What Happened to Greg Oden? Knee Injury Details
Updated Jun 02, 2023
Who is Greg Oden?
Gregory Wayne Oden Jr., a towering 7'0" (2.13m) center, has had a fascinating basketball career. Born on January 22, 1988, Oden made his mark in college basketball during his one season at Ohio State University. His impact was undeniable as he helped to lead the team to become the Big Ten Conference regular-season champion and the Big Ten Conference men's basketball tournament champion, where he was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
Oden's skills and potential were recognized as he was selected as the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. However, his journey in the NBA faced a major setback when he underwent knee microfracture surgery in September 2007. This unfortunate injury forced him to sit out the entire 2007-08 NBA season. Oden remained determined and eventually made his NBA debut on opening night in 2008.
Throughout his career, injuries plagued Oden, leading to his release from the Trail Blazers in March 2012. Despite the challenges, he joined the Miami Heat in August 2013 after a hiatus of over three years from competitive basketball. Oden had the opportunity to participate in the 2014 NBA playoffs with the Heat.
After a stint in the Chinese Basketball Association during the 2015-16 season, Oden announced in October 2016 that he was retiring from the game, signaling the end of his playing career. However, in July 2018, he made a return to the court, playing in The Basketball Tournament 2018. In May 2019, Oden was selected as the 7th overall pick in the 2019 Big3 Draft, showcasing his enduring passion for the game.
Greg Oden's basketball journey has been filled with ups and downs, raising questions about what could have been if injuries had not hindered his progress. His story continues to intrigue fans and followers of the sport, leaving them curious about the twists and turns in the life of this talented athlete.
What Happened to Greg Oden?
Hailing from Indianapolis, Oden's talent surpassed mere goodness; he was undeniably great. Playing alongside future NBA players like Josh McRoberts, Mike Conley, Daquan Cook, and Eric Gordon on the same AAU team, Oden represented the epitome of a tantalizing prospect that general managers could only dream of acquiring. He possessed exceptional strength, impressive footwork, a delicate touch around the basket, and fluid movements that made him seem destined for numerous All-Star appearances.
Unfortunately, things did not unfold as expected for Oden. His career was plagued by a relentless string of injuries, hindering his ability. He was limited to just 105 regular-season NBA games, constantly dealing with setbacks and struggles. By 2014, Oden's time in the league had come to an end.
Despite the challenges he faced, Oden found solace in accepting his early retirement. He returned to Columbus, becoming a student manager while pursuing his bachelor's degree in the sports industry. After graduating, Oden joined Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment, an organization dedicated to providing financial literacy training to individuals involved in the sports world. He took on the role of an athlete adviser, utilizing his experiences to guide and support others.
What Happened to Greg Oden's Knee?
Greg Oden's knee injury was a significant turning point in his basketball journey. Despite not having any prior knee issues, shortly after being selected as the first overall draft pick, he underwent surgery to repair a micro-tear in his right knee. This unexpected injury marked the beginning of a series of setbacks that would haunt him throughout his career.
The injury not only affected Oden physically but also had a profound impact on his mental and emotional well-being. It robbed him of the opportunity to showcase his immense talent and fulfill the lofty expectations that accompanied his draft status. The promising center's dreams were shattered, leaving fans, teammates, and basketball enthusiasts alike deeply concerned about his future in the sport.
The toll of injuries on Oden's body and mind became evident as he struggled to find consistency on the court. Each setback brought disappointment and frustration, fueling concerns about his long-term health and ability to compete at the highest level. The constant battle with injuries cast a dark cloud over what could have been a stellar career.
Despite the immense challenges he faced, Oden's resilience and determination shone through. He persevered through numerous surgeries and rehabilitation processes, desperately attempting to reclaim the promise that once surrounded his name. Though his basketball journey took an unfortunate turn, his story serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll and uncertain nature of professional sports.
Greg Oden Stats
Year
Team
GP
Min
Pts
FG%
Reb
Ast
Stl
Blk
2013-14
Heat
23
9.2
2.9
55.1
2.3
0.0
0.3
0.6
2009-10
Trail Blazers
21
23.9
11.1
60.5
8.5
0.9
0.4
2.3
2008-09
Trail Blazers
61
21.5
8.9
56.4
7.0
0.5
0.4
1.1
Greg Oden Net Worth
Greg Oden, the former professional basketball player, has a net worth of approximately $16 million. Despite his career being plagued by injuries, Oden was able to amass a significant fortune through his contracts, endorsements, and various business ventures. While his playing time in the NBA was limited due to injuries, Oden's talent and potential were recognized by teams, which contributed to his financial success. Additionally, Oden's popularity and marketability allowed him to secure lucrative endorsement deals, further boosting his net worth. Despite the challenges he faced, Oden's financial standing showcases the impact he made during his time in the basketball world.
In addition to his basketball career earnings and endorsements, Greg Oden's net worth is also attributed to his wise financial management. Despite the setbacks he encountered with injuries, Oden made smart investment choices that helped grow his wealth over time. By diversifying his portfolio and making strategic financial decisions, he was able to secure his financial future beyond his playing days.
Furthermore, Oden's net worth is a reflection of his entrepreneurial ventures. After retiring from professional basketball, he ventured into various business endeavors, leveraging his name and reputation to explore opportunities in different industries. Through these ventures, Oden has been able to expand his wealth and explore new avenues outside of the basketball world, showcasing his business acumen and ability to thrive in different arenas.
what happened to greg oden? FAQs
Greg Oden's basketball career was marred by a series of injuries that significantly impacted his ability to play consistently at the professional level.
After retiring from professional basketball, Greg Oden explored different paths in his life. He returned to Ohio State University as a student manager while pursuing his bachelor's degree in sport industry.
Injuries had a significant impact on Greg Oden's basketball career. Despite being a highly touted prospect with immense potential, Oden's career was plagued by various health issues, particularly related to his knees.
Greg Oden faced numerous career setbacks due to injuries, but he showed resilience and determination in handling these challenges. While his playing career did not unfold as expected, Oden made efforts to adapt and find new roles within the sports industry.
As of the latest updates, there have been no indications or announcements regarding Greg Oden planning a comeback to professional basketball. After his retirement and the challenges he faced with injuries during his career, Oden has shifted his focus to other endeavors within the sports industry.