Greg Oden is a former NBA player who was once considered a generational talent and a potential superstar. However, his career was cut short by multiple injuries and surgeries that prevented him from fulfilling his potential. Despite his setbacks, Oden still managed to earn a considerable amount of money from his basketball career and other ventures. Here is how Greg Oden accumulated his net worth, and what he is doing now.
Greg Oden’s Early Life and College Career
Greg Oden was born on January 22, 1988, in Buffalo, New York. He moved to Indiana with his family when he was nine years old, and started playing basketball at a young age. He attended Lawrence North High School, where he led his team to three consecutive state championships and won numerous individual awards. He was ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the nation by several outlets, and was compared to legendary centers like Hakeem Olajuwon and Bill Russell.
Oden chose to play college basketball at Ohio State University, where he teamed up with his high school teammate and friend Mike Conley Jr. He missed the first half of his freshman season due to a wrist injury, but he made a strong impact when he returned. He averaged 15.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game, and led the Buckeyes to the Big Ten title and the NCAA championship game, where they lost to Florida. He was named the National Defensive Player of the Year, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and a consensus first-team All-American. He also became the first freshman since 1990 to be named to the Associated Press All-American team.
After one season at Ohio State, Oden declared for the 2007 NBA draft, where he was widely expected to be the No. 1 pick.
Greg Oden’s NBA Career and Injuries
Oden was indeed selected first overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, ahead of Kevin Durant, who went second to the Seattle SuperSonics. Oden signed a rookie contract worth $12.5 million over two years, with a team option for the third and fourth years. However, he suffered a major setback before his NBA debut, as he underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee, which sidelined him for the entire 2007-08 season.
Oden finally made his NBA debut on October 28, 2008, against the Los Angeles Lakers. He scored 13 points and grabbed five rebounds, but he also fouled out in 13 minutes. He showed flashes of his potential throughout the season, but he also missed 14 games due to a foot injury and a bone chip in his left knee. He finished the season with averages of 8.9 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
Oden’s third season was even more disappointing, as he only played 21 games before suffering a season-ending injury. On December 5, 2009, he fractured his left patella in a game against the Houston Rockets, and had to undergo surgery. He was averaging career-highs of 11.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game before the injury.
Oden’s injury woes continued in the next two seasons, as he underwent two more microfracture surgeries on his left knee, one in November 2010 and another in February 2012. He missed the entire 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons, and the Trail Blazers decided not to re-sign him after his contract expired.
Oden attempted a comeback in the 2013-14 season, signing a one-year deal worth $1.1 million with the Miami Heat. He played sparingly for the Heat, appearing in 23 games and averaging 2.9 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. He also played in six playoff games, as the Heat reached the NBA Finals, where they lost to the San Antonio Spurs. Oden won his first and only championship ring with the Heat, but he did not play a significant role in the team’s success.
Oden did not play in the NBA again after the 2013-14 season, although he had brief stints in China and the Big3 league. He officially announced his retirement from basketball in 2016, at the age of 28. He played a total of 105 games in the NBA, averaging 8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.
Greg Oden’s Net Worth and Personal Life
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Greg Oden’s net worth is estimated to be $14 million as of September 2023. He earned most of his wealth from his NBA salary, which totaled $23.3 million over six seasons. He also made money from endorsements, such as Nike, Spalding, and Topps.
Oden has had some legal and personal troubles in his life, such as being arrested for battery in 2014, after he allegedly punched his ex-girlfriend in the face. He pleaded guilty to a felony charge of battery resulting in serious bodily injury, and was sentenced to probation, community service, and counseling. He also had a paternity lawsuit filed against him in 2011, by a woman who claimed he was the father of her daughter. Oden admitted to being the father, and agreed to pay child support and legal fees.
Oden is currently married to Sabrina Williams, whom he wed in 2019. They have a son together, named Londyn. Oden is also working as the director of basketball operations at Ohio State, where he helps his former coach Thad Matta with administrative tasks and mentoring players. He is also pursuing a degree in sports industry at the university.
Greg Oden is a former basketball star who had a promising career cut short by injuries. He still made a fortune from his NBA salary and endorsements, but he also faced some challenges in his personal life. He is now trying to move on from his past, and focus on his family and his education. He is also giving back to his alma mater, where he hopes to inspire the next generation of basketball players.
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