Hindsight is 20/20. As the NBA continues to evolve, it becomes easier and easier to dub Greg Oden as the biggest bust in league history. Being drafted one spot before Kevin Durant certainly doesn’t help but is it fair to label Oden as a bust if he never had the chance to properly succeed?
In our new series ‘Prism’ we aim to tackle the public perception of iconic athletes and sports personalities, in an effort to better understand the person, where that perception came from, and what other aspects of their history it overlooks. In the case of Greg Oden, he’s consistently labeled as one of the biggest busts in the history of the NBA. Athletes typically fit this description when they fail to meet a certain level of expectations but Oden’s case is unique. To fully understand why Oden is perceived this way, we have to remember his extreme potential, how the NBA operated before he was drafted, and distinguish why not all busts are the same.
Written and produced by: Joe Ali
Directed by: Ryan Simmons
Art direction by: Michael Das
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welcome to Prism y'all, we're really excited to finally share this with you. we'll have a new episode every Tuesday between now and September 20th, so keep an eye out and we'll see you soon
As an Ohio native, this literally hurt my heart watching this. Greg Oden was unfairly cursed by the basketball Gods in such cruel ways.
The mental health aspect is often overlooked, so thank you for shining a light on it, too.
Kofi has the voice of a cold fart
he looked 30 when he was drafted
No sympathy whatsoever. Drinking alcohol alters recovery too. He had literally millions of dollars. He could have sought counseling on his own.
Being A lifelong Pacer fan and all the injuries I've had to endure while players make multi million dollars watching in street clothes has made me way less empathetic. All the players in the late 80s and 90s would play 82 games A year. I'm sorry my tolerance is completely gone for players that are always injured ESPECIALLY after a multi million dollar pay day.
Just feel bad
Decribing mj as the space jam actor 😭
Sad….. He couldn't help getting hurt
Jesus Christ is love ❤
its why the label exists
Oden may be a bust because of injuries but he tried. Without a doubt, the biggest bust is Anthony Bennett. He didn’t try at all.
I met Oden when he was in HS. Genuinely a quiet guy and humble, too. Very kind guy.
Goddamn what a sad story, poor guy.
Damn, he should’ve had knee pads for those shoty knees.
Fleeced the Blazers tho
He lived where I live (Columbus) after he was out of the league. I worked liquor last summer and he came to my store and bought something. Biggest guy I've ever seen in person, at least that close because he was like a foot away from me. He completely cleared the glass COVID barrier lol. I didn't bother him because I assumed he was just trying to be in and out. I looked at my coworker right after he left and I said "did you know who that guy was?" he responded no, I then asked him if he knew who Kevin Durant was. Which he of course said yes to. I then told him that guy I just rang up was the #1 pick in the NBA draft higher than KD his mind was blown.
Grew up in Indiana. My high school team went to semi-state, 2A, in 2005. We lost but stuck around because Oden was playing same arena. I was just a dumb kid sticking my hand out for a high five and he gave me one, with some other kids. Dude was a great guy and didn't let that hype get to his head. Always makes me sad what happened to him.
I never considered him a bust. He’s in that same category of players like D Rose and Grant Hill and Penny. Promising guys cut down too soon by injuries. The “what if?” of the NBA.
It's tough when injuries are really the only thing stopping you from having a great career