Former Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden is one step closer to returning to the NBA. On Friday, Oden worked out for the Cleveland Cavaliers and a future contract offer is reportedly in the works.
"Obviously we've spoken to Greg, we've had him in, we've done a lot of due diligence with him," said Cavs general manager Chris Grant. "He's a great kid, wonderful heart. We'll see. We'll still talk to them and see what his position is and what his goals are. Just like any other free agent, if we're able to make something happen that makes sense for us, we'll do it. And if not, that's OK."
Oden played one season for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was a huge hit, helping lead the Buckeyes to the National Championship game against Florida - a game they ultimately lost despite Oden scoring 25 points, nabbing 12 boards, and blocking 4 shots.
Oden was drafted first overall in 2007 by the Trail Blazers, but he only played a total of 82 career games over his career. He last played in 2009, but his contract with Portland wasn't terminated until 2012.
While he's been recovering from injury this year, Oden has been taking college courses at Ohio State. A handful of teams, including the Miami Heat, have expressed interest in Oden, and the Cavs appear to be rising to the top in their pursuit of him.
Oden has maintained that he will not be ready to play until the start of the 2013-14 season, but that hasn't stopped teams from giving him a look early in the 2013 calendar year.
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