Greg Oden’s long journey back to the NBA took yet another significant step on Monday as the former Portland Trail Blazer took to the court against the NBA’s finest in LeBron James. And for someone who hasn’t faced anything close to that caliber of talent in over three seasons, he held his own pretty well.
On several occasions, he went up against the NBA’s reigning Most Valuable Player, who claimed that the big fella fouled him twice, but “he did manage to score on him.” Oden, on the other hand, remembers the clashes a little differently, saying: “He scored twice and I made him miss once, so he got me today.” (ESPN.com)
Nevertheless, regardless of whose story is true, the biggest take from this is the fact that Greg Oden is playing at full speed and is in constant physical contact, but not having much trouble.
It is a very encouraging sign for Miami that he was able to go up against the freight train that is LeBron and came out unscathed. That will no doubt go a long way into helping him when he faces other big men since James is one of the more physical players in the game.
Yet for all the progress he has made, Oden isn’t satisfied, though he does realize it will take a little longer to be game ready.
"“I’m a little frustrated with myself because I’m not as back as I want to be, but it’s little steps. [Monday] was another step doing a five-on-five [scrimmage].”Dwyane Wade, who was lined up alongside the 7-footer in the scrimmage, said: “I had a good experience [playing with Oden]. For a guy who hasn’t played for a while, he still understands what makes him great — a sense of being big and aggressive.”"
Not since December 2009 has Greg Oden taken part in an NBA game and that most likely isn’t going to change anytime soon as he and the Miami Heat are biding their time despite the obvious urge to jump right into the deep end.
"“I would love to [play]” said Oden, ahead of the two-game preseason road trip against Washington on Tuesday and Brooklyn on Thursday, “but we’re taking it slow, so probably not.”"
It’s great to see the desire to play participate from Greg, but even more so, it’s the understanding that patience is key despite years of waiting.
"“I’m looking at it day by day,” he said. “When I go out there and I get off the court and I feel good, the swelling’s down in my knee, that’s what I look at. I think everybody here in this organization, that’s the main goal, just take it day by day, keep the swelling down and make sure I can go out there and practice again tomorrow.”Coach Erik Spoelstra and Dwyane Wade essentially echoed Oden, with the latter saying: “We have a lot in this locker room and if someone goes down, we feel confident we can hold the fort down until they’re healthy. Our biggest thing with G.O. is knowing he hasn’t played in three years. And more so than worrying about ourselves and our team, we worry about him. So when he and the training staff and coach feel comfortable with that, we’re going to accept him with open arms.” (Heat.com)"
Miami has had a mere sample of what Greg Oden may bring to the table, but the important thing is that both parties are patient with one another. After all, it’s going to be the back-end of May when they’ll need him, not November.