Because the #1 general decide within the 2007 NBA Draft, Greg Oden entered the league with excessive expectations. Sadly, he ended up turning into a draft bust, largely resulting from vital accidents.
On the Ohio State College, Oden proved his potential as a #1 general decide within the NBA Draft. He and Kevin Durant had been the highest two gamers, which was a official debate again then. Sadly, accidents held Oden again, whereas Durant grew to become one of many sport’s finest gamers.
The Portland Path Blazers chosen Oden in 2007, making a formidable trio of Oden, Brandon Roy, and LaMarcus Aldridge. It was a championship-level core, however they by no means reached their full potential collectively because of the accidents.
Oden grew to become probably the most tragic gamers in NBA historical past, as he by no means reached his peak. Most individuals see him as a draft bust, however it was not his fault. It has been robust for him, however he was nonetheless grateful for all his experiences.
Oden grew to become the point of interest of the Blazers’ rise in 2007. Sadly, the accidents stored piling up, which disadvantaged folks of the trio of Oden, Roy, and Aldridge. Two of the trio grew to become All-Stars, however their middle by no means reached his sky-high potential.
Oden feels he has nobody guilty however himself for his struggles. It was a heartbreaking improvement as a result of everybody was rooting for him to maximise his profession. Sadly, the accidents piled up, and the Blazers waived him in 2012.
“I don’t actually suppose like that. I’m so grateful for the Portland Path Blazers franchise only for altering my life, altering my household’s lives,” Oden stated to HoopsHype about considering eventualities about his profession.
“It was my physique. My physique simply didn’t maintain up at the moment. So, I strive not to consider the what-ifs as a lot and luxuriate in what actually occurred.”
Oden is a cautionary story resulting from his career-ruining accidents. These days, gamers are extra cautious, which has led to stars doing load administration. Some gamers can face up to the physicality and accidents like Allen Iverson did throughout his profession. Nevertheless, it’s comprehensible that some gamers are cautious.
The NBA has confronted loads of accidents all through the 2024-25 season. It reached its peak throughout the 2025 Playoffs when three superstars suffered torn Achilles tendons. This considerably affected the league, particularly since Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton are all key gamers.
As a participant who suffered main accidents all through his short-lived profession, Oden had recommendation for gamers and younger athletes alike.
“Nicely, first issues first, you bought to hearken to the medical doctors. Do all the things the medical doctors ask of you, however these guys are vets. These guys are All-Stars. So, me telling them so as to add one thing else to your sport, they already know that. They already try this,” Oden continued.
“However, if I’m telling like a younger child, actually, take this time to raised your self off the courtroom, learn a number of books, but in addition add one thing to your sport as a result of there’s going to be stuff which you could’t do.”
It’s admirable for Oden to information gamers so that they received’t have the identical experiences. He may need suffered throughout his NBA profession, however he doesn’t need it to occur to another participant.
