By Dave Holcomb
Center Greg Oden will take what’s left of his talents to South Beach.
Over three years removed from the game, free agent Oden agreed to a two-year contract with the Champion Miami Heat. The deal is for the veteran’s minimum, and the second year is a player option according to USA Today.
ESPN reports members of the Miami Heat organization have been after Oden for sometime. LeBron James, Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley reportedly all sent texts and messages to Oden encouraging him to join Miami. It also doesn’t hurt they are the two-time defending champions.
“[The Heat] are in the spotlight, what can I say?” Oden said. “But for them to come after me with all the stuff I’ve been going through — for them to think I can still be an important piece of their team — I’m really excited about that. The scrutiny … that’s going to be there with any team I signed with. I just want to play.”
The seven-footer, 270 pounder has been plagued with injury his entire career. After being selected first overall as a freshman, Oden missed his entire rookie campaign in 2007-2008 after undergoing microfracture surgery. In the next season, Oden played in 61 games averaging 8.9 points and 7.0 rebounds.
Unfortunately, Oden suffered another injury to his knee the following season. He missed the rest of the 2009-2010 season after 21 games, because of a fractured left patella. Oden hasn’t suited up since December of 2009.
The Heat reassured Oden that he did not have to rush back for the team. Miami has the luxury of having other All-Star players that they can rely on. But if Oden plays up to his potential, Miami finally has a true big man, which completes the team’s puzzle.
And they’ve already won back-to-back titles.
This is a brilliant move for the Heat! Minimal downside salary wise and if Ogden can regain his former skill set, or most of it, Miami just addressed its principal weakness.