Miami Heat: Former Star Tim Hardaway Backs Greg Oden

(Flickr.com photo by Keith Allison)

Former Miami Heat star Tim Hardaway commented on what signing sought after big man Greg Oden could do for the Heat.

According to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports, eight franchises have already inquired about the 25-year-old center.

This short list includes the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies. But reports indicate that the big man is interested in the Pelicans and Heat most, with his choice being whether he wants money and years with the Pelicans or the chance for a championship with the Heat at this point in his career.

The contenders in this list are likely looking to sign a productive, skilled big man on a cheap contract, while the rebuilding organizations could be hoping to score a potential franchise player that is still oozing upside.

Only playing in 82 games with his three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, Oden has been eyed by teams for quite awhile with quality big men a rare commodity in the NBA nowadays.

Hardaway, who currently works as a scout for the Heat, commented on the former No. 1 overall draft pick. “If we get Greg Oden, I think we will win a third (straight) title,” Hardaway told Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports Florida.

Greg Oden is famous for never being famous. He is one of the worst No. 1 draft picks in the history of professional sports. (Photo: commons.wikimedia.org)

Before being waived by the Portland Trail Blazers in March 2012, the 7-foot behemoth only participated in 82 contests in his five professional seasons. He underwent five knee surgeries in that span and is still rehabilitating from procedures performed in February 2012.

The Heat finished dead last in rebounds per game last season (38.6). A little extra size could then go a long way and that’s exactly what Oden brings. Hardaway seems sold on the big man and who wouldn’t be after he was described as “lean” and “moving well” by scouts who watched him work out in his hometown of Indianapolis.

Oden is believed to be currently deciding and is expected to make a decision by the end of the week. No matter his choice, the debate about Oden’s decision and his ability will no doubt be a highly debated one as the offseason progresses.