[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7946722/greg-oden-underwent-same-controversial-procedure-kobe-bryant-had

In an effort to revive his NBA career, Greg Oden recently underwent the controversial knee procedure that superstars Kobe Bryant and New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez say took years off their bodies, according to sources.

Oden

Oden, whose career with the Portland Trail Blazers was derailed by four knee surgeries, had the non-evasive procedure done in New York two weeks ago to accelerate the healing process on his left knee, which was operated on in February.

"Greg had long planned to have this procedure done,” one of the sources said. "He thought he’d wait until his knee was completely healed, but the doctor said Greg would get the greatest benefit by doing it now because it would help his recovery.”

The 7-foot center is not considering retirement, and while its possible he could play by the middle of next season, there is no timetable for his return. Oden, the top pick of the 2007 draft, is an unrestricted free agent and about seven NBA teams stay in contact with his representatives to monitor his progress, according to the sources.

Bryant underwent the procedure, known as Orthokine, in Germany last offseason to relieve pain in his right knee and left ankle and returned to have a historically productive year in this, his 16th NBA season. Under Bryant’s advice, Yankees superstar Rodriguez flew to Dusseldorf to have the procedure done in December. Gilbert Arenas also had the procedure done.

The procedure involves doctors taking the patient’s own blood, spinning it in a centrifuge, making a serum and then injecting it into the knee. Doctors claim the blood then works to stop inflammation and reduce pain and cartilage damage.

Oden has had two microfracture surgeries on his left knee and another on his right, as well as surgery to repair his broken left kneecap. He appeared in just 82 games during his five-year career with the Blazers and has not played since Dec. 5, 2009. He averaged 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds.

Oden is currently rehabbing at the sports performance division of St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. He recently enrolled for summer school at Ohio State, where he played for one season before turning pro.

[aamir543Participant]

Glad he’s still optomistic, I still have great hopes for him, but first and foremost health is the most important thing at this point, hope he gets fully healthy and his mind seems like he’s in the right place, but remember, the surgery is still new and it may help, but it’s not like it completely cures your knee, although it did help Kobe avoid aging rapidly.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

Some guys have loads of talent and choose to throw it away.  This guy had loads of talent and he’s trying to salvage any piece of it that he can.  It’s admirable.

[M-EazyParticipant]

Get this bum out of here. Healthy knees or not all he is is height. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Da1potParticipant]

 UPS and the post service should replace the "fragile contents" label on packages with "Greg Oden."

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

He’s had injuries that have been out of his control to be honest.

I don’t think there’s anything fragile or weak about him mentally though. Considering everything he’s been through, the fact that he still hasn’t given up yet says how mentally strong he is.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

He might be the right guy for the Cavs, if they spend to use their pick on anyone other than Andre Drummond.  If he can revive his career he can be a solid center. He went to OSU so going to Cleveland would be like a homecoming.  They could get him for the same price as some backup centers.

They could then draft Brad Beal to be their shooting guard (if they don’t move up in the draft) to go along with a front court rotation of Oden, Verejao, and Tristan Thompson.

If Oden can get healthy and give them something like 12 points and 9 rebounds to go along with 2.5 blocks then it would be like getting another top lotto pick for the Cavs.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

I think Oden needs to lose weight.  He needs to take a MLE type deal so he can play a 20-25 minute role this upcoming year if he can, in fact, play.

Losing weight and limiting his minutes would take some pressure off his knees.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Oden doesn’t need to lose anymore weight… He’s lost enough. I’d be surprised if he was even 265 lbs right now.

What he needs to do is just get 100% healthy and strengthen his knees, quads, etc. That’s the only way he’s going to be able to avoid injury. It’s all about physical therapy and healing right now for him.

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

 Pair him with the Suns training staff and his career has hope

[joecheck88Participant]

 I don’t think it would be terrible for him to lose weight. Maybe just chill on the weights some and work on his conditioning. Phoenix would be cool because they do miracles down there. TOL said it perfectly though. I feel so bad for GO. He didn’t deserve any of this and I hope he can come back and be productive. I’m not sure he is worth mid level money at this point. Take a low paying gig and come back and produce. I still think he can be better than Brendan Haywood. Not a knock on Haywood but Oden has talent. I’m sure he will still be more than athletic enough for this league at his size. 

[NYK2010Participant]

Any team that offers him a multi-year deal is just stupid.

He’s just trying to show teams that he has something.

How many more operations and procedures are needed after playing less than 120 career NBA  games counting summer league, preseason and playoff games.

Should be happy he made almost 25 million in the league, don’t be stupid and blow that.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Oden is 7′ 0" and about 255-260 lbs right now… He was 250 lbs at Ohio State. He got up to 285 lbs in Portland.

He’s already lost 25-30 lbs. I don’t really think he needs to lose anymore weight. He’s light enough right now… Just needs to strengthen his knees.

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