013-14 , and the did not re-sign him, leading to his departure from the NBA. His stint with represented a brief comeback attempt, where he provided depth to a contending roster but was unable to secure a larger role amid ongoing recovery from injuries.

in CBA

In August 2015, Greg Oden signed a one-year contract worth $1.2 million with the of the (CBA), marking his first professional stint outside the NBA after multiple injury setbacks. The move was viewed as an opportunity to regain form in a league with less physical intensity than the NBA, potentially paving the way for another NBA comeback. Oden joined a roster featuring fellow American import , who was averaging over 30 at the time. Oden's regular season debut came on November 28, 2015, against the , where he posted 19 points, 24 rebounds, and 4 blocks in just 28 minutes of play, helping secure a victory. Despite suffering a hand during preseason that delayed his start, Oden quickly adapted to his role as the team's primary interior presence. Over the 2015-16 season, he appeared in 25 games for the Dragons, averaging 13.0 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 53.8% from the field and 52.6% from the free-throw line. His rebounding prowess ranked him seventh in the CBA for rebounds per game, and his shot-blocking ability placed him third league-wide, with 51 total blocks (tenth overall). Oden's contributions provided defensive stability and scoring in the paint, though the team's reliance on imports highlighted the competitive dynamics of the CBA. Oden's tenure with ended prematurely on February 1, 2016, when the team terminated his contract amid strict CBA roster quotas limiting foreign players. The Dragons finished the regular season ninth in the standings, missing the by one position. Reflecting on his experience, Oden expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete overseas, noting it allowed him to rebuild confidence despite ongoing health challenges. His CBA stint represented a brief resurgence but did not lead to further professional playing opportunities.

Injuries and Career Challenges

Key Injuries Timeline

Greg Oden's professional basketball career was profoundly shaped by a series of injuries, beginning shortly after his selection as the first overall pick in the . These setbacks, primarily involving microfracture surgeries and fractures, limited him to just 82 regular-season games over seven years in the league. Prior to his NBA entry, Oden suffered a torn ligament in his right wrist during his senior year of high school in March 2006, requiring surgery on June 16, 2006, which delayed his early college participation but did not prevent him from leading Ohio State to the 2007 NCAA Championship game. In the summer following the draft, on September 13, 2007, Oden underwent on his right due to damage, causing him to miss his entire rookie season with the in 2007-08. During his NBA debut on October 28, 2008, Oden sprained his right foot in a collision with guard , sidelining him for two weeks and contributing to a stop-start season in which he played 61 games. On February 12, 2009, knee-to-knee contact with forward resulted in a bone chip in Oden's left , forcing him to miss over a month of action and undergo further evaluation. The most devastating blow came on December 5, 2009, when Oden fractured his left in a game against the after landing awkwardly on ' foot; he underwent surgery the following day, December 6, 2009, ending his 2009-10 season after just 21 games and marking the beginning of a 25-month absence from NBA play. On November 17, 2010, the Trail Blazers announced Oden would require a second on his left for additional damage unrelated to the prior , causing him to miss the entire 2010-11 season. Following the , in February 2012, Oden underwent a third on his left , further delaying his return and leading to his release by Portland on March 15, 2012, after four injury-plagued years. Oden briefly returned with the in the 2013-14 season, appearing in 23 games and three playoff games, but persistent knee swelling and pain led to him being waived in July 2014. His final professional stint with the in China's CBA during the 2015-16 season was limited to 25 games due to ongoing knee issues and a fractured right thumb sustained in preseason, after which he retired from playing on October 28, 2016, at age 28.

Physical and Mental Impact

Greg Oden's basketball career was profoundly shaped by a series of debilitating injuries, beginning with a on his right shortly after being drafted in 2007, which caused him to miss his entire rookie season. Subsequent injuries included a sprained right foot during his 2008-09 NBA debut, a left kneecap injury that season extending his recovery, and a fractured left in 2009-10 that ended his year after 21 games. Over five seasons with the , he appeared in only 82 games, missing three full seasons due to five surgeries, including three microfracture procedures. His brief stint with the in 2013-14 was limited to 23 games, averaging 9.2 minutes per game amid ongoing soreness in his knees and back, which further restricted his mobility and performance. Long-term, Oden has endured in his left , contributing to the effective end of his NBA career by 2014 and complicating his attempts at professional play abroad, such as a broken right thumb during preseason with the in 2015-16. The physical toll exacerbated mental health challenges, leading Oden to battle depression characterized by isolation and self-doubt during prolonged recoveries in Portland, where he described feeling like a "failure" and "loser" for letting down fans, teammates, and himself. He sought counseling for depression while rehabbing and admitted to a drinking problem as a means to numb chronic body pain, often consuming alcohol daily to cope with the of his body not matching his mental drive. This substance use escalated post-NBA, including addiction to painkillers like Percocet and Vicodin, which he took numbly even without acute pain, culminating in a moment of desperation when he ransacked his home upon running out. The emotional burden of being labeled a "bust" intensified these struggles, fostering weeks of and difficulty processing his thoughts, though Oden later reframed it by owning the term to reclaim power. As of 2025, Oden has continued to discuss the lasting mental impact, linking his depression and alcohol use directly to the career-derailing injuries during public talks on , emphasizing how they eroded his identity tied to . The cumulative effects left him in "dark, low places," as noted by former coach , highlighting the private demons of an introverted athlete whose potential was overshadowed by physical breakdown.

Post-Playing Career

Coaching Positions

After retiring from professional basketball, Greg Oden returned to , where he had played his lone college season in 2006-07, to begin his coaching career in a supportive capacity. In the 2016-17 season, he served as a student coach, primarily assisting with the development of post players on the Buckeyes' roster. He continued in student manager roles for two subsequent seasons while completing his in in spring 2019. Oden advanced to a graduate assistant position with Ohio State's men's basketball team for the 2021-22 season under head coach , where he pursued a in sports education and contributed to team operations and player development. This role marked his first formal entry into on-campus support, building on his earlier experiences at the program. In April 2022, Oden joined as director of basketball operations under head coach , his former Ohio State coach who had recruited him in high school and led the Buckeyes during Oden's college year. He transitioned to an assistant coach role following the NCAA's expansion of on-court instructor positions, allowing greater involvement in practices and games. Over two seasons (2022-24), Oden helped the Bulldogs achieve a 2024 NIT postseason appearance, focusing on big man development and team strategy informed by his professional playing background. Oden departed in September 2024 to pursue other opportunities in development, concluding his tenure with the program after contributing to its competitive resurgence in the .

Business and Advocacy Roles

Following his retirement from professional basketball, Greg Oden transitioned into roles focused on player development and financial education within the sports industry. Oden first joined Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment in 2019 as an athlete advisor. In November 2024, he was appointed director of player development at the Maryland-based firm, which is dedicated to providing , wellness resources, and consulting services to athletes and entertainers. In this capacity, Oden leverages his NBA experiences to guide young professionals on managing finances, preparing for post-career transitions, and addressing challenges, aligning with the company's mission to empower individuals for long-term success beyond sports. Oden has also engaged in mentorship initiatives, notably through visits to (), a for elite high school prospects. In December 2024, he addressed OTE players, sharing insights on resilience, financial planning, and life after injuries, drawing from his own career setbacks to emphasize the importance of diversified skills and emotional well-being. His contributions extend to entrepreneurial ventures in sports technology; by October 2025, Oden had become involved with AirPlai Sports, an AI-driven company aimed at enhancing athlete performance and training through innovative tech solutions, marking his entry into sports tech investments as a mentor and stakeholder. In advocacy, Oden has emerged as a vocal proponent for awareness among athletes, openly discussing his personal battles with depression, , and bulimia following his injury-plagued career. During a 2025 speaking engagement in , he shared recovery strategies with students and young athletes, highlighting the need for accessible support systems in sports. His efforts underscore a commitment to destigmatizing issues, often integrated into his professional roles to foster holistic athlete development.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Gregory Oden was born on January 22, 1988, in , to mother Zoe Oden and father Greg Oden Sr.. His biological father is Joe Jones Jr., a former player at , though Oden was primarily raised by his mother after his parents' divorce when he was nine years old. Following the divorce, Zoe relocated with Oden and his half-brother Anthony to , where they settled into a middle-class family environment supportive of his early interests. Oden shares a close but competitive sibling relationship with , marked by typical brotherly rivalry that influenced his development as an athlete. He also has a younger half-brother, Joe Jones III, who shares the same biological father and has pursued , standing at 6-foot-6 by age 13. During his formative years in , Oden found additional familial support from mentors like Jimmy and Tami Butler, who treated him as a son and helped guide him through his rising fame as a high school prospect. In his personal life, Oden married Sabrina Williams in September 2017 during a ceremony in , . The couple welcomed their daughter, Londyn, in 2016, prior to their wedding, and Oden has emphasized the importance of fatherhood and family in his post-NBA recovery and personal growth. He frequently shares family moments on , highlighting his role as a devoted husband and parent amid his transition to and .

Health Struggles and Recovery

Oden's health challenges began in childhood with hip surgery in the , which involved inserting two pins and resulted in his right leg being slightly shorter than the left, potentially contributing to later issues. His professional career was marked by severe injuries, including three microfracture surgeries (one on the right in 2007 and two on the left in 2010 and 2012), a fractured left kneecap in December 2009, and other procedures, limiting him to 105 NBA games. After playing briefly with the in 2013-14, he was waived and later played one season with the Jiangsu Dragons in China's CBA before retiring in 2016. The physical toll intertwined with profound struggles, including bouts of depression and exacerbated by prolonged inactivity and the of close friend Travis Smith in 2011. Oden isolated himself after personal setbacks, such as a leaked photo in , and initially resisted sports before seeking during recovery periods. He emphasized the psychological demands of rehab, warning against skipping sessions and advocating for professional guidance to avoid rushing returns, lessons drawn from his own experiences of feeling pressured by the Trail Blazers organization. Post-retirement, Oden focused on holistic recovery, prioritizing long-term health over basketball's demands; he took time off for comprehensive rehab and later addressed through and personal growth. As of November 2025, he reported being in a positive place, free from the depression that once plagued him, and actively sharing insights on resilience with current players facing injuries. His journey underscores the importance of patient rehabilitation and mental support in overcoming chronic injuries.

Career Statistics

NBA Regular Season and Playoffs

Oden's NBA regular season career was severely limited by recurring knee injuries, allowing him to appear in only 105 games across parts of three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers (2008–10) and Miami Heat (2013–14). Despite the brevity, he demonstrated elite rim protection and rebounding prowess when healthy, posting career averages of 8.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 57.4% from the field. His rookie year in 2008–09 showcased his potential as a defensive anchor, with 61 appearances yielding 8.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game alongside 1.1 blocks, contributing to Portland's 54-win season. The following season, limited to 21 games, saw elevated efficiency at 11.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game with a career-high 2.3 blocks, highlighted by a 24-point, 20-rebound performance against the Miami Heat on December 1, 2009. After missing three full seasons due to surgeries, Oden signed with Miami in 2013 and played 23 games off the bench, averaging 2.9 points and 2.3 rebounds in a reduced role behind stars like Chris Bosh.
SeasonTeamGPMPGPPGRPGAPGBPGFG%
2008–09POR6121.68.97.00.51.1.564
2009–10POR2123.911.18.50.92.3.605
2013–14MIA239.22.92.30.00.6.551
Career10519.48.06.20.51.2.574
Oden appeared in just 9 playoff games over two postseasons, underscoring the injury toll on his postseason opportunities. In the 2009 first round against the Houston Rockets, he played all six games for Portland, averaging 5.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in 16 minutes per game, including a 15-point outburst in Game 1 on efficient 6-of-7 shooting. The Trail Blazers fell in six games, but Oden's physicality helped limit Houston's Yao Ming. Four years later, in a ceremonial role with the Heat during their 2014 Finals run against the San Antonio Spurs, Oden logged minimal minutes across three games (2.5 MPG average), recording no points or blocks in a total of 7 minutes as Miami lost the series in five. His playoff career totals: 3.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game.
SeasonTeamGPMPGPPGRPGAPGBPGFG%
2008–09POR616.05.04.30.00.8.524
2013–14MIA32.50.00.30.30.0.000
Career911.73.33.00.10.6.524

College and International Stats

Greg Oden played for the during the 2006-07 season as a freshman, appearing in 32 games and starting 31 of them. His performance helped lead the team to the NCAA Championship game, where he averaged 16.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game across six tournament games. Oden earned consensus first-team All-American honors for his contributions. The following table summarizes Oden's per-game and total statistics from his lone :
StatisticPer GameTotal
Minutes Played28.9925
Points15.7501
Rebounds9.6306
Assists0.723
Blocks3.3105
Field Goal %61.6%61.6%
Free Throw %62.8%62.8%
Data sourced from Sports-Reference.com. After his NBA career, Oden briefly played internationally in the (CBA) for the during the 2015-16 season, appearing in 25 games. He showcased his defensive prowess despite limited minutes due to ongoing injury management. The following table summarizes Oden's per-game statistics from his CBA stint:
StatisticPer Game
Minutes Played26.3
Points13.0
Rebounds12.6
Assists0.5
Blocks2.0
Field Goal %53.8%
Free Throw %52.6%
Data sourced from Basketball-Reference.com.

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