Greg Oden Undergoes Microfracture Surgery On Left Knee, Out For Season

Oden is no longer a Portland Trail Blazer after being cut around the trade deadline , but has no intention of retiring. The former No. 1 pick has had four knee surgeries, including two microfracture surgeries on the knee in question, including a surgery in February which this is supposed to help him recover from.

The procedure in question is called Orthokine. Bryant and Rodriguez each flew to Germany to have the surgery, and each experienced success. Kobe averaged 27.9 points in the season after his surgery, which isn’t bad at all.

Oden, the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft, has spent the better part of his career dealing with injuries. He is out for this season after having microfracture surgery on his left knee back in February. Oden has not played in a game since Dec. 5, 2009.

Oden was signed to a one-year deal prior to this season.

The two players were supposed to usher in a revival of one of the NBA’s most under-appreciated regional rivalries. My, how things have changed in four and a half years. Durant’s Sonics are now in Oklahoma City, where they are among the favorites to win the NBA championship. Oden’s Blazers are merely struggling to stay afloat in a deep Western Conference, and Oden himself probably won’t play in the NBA again after having his third microfracture surgery. The Thunder have become the darlings of the Western Conference, while their expected top rival has seen their rebuilding effort fall apart with a series of shattering knee ligaments.

It’s safe to say neither Miller or Felton would have factored into Portland’s long-term plans had Oden and Roy stayed healthy.

While this might be one of the least surprising news releases in history, it’s incredibly sad nonetheless. Oden was signed to a one-year deal this offseason, but this might mean he’ll be hard pressed to find a team next year. The Blazers have remained admirably loyal and supportive, but the once-promising center — who, we forget, averaged 11.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 24 minutes a game as a 22-year-old — might not get a shot to play again in Rip City.

For reaction from Blazers fans, visit Blazers Edge.

Oden’s most recent injuries have been on his left knee, but Blazers general manager Chad Buchanan told Blazers Edge that Oden may undergo a similar procedure on that knee as well, though that is “still to be determined.” The Blazers had previously announced that Oden had suffered a “setback” that caused them to be “hopeful, but less confident” that Oden will play this season.

Oden has played in just 82 of a possible 351 games in his NBA career after being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.