Bust

Greg Oden featured on ESPN the magazine leading up to the 2007 NBA Draft.

I remember the day I received this magazine, because I have never laughed so hard in my life. Greg Oden is in contention with being considered one of the biggest draft busts ever. Standing at 7 feet tall and weighing 285, general mangers around the league were drooling over this kid leading up to the 2007 NBA draft. Some called him the next David Robinson, some even went as far as comparing him to the one and only Bill Russell. People also said he could be the next Sam Bowie, leaving Kevin Durant to be next Michael Jordan.

Greg Oden has only played in 82 games in a span of a little over 3 years, while being plagued by injuries    the whole time. He has missed a total of 176 games while undergoing his second micro-fracture surgery in 3 years. Instead of worrying about how many titles you thought you could win, you should have been more concerned about getting on the court. Maybe his quote should have been this: "I hope I can play a bunch of games in a row - like 15." Imagine if Portland had a crystal ball the night before the 2007 draft? Kevin Durant teamed up with a core of Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, are you kidding me? Oden is still a young guy, at only 22 he could turn things around and maybe be a solid player someday. Maybe not. When the 2010-11 season is over, Oden will be a free agent, unless the Blazers are stupid enough to pick up an extension. He may not be destined to have a career in the NBA, he may be destined for something else. Only time will tell, but for now Greg Oden, you are officially a bust and a huge let down.