National Basketball Association

Greg Oden calls himself "probably the biggest bust in NBA history"

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Greg Oden, a former No. 1 overall pick, told Outside the Lines this week that he’ll probably be remembered as “the biggest bust in NBA history.”

For those that only remember Greg Oden as an injury plagued player, at the time, it made sense for the Portland Trailblazers to select him as their first pick in the 2007 NBA draft. Oden attended Ohio State University and made his college debut in 2006. Coming off the bench, Oden finished that game with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks. He was even described by Steve Kerr as “a once in a lifetime player.”

Oden’s injury problems did start before the NBA, he was sidelined his senior year in high school with a left wrist injury, which is why he started off his career with the Buckeyes’ coming off the bench. Oden quickly gained popularity though, almost averaging a double-double and was named first team All-Big Ten, as well as being Defensive Player of the Year in his conference.

Oden helped lead the Buckeyes to the National Championship Game. They ultimately lost to the Florida Gators, but Oden racked up 25 points and 12 rebounds. It was this success and his combination of size and mobility that led him to being selected as the No. 1 pick over Kevin Durant, who ended up being an MVP and one of the best scorers in the league today.

Due to a microfacture surgery on his knee, Oden missed his entire rookie year. He was never able to stay healthy after that and spent his career bouncing around teams before ending up playing in China his last season.

“If I was healthy, I would love to continue playing,” Oden told ESPN. “But I’m not healthy.”

Today, the 7-footer is attempting to earn his college degree, while working as the student assistant coach at Ohio State.