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Greg Oden has played 82 games in parts of two NBA seasons. He hasn't so much as suited up for a game since 2009. But that hasn't stopped teams from being interested in securing the former number one overall pick's services for the upcoming season.
But it's looking more and more like it won't be the Cavaliers who get to be a part of the Oden comeback.
Marc Stein of ESPN is reporting that the Spurs and Heat have pulled "slightly ahead" of the Cavaliers in the race for his services.
Evolving list for Oden given complexities of his comeback, but one source close to situation contends Spurs and Heat slightly ahead of Cavs
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 2, 2013
It would be a fantastic story if the prodigal son of Ohio State fame returned to the state that helped make him the number one overall pick in 2007. Having said that, I can't really blame him for wanting to take a chance on the Heat or Spurs. Even the most remote possibility of a healthy Oden on the Heat is enough to scare the bejeezus out of the rest of the Eastern Conference. Plus with the Spurs looking at the departure of Tiago Splitter, Oden could help fill that void creating something of a dueling defensive towers situation with Tim Duncan.
Health is always going to be the biggest question with Oden. If he can stay on the court, I still have faith he can be a double-double guy in the NBA. But this is probably his last chance to do it. Regardless of whether he signs with the Cavaliers or not, I know I'll be rooting for him.