Report: Greg Oden not ready to retire

Published Apr. 7, 2012 11:42 a.m. ET

foxsports

Greg Oden was waived by the Portland Trail Blazers last month, but the oft-injured center's agent reportedly said Oden is not set to give up on his career.

The No. 1 overall draft pick in 2007, Oden has played in just 82 games while undergoing five major knee surgeries. But Oden's agent, Mike Conley, told CSNNW.com his client will continue to attempt a comeback in a career that never fully got started.

"Everyone is quick to talk bust, but put themselves in his shoes," Conley told the website. "He has gone through a lot as a young man and he is continuing to work to get back. For him to come back is going to be a remarkable perseverance on his behalf.

"â€¦ No, he's not retiring. The only way that would happen is if he was forced to and I don't see that happening. He's dedicated to making sure he's back on the court as soon as possible."

Oden, 24, has only played in parts of two seasons and missed two other years. He's average 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in his 82 career games.

Conley did not rule out a return to the Trail Blazers, telling CSNNW.com "there's a possibility."

The Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers are also reportedly interested in exploring a possible deal, according to the website.