Former Miami Heat Center Ranked Among Greatest NBA ‘What-If’ Stories

Jake Elman | Nov 14, 2024

Mar 18, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Miami Heat center Greg Oden (20) sits on the bench prior to a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Miami won 100-96. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images / David Richard-Imagn Images

Greg Oden already ranked among the most significant “what could have been” stories in NBA history when he joined the Miami Heat in 2013.

Nothing has changed over a decade later. The 2007 No. 1 pick remains a regular fixture on listicles and videos discussing players who never panned out in the NBA.

HoopsHype called Oden the 10th biggest “what-if” player in NBA history. A litany of knee injuries famously derailed Oden’s career before he even had an opportunity to turn the Portland Trail Blazers into title contenders.

Portland infamously selected Oden over future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant following the former’s dominant freshman season at Ohio State.

“His mix of skill (he had quick post moves, could shoot the hook and would finish everything around the basket), vertical leaping ability and size (he was a true 7-footer with a strong frame) made him unstoppable,” the article said of Oden.

We never saw Oden look “unstoppable” in Portland. He missed his rookie season and underwent three microfracture surgeries by his fifth pro campaign. The Trail Blazers waived him in March of 2012. 

Oden joined the Heat months after LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh led the club to their second straight title. He averaged 2.9 points and 2.3 rebounds across 23 games.

The veteran big man finished his basketball career playing for the Chinese Basketball Association’s Jiangsu Dragons in 2016.

ODEN SAYS HE FEARED PLAYING FOR HEAT

Oden reflected on his short Heat tenure on former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel’s podcast earlier this week. 

Oden admitted he feared getting in trouble or becoming the player who jinxed the two-time defending champions. He said he spent five days a week with teammate Michael Beasley, though they limited their South Beach trips to avoid any issues. 

“We can’t get in trouble in Miami,” Oden told Manziel. “Like we’re on this team, we’re going to make it to the f---- Finals, we’re going to get rings, just don’t f--- it up, basically. Being on that team, it felt like it meant a little bit more, and I wasn’t going to be the one to mess that up, especially after two championships.”

Oden nonetheless still thinks highly about his Heat stint.

“It was probably the best experience I saw,” Oden said. “A-List players, A-List organization, A-List fans, A-List City. It was amazing.”

NEW JERSEYS REVEALED

Good news for Heat fans hoping to buy official jerseys ahead of the holidays: you now have another option to pick from. 

On Thursday, the Heat released the latest edition of their "Culture" jersey.

The newest version is named "Blood Red." The team posted it on the official X page, providing all the purchase details.

COULD HEAT TRADE BAM FOR GIANNIS?

Heat fans have long dreamed of watching former NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo team up with Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler.

Unfortunately, a potential addition may involve a tough subtraction.

HoopsHype included the Heat in a Nov. 13 article ranking eight potential trade targets for Antetokounmpo. The problem is the Heat lack the type of assets that could convince Milwaukee to deal the Greek Freak.

The article suggested a combination of Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier, and Tyler Herro “would likely be” the first names included in any trade because of their salaries. However, it also proposed the Heat may need to add Adebayo or Butler as the headline in any potential trade package.

“Pat Riley’s Heat pursue stars over rebuilds, and always have,” the article stated. “And if their conversion rate is low, it is only because they are always playing the game.”

ALL-STAR HERRO COULD HURT HEAT

Herro is playing the best basketball of his NBA career, so why isn't the team's future more optimistic?

The answer is quite simple on the surface: Herro's All-Star level start to the year further complicates the Heat's future blueprint.

Prior to the season, the Heat were faced with two key choices based on the play of veteran star Butler. Either trade Butler at the deadline if championship contention does not appear realistic or deal Herro in an attempt to win now with the 35-year-old at the helm.

The issue is few expected Herro's production and trade value to skyrocket the way it has. His performance against the Detroit Pistons in Tuesday's overtime victory was the best of the season for a Heat player, recording 40 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and four steals on 51.9 percent shooting and 10 of 17 shooting from three-point range.

The front office must now decide if Herro is a cornerstone of their organization after just nine strong games, or more than ever, should team president Pat Riley look to move him?

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Jake Elman works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat on SI. He can be reached at jakeelman97@gmail.com or follow him on X @JakeElman97.