National Basketball Association

Agent: Greg Oden committed to return

Published Mar. 16, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Greg Oden's agent says his client is committed to playing basketball again despite his latest injury.

The Portland Trail Blazers waived the former No. 1 overall pick Thursday after an injury-plagued five-year run. He recently underwent his third microfracture knee surgery, the second on his left knee.

Mike Conley Sr., says his client is recovering in his hometown of Indianapolis. Oden has been on crutches since the Feb. 20 procedure and is expected to remain on them for another five weeks.

Conley says Oden briefly contemplated ending his career, but now is fully focused on rehab. Conley says Oden, who will be an unrestricted free agent if he clears waivers Saturday, has expressed interest in playing for the hometown Pacers after he recovers.