What Greg Oden Signing with the Miami Heat Means for Greg Oden and the Miami Heat

The Miami Heat have added former No. 1 overall pick, Greg Oden, whose career has been hampered by devastating knee injuries that have caused him to play 82 games, which equals one full season, in 6 years! There are reasons why he was selected over Kevin Durant in the 2007 NBA Draft, from being a dominating presence on both ends of the floor that is a gifted athlete, with an NBA ready body at 7'0 tall, weighing in at 285 pounds.




He was described as a "once-in-a-decade" type player by Steve Kerr and still can be, since he's still only 25 and if his knees hold up as well. Unfortunately, that is a enormous if. Games like a 24 point and 15 rebound performance against the Bucks in the 2008-09 season and a 13 point, 20 rebound and 4 block performance against the Heat in the 2009-10 season showcased how dominating Greg Oden could be in the future.

Dec 5th, 2009 was the final game that he ever suited up for, for the Portland TrailBlazers suffering, yet again, another injury to his already fragile legs.

1500+ days later, 2 more micro-fracture knee surgeries and Greg Oden still hasn't played in an NBA game and no one knows how he'll be, back out on the court, banging bodies with 7 footers alike. However, according to the Miami Heat's head scout, legendary Tim Hardaway, Greg Oden is looking good on the court and is the missing link to the Heat 3-peating. At first, Greg Oden will be eased into action by the Heat, playing 12 or so minutes a game and receiving more and more minutes, once he gets comfortable. He probably will not start many games for the Heat in the 2013-14 season, maybe a few, but towards the end of the season, Oden will get significant minutes. Later in 2014-15, Greg Oden will seize the starting C job, putting Chris Bosh back into his natural position of PF. Of course, this all rides on if his knees hold up. The Miami Heat have an almost impeccable team, with its one glaring weakness being rebounding. They ranked dead-last in the NBA in rebounds per game, averaging 38.6. Yes, the Miami Heat averaged even less rebounds per game than the Boston Celtics, who rank 29th, averaging 39.3. With Greg Oden, the one weakness the Heat have is gone. No longer will teams like the Pacers, with Roy Hibbert, be able to dominate inside like they used to, which caused the Heat an agonizing amount of trouble, almost getting them eliminated from the playoffs. If everything goes well, the Miami Heat have got themselves a steal of a player for $2.17 million over 2 years, who can become a franchise player. Yes, adding to the 3 already on the Miami Heat's roster. Greg Oden could revitalize his career and possibly continue the Heat's dynasty that has already made the NBA Finals 3 times in a row, winning in 2 of their trips. The Miami Heat haven't had a dominating inside presence since the days of Shaq and with this signing, the Heat have gotten even more scarier.

The story of Greg Oden has been truly sad. Best wishes on those knees holding up, Greg Oden! We pray that you stay injury free.

The Curious Case Of Tyreke Evans

This season is all about fresh starts in New Orleans. New logo, new team name, new colors and most importantly new talent with guys like Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans. There is no denying the talent on the Pelicans roster but the real question is how will it all mesh together with them being so guard heavy. The biggest question comes in the form of former Rookie of the year Tyreke Evans. The 6-6 versatile ballplayer has disappointed the basketball world majorly over the last few years seeing his points decrease and a whole lot of inconsistency. Now there isn’t any denying the talent of Evans but will the move from the Kings to the Pelicans wake him up and reenergize his career.

Tyreke as many of you know set the basketball world on fire in 2009 during his rookie of the year campaign where he joined the likes of  Michael Jordan,Oscar Robertson and Lebron James to average 20 points 5  rebounds and 5 assists. That is some pretty elite company and it only makes sense that people would have expectations of him being an elite player. Over the past few seasons he has looked disengaged playing on losing Kings teams but that in part is due to him not improving as a basketball player. This is the NBA coaches and players make adjustments after they have film of you so while the league adjusted to Tyreke the adjustment was never made for Tyreke to adjust to the league.

Hopefully his move to the Pelicans re energizes his career because when he is playing at a high level he is as fun to watch as anybody in the NBA. The Pelicans are very guard heavy and Evans has already made it clear that he will come off the bench and play anywhere from point guard to small forward. I think playing on a team as the 6^th man not only gives the Pelicans great line up flexibility but puts him in a position to show his versatility while staying on the floor for a team that has playoff potential which is all Evans really wants which is to win.

So when the Reke show makes its debut in the big easy its put up or shut up, this is year 5 and you are now playing with talented players at every position. I nor are most basketball asking for the return of 2009-10 Tyreke Evans (Although it would be cool to see) but what we are asking is for Evans to be a factor for the Pelicans playing basketball at a high level. All I know is that the curious case of Tyreke Evans will be a fun thing to watch this season in the NBA.