According to Celtics' president of basketball operations Danny Ainge, "It was just a chance to get to know Greg a little better."
Oden, the number-one overall pick of the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2007 draft, has had trouble staying healthy during his time in the NBA. He has had 5 knee surgeries since the start of his career, and has only played one full season (82 games) over his five-season stint -- all coming with Portland -- in the league.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat have reportedly been the two favorites to sign the free-agent big man, with Miami being the overall favorite. But Boston has had its eye on Oden all along. It wasn't long ago when Celtics' nation hoped the lottery balls would bounce their way in the 2007 draft lottery with the aspiration of attaining the first or second overall pick in order to pick either Oden or fellow freshman phenom Kevin Durant. Oden and Durant were the first two freshman named to first-team All-Americans since 1990.
Funny how things turn out, isn't it?
If Boston is able to add Oden, it will be a move that is in the best interest of the team's future, not present. Oden has made clear that he is taking this season off and will attempt to restart his NBA career next season. The Celtics only have two centers under contract for the 2013-2014 season, the two being Kevin Garnett and Fab Melo, with the latter having made his NBA debut just last night. Acquiring Oden will give Boston added depth at the center spot, provided that he can stay on the floor.
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