Greg Oden's NBA Career Overview
Greg Oden was selected first overall in the 2007 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, ahead of Kevin Durant. He played five NBA seasons between 2008 and 2016, recording career averages of 8.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game. His peak season came in 2009-2010, when he averaged 11.1 points and 8.5 rebounds in 61 games for Portland. Oden's career was defined by frequent knee injuries, including microfracture surgery on his right knee in October 2007, which caused him to miss his entire rookie season. He later suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee in June 2009, a fractured left patella in October 2010, and additional surgeries that limited his availability to just 105 regular-season games over seven seasons with Portland and the Miami Heat. His final NBA appearance came in April 2013 with Miami, and he was waived in July 2013 before attempting a comeback in the NBA G League and overseas leagues through 2016. Oden's career trajectory is often cited as one of the most significant draft disappointments relative to pre-draft projections, as he was widely regarded as a top prospect alongside Durant before injuries altered his path. For more on his draft context, see the NBA's official draft history. 2007 NBA Draft Overview
Greg Oden's College Career and Pre-Draft Profile
Greg Oden played one season at Ohio State University in 2006-2007, where he averaged 15.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game. He led the Buckeyes to a 35-4 record and the NCAA Final Four, earning Big Ten Player of the Year and National Player of the Year honors from multiple outlets. His defensive impact and interior presence made him the consensus top pick in the 2007 draft class. Before the draft, Oden was compared to elite centers like Tim Duncan and Shaquille O'Neal, with pre-draft workouts and measurables reinforcing his status as a franchise-caliber big man. The Portland Trail Blazers selected him first overall despite knowing about his knee condition, a decision that drew scrutiny from analysts and media. His college stats and physical tools suggested he could become a dominant defensive anchor and efficient scorer in the NBA. Forbes: Greg Oden vs. Kevin Durant Draft Analysis
Greg Oden's Financial Legacy and Post-NBA Life
Greg Oden earned approximately $45 million in NBA salary over his five seasons, with his contract including guaranteed money from the Trail Blazers and a veteran minimum deal with the Miami Heat. After leaving the NBA, he worked as a scout and advisor for several teams, including the Sacramento Kings, and pursued business ventures in sports management and real estate. His financial trajectory reflects the risks teams take on injury-prone prospects, as his guaranteed earnings were front-loaded but his career earnings remained far below the supermax contracts awarded to peers like Durant and Derrick Rose. Oden's post-NBA life has included coaching at the high school and AAU levels, as well as public appearances discussing injury recovery and mental health. His case is frequently referenced in discussions about rookie scale contracts, injury insurance, and long-term financial planning for athletes.