MIAMI, August 7 – The Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed center Greg Oden. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“After many months of discussion, evaluations and speaking with Greg, we felt it was a perfect time for him to make his comeback and re-enter the NBA with the Miami HEAT,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “It’s a great challenge for him. We know all about his past injuries, but we feel that there is a huge upside and the possibility of him helping us, that’s why we took the risk. We will continue his program and then we will tackle basketball issues after that.”
Oden, the first overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft, has appeared in 82 career games (60 starts) and averaged 9.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.43 blocks and 22.1 minutes while shooting 57.7 percent from the field. He has appeared in six postseason games totaling 30 points, 26 rebounds, five blocks and two steals in 95 minutes of action while shooting 11-of-21 from the field.
“I am very excited and happy to be here,” said Oden. “I’m thankful to the Miami HEAT organization for bringing me in and I’m ready to get to work.”
The seven-footer last appeared in a game during the 2009-10 season, playing in 21 games (all starts) and averaged 11.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.29 blocks and 23.9 minutes while shooting 60.5 percent from the field.
Oden will wear number 20.