Greg Oden signs with the Heat!

[NovU]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/greg-oden-agrees-to-deal-with-heat

“Obviously the chance to play with the best player in the world and compete for a championship was a big selling point,” Oden told me. “But more than that, what I really liked was how they thought I could really add something to their team. They’ve won back-to-back championships without me, so for them to pursue me as hard as they did meant a lot, especially given all that I’ve gone through.”

[Andrew]

A low risk move for the defending champions, which could prove to be a solid move if he can stay healthy; certainly a big if there. If it doesn't pan out, well, they've managed to do OK without him these past three seasons.

[Sauru]

not a shock at all. yet another player just along for the ride

[RedPhazon8]

not a shock at all. yet another player just along for the ride

I thought the same thing when I read my ESPN alert.

[_Steve_]

not a shock at all. yet another player just along for the ride

I thought the same thing when I read my ESPN alert.

Same here.
My second thought was if this turn out like to be a Brandon Roy like comeback?
My third thought was who'll play more games next season: Greg Oden or Andrew Bynum?

[Sauru]

i personally hope he plays 82 games and makes a monster comeback. it will just make it that much more enjoyable when the heat get eliminated next season

[NovU]

But it makes it harder for other teams to eliminate the Heat next season if he makes a monster comeback with health that allows him to play full 82 games.

[Sauru]

But it makes it harder for other teams to eliminate the Heat next season if he makes a monster comeback with health that allows him to play full 82 games.

that was my point

[stereoxide]

Meh, after 6 minutes in the game his knees will fall off. Just hoping that doesn't happen.

[shadowgrin]

Greg Oden chose the Heat because it's hard to pass up being mentored by two-time NBA champion Joel Anthony.

[RedPhazon8]

Greg Oden chose the Heat because it's hard to pass up being mentored by two-time NBA champion Joel Anthony.

It's an incredible opportunity, we all know if we were given the chance we'd all except it too.

[Martti.]

Good move, if he's healthy a great pick-up. Rumors have now started swirling about a Joel Anthony trade, not sure how I feel about that...

[NovU]

Here's another reason why he chose the Heat.

Greg Oden said he's not sure when he'll be able to play in an actual game..
Oden said he chose the Heat over several other teams in part because they understood his need to be diligent with his recovery. According to Oden, it was "big deciding factor" that the Heat said he wouldn't be needed much early in the season. "When I had a conversation with Coach [Erik] Spoelstra and hearing how much he knew about the training stuff that I was already doing, it kind of made me feel like they know what's best for me," Oden said. "I'm not going to sit here and say I'm 100 percent. I am moving [well] and I am feeling good, but I have a lot of work to do." Time will tell if the former No. 1 overall pick can stay healthy. Aug 3 - 9:18 AMSource: ESPN.com

Sounds like another Eddy Curry for now.

I'm hoping for him to provide 20 efficient minutes in muddy playoffs match ups against likes of Noah and Hibbert.

[Jeffx]

I just heard Oden tore his ACL signing the contract.

[Sauru]

Here's another reason why he chose the Heat.

Greg Oden said he's not sure when he'll be able to play in an actual game..
Oden said he chose the Heat over several other teams in part because they understood his need to be diligent with his recovery. According to Oden, it was "big deciding factor" that the Heat said he wouldn't be needed much early in the season. "When I had a conversation with Coach [Erik] Spoelstra and hearing how much he knew about the training stuff that I was already doing, it kind of made me feel like they know what's best for me," Oden said. "I'm not going to sit here and say I'm 100 percent. I am moving [well] and I am feeling good, but I have a lot of work to do." Time will tell if the former No. 1 overall pick can stay healthy. Aug 3 - 9:18 AMSource: ESPN.com

Sounds like another Eddy Curry for now.

I'm hoping for him to provide 20 efficient minutes in muddy playoffs match ups against likes of Noah and Hibbert.

so its exactly like i said, he is just along for the ride. imo the heat got worse and the pacers got better this off season. i still think the heat are the best team overall though and will win the next one

[Alejandrov011]

I just heard Oden tore his ACL signing the contract.

EPIC

[NovU]

so its exactly like i said, he is just along for the ride.

Well, that's an indiscreet/demeaning generalization that negates all effort put in to make a comeback by Oden.

There's certainly the worst and best case scenarios and ofc in-betweens. The worst is when he fails, totally, re-injuring himself to a point where his career is over for good. The best is... to borrow IRA's word, "or if Oden shows enough, it opens the door to a possible Chris Bosh deal, which would change the entire luxury-tax and salary-cap landscape going forward, enabling the Heat to add even more fresh talent for a (potentially) re-signed LeBron."

At the minimum, this is brain free SIGN-first-Think-second deal for the Heat. But yeah, this could turn out to be a better deal for Oden than for the Heat.

[Alpha_]

Greg Oden chose the Heat because it's hard to pass up being mentored by two-time NBA champion Joel Anthony.

THIS.

[Jeffx]

I disagree with Sauru. I think Indiana has closed the gap on Miami, especially with Wade breaking down.

[Lamrock]

Break a leg, Greg!

[VirginiaSquire]

While I don't fault him for signing with the Heat, if I were him, I would've almost begged to go to Phoenix. The Suns medical staff helped Amare get a $100 million deal, helped Nash become a two time MVP, and even got some healthy play out of the ghost of Grant Hill. If anyone could squeeze 50+ games out of Oden, it'd be the Suns.

[Sauru]

so its exactly like i said, he is just along for the ride.

At the minimum, this is brain free SIGN-first-Think-second deal for the Heat. But yeah, this could turn out to be a better deal for Oden than for the Heat.

i agree its a no brainer to sign him. i mean you won without him and didnt have to drop anyone to get him(miller was gone either way) so yeah no risk

I disagree with Sauru. I think Indiana has closed the gap on Miami, especially with Wade breaking down.

i thought thats what i said? Indiana has improved more than the heat did, hell i said the heat got worse so yeah they have closed the gap but the heat will win again. they are still the top dog though many other teams have made big strides while they took a step back

[Alejandrov011]

The Suns should have done a shot to Oden, sending their famous medical staff for an interview

[formx]

Greg Oden chose the Heat because it's hard to pass up being mentored by two-time NBA champion Joel Anthony.

If anyone knows how to be humble, it is Joel Anthony.

[Sauru]

The Suns should have done a shot to Oden, sending their famous medical staff for an interview

greg oden cares more about living the life than he does playing ball. he will have a ton of fun in miami