As the deadline for the 2007 NBA draft class to re-sign with their new teams or face possible free agency passed over the last week, Greg Oden was one of many who did not re-sign.
Oden has been injured for nearly his entire career since being drafted number one overall by the Blazers in 2007.
Oden was seen as a dominant defensive player, with huge offensive potential. In the games he has been able to play in, he has played well.
Portland was smart not to re-sign Oden, as the injury risk he carries is way too much of a gamble for a young and improving team to make.
Joel Przybilla has played very well while filling in for the injured Oden at center, and is capable of being a starting NBA center for an entire season.
The Blazers have a huge decision to make coming up, and Oden’s future is a choice that will greatly impact the future of the franchise.
He is a great talent and a potential all star for many years, but his history of injuries is too important to pass over, and ultimately, I would not re-sign him.