The Greg Oden free agency race has taken an interesting turn as new reports suggest that among the top teams projected to win rights to signing the free agent center, there are just two teams at the moment that have really intrigued Oden to signing.
Oden apparently has the Miami Heat and the New Orleans Pelicans atop of his list of suitors according to Yahoo! Sports Marc J. Spears.
Both the Heat and the Pelicans lack size up front, so pursuing Oden makes a great deal of sense. And in Oden's case, selecting either team would be a win for him.
If he decides to sign with Miami he'll be placed alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, thus making them an even tougher defense. Known as a prolific shot-blocker, post-defender and rebounder, Oden would only bolster the Miami defense.
However, playing for the Pelicans wouldn't be so bad neither. Being in New Orleans would enable Oden to make his comeback without the media spotlight and with no immediate pressure to perform at a high ability. This will give him time to bounce back from the knee issues, that have limited the 25-year-old to just 82 career regular season games, at his own pace.
Oden was the top overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft out of Ohio State and has battled numerous knee injuries and hasn't played in the NBA since Dec. 5, 2009. He is coming off his third microfracture knee surgery in February 2012.
Oden has averaged 9.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 82 career games and has been working out in both Columbus and Indianapolis this past offseason.
Having a whole summer to get things right, Oden will be back stronger than before. Whoever signs the 25-year-old will prosper during the coming season.
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