Greg Oden: the next Bill Russell, the comeback story ... The Bust

[@SecretBaseSBN]

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

[@Donald38]

Why September 20?

[@erikbreathes]

​@@Donald38 because thats when the episodes run out, i presume

[@SecretBaseSBN]

@@Donald38 we made an 8 episode run so that's just where it wraps

[@JMillz512]

Best Sports channel on YT!!!

[@erikbreathes]

@@brucerobertson7437 they really didnt though

[@kentuckyfriedchildren5385]

That clip of Greg walking and getting asked by that old lady if he plays basketball and his reply "I used to" almost makes me cry every time I see it

[@matternst1442]

When he realizes that she asking him a question and how he answers is so genuine and sweet with a smile. Then his smile drops as he walks away.... I’m tearing up just thinking about it man lol

[@Deoece]

that's a cruel video man. hate the video maker and old lady for doing that to the big guy smh

[@VivaLaMono]

@@Deoece why

[@SamsterTH]

@@VivaLaMono If I had to guess, I'd say it's because Greg Oden is human and has feelings like everyone else on this planet. "Hate" is sorta a strong word, but the video was in pretty poor taste regardless

[@thomasdaniels6824]

@@SamsterTH Do you know the context of the video. That old lady had no clue who Greg was.

[@jennietsai1260]

Hearing about how Oden apologized to the GM and team after getting hurt is heartbreaking. He obviously cared so much

[@bandersnatchbigfootexplore549]

Oden should be the one to be apologized to. He gave it his all even when his body was not at all ready and still feel in awe every time I watch all his highlights from high school to his 2 or 3 years in nba.

[@mockingslur6945]

Of course he did. No one want’s to feel like they failed. Getting hurt is really a tough pill to swallow. At the time I was really surprised he was ranked higher than Durant after watching him in college.

[@Bigedub101]

@@mockingslur6945 I always wondered that too..I didn't watch as much college basketball by then but watched Oden and KD and always said Portland should have taken KD even tho was so slim

[@mockingslur6945]

@@Bigedub101 I am a Rocket’s and UT fan, and had never seen anyone do what KD did as a Freshman, so I knew what he was going to do at the Next Level. I got to watch a lot of NCAA game’s. When they did the One and Done thing, college basketball was actually watchable. When it was they had to be in the NCAA for 3 year’s was the best the NCAA was, and you were actually getting player’s that were going to change the franchise immediately. Not rebuilding for year’s at a time. KD was different bc he was tall and could hit just about everything that he shot, so everyone that played Texas knew he should have been Number 1 that draft, but the NCAA tournament used to be really good until 1997 when I believe player’s were about to be let into the league out of high school. That probably changed a lot of people’s live’s bc it was a real gamble at first. There was no g-league or college for those player’s. I think that if you don’t get drafted, you should be able to go back to college, or do whatever you want. Is it still 19 year’s old now? I know next year there’s a kid from France that is legitimately the consensus number 1 pick next year. If you haven’t seen him yet, then you read me say it. Lol

[@mockingslur6945]

@@Bigedub101 sorry that was so long

[@rustyshackleford010]

For anyone interested in where Oden is currently, he recently became Director of Basketball Operations for Butler University in his hometown of Indianapolis for his former college coach, Thad Matta.

[@tacosavings9751]

Also been sober for awhile. I think the guy's actually a low key success story.

[@AdpYTExplorer]

Hearing that he is succesful in his own way made me so glad. People with integrity like him deserve the best in life

[@Gunnafandom]

W

[@bkid0582]

That’s actually a W, he gets to stay around the game and use his experience to help young players, he might be a “bust” but I’d say he’s a fairly successful person

[@Hakeem990]

@@tacosavings9751 The brother is a decent man

[@aminislam5188]

It still surprises me that Secret Base can make content this good so consistently

[@scrungus483]

Fantastic journalism on all fronts, from investigation to presentation.

[@chinortega3]

Hats off

[@whoistylerdurden1652]

Literally every single video they bring out is incredibly substantial and great

[@DaileyShorts]

They are such pros

[@dfoleyusa]

Right? These guys are amazing at what they do

[@omarosman2247]

Such a sad story man. Greg's genuinely a great dude, can't help but feel sorry for all he's been thru

[@c87kim]

Good dudes don’t make it in the nba, only killers

[@busydoinnothinn]

yea, such a great dude that repeatedly punched his girlfriend in the face. great dude!

[@jasonallen3678]

Great ball player too, but just couldn't stay healthy..

[@superrookie-1]

@@busydoinnothinn tbh at that time he was going through a tough mental period, so I won't judge him for having a bad temper once or twice

[@330wiz7]

@@busydoinnothinn really bro? Did that hurt your precious little feelings when he allegedly punched his gf? 🤣

[@lpourmirza]

RIP Bill Russell, true legend of the game in every sense of the word

[@Thor-Orion]

The GOAT.

[@David-iv6je]

Loved Bill Russell. Did they really time this for today, when Russ died? That's...unfortunate.

[@CinoG2G]

@@David-iv6je pretty odd look tbh... why not incorporate any trending topics though ? 🙃

[@rykwon4535]

Bill Russell is alive, moron

[@outgrown3094]

Did not know he died til i saw this :/ wtf :(

[@LaMostraVia]

I’ve seen Oden at the playground in my neighborhood playing with his daughter quite a few times… Dudes a great dad and great person he talked to every single person that came up to him and even played with the kids.

[@houstonb3015]

He’s also a woman beater so…

[@burnintrees420]

Us Portland fans luved the guy too. Too bad our club had Pritchard, dude was as inept as they come!

[@cm9241]

Yeah he also punched his girlfriend in the face so

[@EyeLabPNiece]

Dude so trash he only plays with kids now lol probably a pedo too so his nba injuries was karma then

[@jacobyarmand13]

@@cm9241so has a million other people your point is what exactly

[@alexcalderon1017]

Oh boy this one’s gonna hurt, my first NBA game seeing live was seeing Greg Oden and Brandon Roy against the Knicks, they won on a Roy game winner.. what could’ve been

[@cjvaye99]

that team should of been a dynasty out west. they could of had a big 3 and all drafted players too.

[@antonchizhov4419]

I remember how hyped I got watching Greg throw down a vicious two-handed tomahawk in Summer League. He was incredibly athletic and quick and agile for a big man. That Portland team was so promising

[@seize3]

This is a one hell of a "first game ever" story

[@JWex-jy7sk]

I still have a Greg Oden bobblehead and thinking about getting myself a Greg Oden jersey too $11 I got his bobblehead for back in February and in new condition. Was always rooting for him in his early days on the Blazers and became a fan of that young core Portland started to develop in Oden, Roy, and Aldridge.

[@montblancnoland4034]

With Aldridge in the cut too dam

[@er_mu8336]

That video of him on a college campus, saying "he used to play basketball" on hidden camera and being sad after will forever be one of the saddest basketball videos ever

[@timholland2129]

kzbin.infoa3R_sAgbPW8?feature=share

[@thenumberquelve158]

I definitely stand with Kevin Durant on this one. Reminds me of Kijana Carter in football. Some guys are just dealt awful hands, they actually genuinely try but just.... get stopped once they start getting the ball rolling. I never consider the injured guys to be busts, only the guys who are either immature/uncoachable despite talent levels, or just press the off switch the minute they sign a huge contract. I particularly feel bad for Mr. Oden here, caught between valuing his health and wanting to appear strong/justify his #1 draft by playing more of a role on the team.

[@jdapaul1351]

I agree with you. I think the greatest #1 draft bust in modern NBA history is either Darko Miliçic or Anthony Bennett.

[@bradylewis1037]

Carter is a good take. When he finally got back to football he was always on a team for the preseason, and each year he'd rip off a run of at least 50 yards for a touchdown only to be cut. The talent was there, just couldn't stay on the field and then had the label on him.

[@kvltizt]

@@jdapaul1351 Bennett was way worse lol Darko became a serviceable role player and had a reasonably long career.

[@mockingslur6945]

@@jdapaul1351 Darko was a 2 pick.

[@weregretohio7728]

It never seemed fair to drop the bust label on someone who just has the bad luck of their body breaking down on them.

[@loganford1220]

Always saw Greg walking around OSU campus when he was finishing his degree. Nice dude, still rooting for him.

[@skippythealien9627]

It's awesome to see Greg Oden doing what he can to get by in life. He had some really rotten luck, but i'm happy to hear he's still trying his hardest

[@josephgreene4841]

Same he even dapped me up before a final exam

[@spartan4613]

He just got a coaching role with Butler! I've seen him around the city once or twice, I'm glad to see that he still hasn't given up on basketball.

[@just_gut]

I read an article some years back about how Phoenix's medical, training, and nutritional staff was incredibly important in that run they had with Steve Nash. The Trailblazers seem like the exact opposite. They've ruined so many promising careers.

[@CRneu]

Blazers have cleaned house on the medical team a few times. You can't really blame it on staff over 40 years. We just have terrible luck.

[@qwertyzxcvbn3174]

Portland is not why Oden got injured wtf are you talking about

[@TheCriminalViolin]

Yep. I keep thinking about this. Phoenix still is considered to have the very best state of the art training staff and facilities/equipment, and were the very first to have and use cryogenics as a healing and recovery tool. Portland at the same point in time clearly could not have had WORSE training staff, equipment and facilities. And something to make note of here - Portland still has the exact same training staff now as they did in 2010. That's not a joke. And looking season to season throughout this time frame league wide will clearly prove how terrible of training staff they still are.

[@verbfrombonsai8852]

@@qwertyzxcvbn3174 I mean correct, but the organization has a role in making sure they recover. Yao Ming and Steve Nash were very injury prone during their playing days but they remained serviceable and had long enough careers to become Hall of Famers. A proper rehab prevents players either from playing worse after an injury or getting injured more. But you do have a point that Oden is just prone to be hurt in the first place because of his height.

[@CRneu]

@@TheCriminalViolin your 2010 thing is just not true. Where are you getting this? The entire blazer medical staff has been turned over since 2018.

[@TheTroystreet]

I never thought of him as a bust he was just unlucky and got injured. I think it’s unfair to say someone is a bust when they can’t stay healthy

[@cjezinne]

Unlucky. But still a bust

[@jbbrolic]

I look at him differently than most "busts" because it wasn't due to horrible attitude, ego, bad work ethic, drug use etc. It was no fault of his own which in most of these situations is not the case.

[@b00biejingles]

By definition he was indeed a bust. There's different categories of them: The one's that sucked and were possibly overhyped, the one's that had the talent and threw it away due to personal issues and the injury stricken which is where Oden falls. Not to mention he was a #1 overall pick so that only helps the argument. Is it unfair? Absolutely but for Portland to invest into him and get little to nothing in return would give him the bust label.

[@JustCallMeEss]

I agree, injures are apart of the game and it happens but Greg legit had his career taken away because of them. He didn’t really get a chance to live up to the hype so he can’t be considered a bust.

[@olamideolanrewaju6581]

Exactly Hasheem Thabeet, Oluwakandi Darko and Anthony Bennett are true busts. They stayed healthy but just weren’t good enough. Oden had talent. Maybe not as much as Durant but for sure a ton of it in his brief time.

[@mvpandrew93]

*From a Michigan man, his career was just unlucky chance after another. Much respect for the man he is today. He never walked away from basketball even though the sport tried leaving him.*

[@PapaEli-pz8ff]

The NBA is a business! I don't doubt that he is a good dude. His career started out on a bad note.. it was a huge gamble on a player the league didn't know enough about health wise. He is not a victim.

[@TheWolfInNerdKlothing]

Portland had LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy and Greg Oden...and fate said - "Nah. You gets nothing." That's crazy. PRISM going to be great.

[@imbigful]

damn, this hurts, Oden helped inspire my love for Buckeye basketball, he's such a class act too. Also RIP Bill Russell

[@MoralesCorner]

It may sound weird but, given how hard he kept trying to recover after so many injuries, Greg Oden is a certified legend to me.

[@billblaski9523]

I mean the one season at Ohio State, they went all the way to National Championship. Got whupped, but he'll always be loved in Columbus

[@CharlieKellyEsq]

I watched this dude at ohio state. I went there when he was a freshman. He was an absolute joy to watch, the most dominant player on any court, and it wasn't even close. I was so sad for him with all of the injuries

[@abrosenberry]

Oden absolutely owned Noah and Horford in the title game, he was completely dominant. If only his teammates could've hit a few damn 3s...

[@jeremykrause153]

I don’t really watch a lot of college basketball but I did watch Ohio state a lot that year and he most definitely was a man among boys.

[@Seagodd]

I was at Greg oden’s last game as a kid, I still remember some of the crowd heckling him and yelling for him to get up…poor guy. Dude was going to be the most dominant player in the league no doubt about it

[@stevensamuels5212]

I feel so bad for this dude because so rarely do u see a player really say sorry for getting injured. Dude really just wanted to play and he understood how frustrating it was to the fans and his teammates that he couldn’t. I feel like a lot of people can relate to that.

[@mathlover5k]

Add Bill Russell to the title... Right in the feels, SB

[@retro_retro_retro]

Can’t wait for more of this new series, it looks great so far!

[@Godzeller3143]

My dad is the Assistant AD at the High School Oden and Conley went to. I was present at all three state championships. I saw him as a young kid and was in awe. He was powerful and quick. So insane to see this covered. This video did a really good job of capturing what I remember he was like.

[@johndebono1870]

The more you hear about what a good dude Oden is, the more it breaks my heart that injuries and mental health completely derailed his career. If he had the good fortune of of being born a decade later, he probably has an Embiid-esque career.

[@geezushasrisen]

Brandon Roy gotta be the next one after this. Him and Roy pretty much faded out the league at the same time while playing for the same franchise at the same time with eerily the same type of injuries.

[@joshg1529]

When if they both weren’t dealt a terrible hand they could’ve been a force for a decade.

[@joshlewis575]

That micro fracture knee surgery ain't no joke. Rarely see anyone ever come back from those, let alone multiples like those 2 did. Brandon Roy is one of my top 5 favorite players, dude was so clutch. He is one of the biggest what ifs in sports, injuries suck

[@Wallyworld30]

@@joshlewis575 Chicago Bears WR first round pick in 2015 Draft (#7 overall) sustained a mircrofracture in his leg during Summer Camp before his Rookie Season. He had to sit out his entire Rookie season and when he finally cameback the next Season he was only able to play 4 games before getting injured again. In is entire 5 year career he only played in 23 games and never scored a single touchdown. He was picked only 3 picks after Amari Cooper. I'm a Packers Fan and I hate the Bears but I never want to see these men especially Rookies having career cut short due to injury.

[@ethans8719]

Roy’s degenerative knee stuff dated back to his college days. It’s why he fell to 7 in the draft.

[@eddietran5803]

i dont think so Roy at least made a couple all star games in his career

[@MickeyKraut419]

Thanks for making this video and telling Greg's story. Oden has always had tremendous respect and sympathy from Ohio State fans throughout his career. In a city like Columbus that has such a communal vibe to it, folks take notice of how people carry themselves. Folks I know that had classes with him always thought well of him as a person and comment about how humble, thoughtful, and kind he is. His teammates at Ohio State spoke highly of his work ethic, his demeanor, and his love of the game. Buckeye nation loved that he worked hard, and cared about the team winning above having a great stat line. On the court he was a tier above in college... and if he'd have been able to stay healthy he would have enjoyed a lot of success in the NBA, too. I have full confidence in that. His story isn't one of a player that just didn't have the drive or potential to succeed, but one of someone who was unfortunately mired by serious injuries. It was great to see him back with the Buckeyes when he returned to Columbus to finish his degree and work on Thad Matta's staff. And I'm happy for him that he has reunited with Thad at Butler. He's faced more than a fair share of struggles in his life, and done some things wrong, but he has always owned his actions and held himself accountable to them. Despite his career being so short and playing time so sparse in the NBA, I look at Oden's story and journey as a success. Who cares if his career never had a chance to fully blossom in the NBA as a player? He has endured all that adversity and found a path in life where he still is involved in with something he has genuine passion for, working alongside a great mentor and friend in Thad Matta. Sometimes plans go off the rails, but you have to keep moving forward to find peace and happiness in life, and I think Oden is doing just that.

[@IndieGamerChick]

On draft night in 2007, my Mom thought Greg Oden was Greg Oden's father. That says it all about him.

[@byufan]

I was a freshman in high school when Greg Oden was at Ohio State. I really thought he would be the next great big man in the NBA but injuries robbed us of that. Wherever Greg is, I hope he’s doing okay.

[@spartan4613]

This year he actually got a coaching role at Butler in Indianapolis with Thad Matta's staff. I've seen him around the city a couple of times already, kinda cool to see him back home.

[@stevenlharris]

sorry for your loss

[@billblaski9523]

​@@stevenlharristhank you

[@bangaamen501]

You guys always put out bangers, rather beef or introspectives. Love it. I'm here for Prism. 🏆🙏🏿👑

[@skippythealien9627]

I remember thinking nothing was going to top Beef History...and then came Collapse. I thought nothing was going to top Collapse...and then came the Deep Dive into the Seattle Mariners. Hands down the best sports documentary i have ever seen in my life The content that SB puts out is incredible

[@bangaamen501]

@@skippythealien9627 they never cease to amaze me

[@EbonAvatar]

How different would our opinions of Oden be if Durant was also a bust, or at least, only became a role player? I think the Durant comparison is what really made Oden feel like such a bust, which isn't fair to him

[@wephilips6651]

Why/how? Genuinely asking. I thought oden was a bust entirely due to injury and not playing so I don’t understand how Durant is relevant?

[@TheFloorman100]

​@@wephilips6651 He was taken as the first pick over Durant. That Durant turned into a superstar and he turned into a bust is why the comparisons sting so much.

[@EbonAvatar]

@@wephilips6651 Compare Oden to another all-time 1st overall pick draft bust: Anthony Bennett in 2014. That was a terrible pick but if you look at the top of that draft there were a lot of bad picks, or at least high picks that turned into role players, not superstars. We don't get a genuine superstar in that draft until Giannis at pick 15. Thus Bennett doesn't (to me at least) FEEL like as much of a bust as Oden, because the whole top of that draft was weak. Whereas Oden not only didn't live up to the hype, he was also taken one spot above a future Hall of Famer, a Hall of Famer who was also very good right away. So that's what I'm getting at. Without Kevin Durant Oden would not feel like as much of a bust as he does.

[@titankiller5287]

Not true, it’s sad but oden played like 100 games total in the nba, that’s a bust dude, don’t have to compare him to anyone else to be disappointed in that, for example, the Anthony bennet draft was garbage, and he’s still one of the worst/biggest busts of all time

[@EbonAvatar]

@@titankiller5287 don't get me wrong I'm not saying Oden isn't a bust all on his own. He definitely is. My point is just that he feels like even more of a bust because of Durant. Would Sam Bowie feel like as much of a bust as he does if Jordan wasn't taken right behind him?

[@b-bone7562]

I met him at a restaurant in DC this past spring. Super nice guy, really humble, and took the time to speak to so many different people in the restaurant that night. Great guy and I wish he got the chance to really show who he was

[@apocobring]

I loved this. This was presented in such a heartfelt manner. I really appreciate the time and respect that y'all gave this. This is what I've always wanted sports journalism to be.

[@BigSmile91jm]

I remember watching his first game against the Lakers and even that small bit showed me enough to believe this guy would be a special player. In another universe his injuries don't pile up and he could have a hof career.

[@dreamcatcha]

As a Trail Blazers fan, I can’t say I’ve ever been as excited than after drafting Oden to play with LA & Roy. I still find myself playing the “What-If” in my head if he didn’t get hurt

[@mockingslur6945]

As a Rocket’s fan I never understood their need for a big men over 2 hof’s. Even Bobby Knight tried to tell the Trailblazers to take Jordan after what they had just seen. Did you know they almost traded that pick to Houston for Sampson and The Rocket’s could have either got Jordan or Clyde with Hakeem. Crazy to think of that combo playing their career’s together. Next year I believe will be one of the only year’s since Lebron that there will be a consensus number 1 pick.

[@gamechanger114]

Literally, the moment I became a Blazers fan lol. I watched some of his HS games and followed all the games in college he played with a cast on his dominant hand, shot free-throws with his off-hand and still dominated all year. After getting drafted by the Blazers I discovered Brandon Roy and LA and had high hopes. BRoy became my favorite player at that time.

[@undergrounddojokeyboardcag701]

I remember arguing with Blazers fans about taking Oden over KD. I always felt it was stupid to pass up on KD and to this day i have no idea why the Blazers did. But on the old ESPN boards Blazers fans used to call me an undercover Sonics fan who was trying to convince them to vote for KD over Oden because as a Sonics fan i wanted Oden. Despite the fact that i was able to explain, IMO very rationally and correctly, why Oden was a bad pick. At the time we didnt have a professional team and i was just a general NBA fan. Hell, if i was a fan of any team at that time it would have been the Baby Bulls, Suns and Pacers. But then ironically we got a team in Oklahoma. Anyway, I remember the only reason Blazers fans used to give as to why they had to take Oden was "because a big man talent like that only comes around once a decade". Which i thought was one of the dumbest, know-nothing reasons anyone could give that was proven to be inaccurate in their own example.

[@mockingslur6945]

@@undergrounddojokeyboardcag701 the kid that’s coming from France next year is probably the the biggest prospect to come out since Lebron, and as far as big men, maybe since Shaq. He is legit.

[@misterx6276]

Shaq and Penny connection is what mightve been.

[@janellemaynait]

He's the reason why I can't call him a bust injuries destroyed his career before it started

[@nolanhartman9046]

Oden seems like a genuinely kind man. It’s sad to see all the hardships he was dealt

[@jkmusingss]

Heartbreaking story, honestly. Really shows, again, how lucky you need to be to truly succeed as a professional athlete. Injuries, teams you play for, coaches, it's all just as important as talent. Great video as always.

[@PIEMAN106]

Great video as usual! The only thing I feel was missing from Oden's story was the fact that legs were different lengths. Portland, being suspicious, then gave Oden shoes with insoles that fixed the length difference. However, it was only after joining Portland that he had knee injuries, making the Blazers seem more at fault for his injuries.

[@mattchamberlain1466]

First off, have to say, great video. Appreciate the dynamite work. I do take umbrage at a couple points. Allowing Greg Oden's feelings to cover over the much more clear busts in NBA is unfair. He was great and would have been greater if he hadn't been injured. There are many other high picks(don't want to be crass and name names) that failed harder. I would also like to say that alcoholism isn't often a choice, and dropping that blame on an injured man who lost someone close to them is more than a little insensitive. We could all work to do better in realizing that alcohol dependence is a deep and troubling addiction that requires support and understanding. All that being said, I enjoyed the video and SB's output, but wanted to air a couple issues that could be covered more compassionately.

[@whitechocalte532]

Oden and Conley played hs ball 15 minutes from where I live, I was pretty young and they were Gods in Indianapolis. It always makes me so sad how Greg’s career turned out because he had what it took his body just couldn’t comply

[@eriklakeland3857]

Great era for basketball talent coming out of Indy.

[@cheetolics]

I feel every new NBA player should watch this at training camp. Great job as always guys! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@poseidonson13]

Loved this video, and super excited for this series! So much of sports media can get caught up in analyzing stats or scrutinizing achievements like championships, to where it's easy to forget the people who are actually out there, playing the games themselves.

[@kgramckow]

Great episode, pumped for the rest of the series. Really appreciate the personal and introspective framing.

[@Whereyahidin]

I would love to see a prism episode on a guy like Lettrell Sprewell.

[@patrickrees7641]

Fantastic idea for a series and love the introspective approach. Always felt Greg Oden was unfairly judged and this video does a wonderful job of articulating why the labels were unjust. Looking forward to the rest of this series

[@samhhhhh]

The wait was worth it, great first ep. Thanks for your passion and dedication SB

[@rjhaney2614]

This might be the best thing Joe has done at SB and he has put out some bangers.

[@somethingnooneused]

Really wish he would have went on to become an all time NBA great. It would have been nice to see a former Buckeye be a top player in the NBA for many years!

[@mockingslur6945]

When this happened I didn’t have much empathy for him, but at 38 after having a hip replacement, I can understand this young man’s frustration. I was a Durant fan when he came out of college, but I know from experience injuries are tough. They can effect the rest of your life not just physically, but mentally as well

[@MetalGod999]

Congratulations, Secret Base, on your new series, Prism! Man, I’m looking forward to seeing all the good stuff you’re planning on showing for the next few weeks. Keep up the great work! 👍👍

[@Whyzee12]

Hard not to at least tear up watching this video. Sports just aren’t fair man. They’re brutal

[@92domo92domo]

If Oden knew about Anthony Bennett he wouldve been the greatest center in NBA History

[@shawnsbrooks]

Dear Secret Base, You're great. You transcend sport media. You're doing a so many things better than the 30 for 30's have even come close to. Your formats are completely unique, the editing is beautiful, the storytelling is sincerely unparalleled (in terms of sports stories) and the personalities of the presenters/hosts(?) make it fun. Many layers to love. Been a fan since the beginning. You guys are great.

[@MFPLATYPUS]

As a Blazer fan I won't deny the "what if" with Oden makes me sad. He's a good man, and I hope he's happy these days.

[@ossiencadwallourien-modred447]

I see this guy every year at the NABC convention at the Final Four. No one ever hounds him for autographs or pictures. I've seen him walk around the airport as if he weren't the former #1 overall pick with one of the single greatest college seasons of all time. Such a humble guy who is still leaving a huge imprint on the game of basketball. We'll be hearing his name for many years to come. Great guy.

[@theahearn2658]

I used to have a Greg Oden Jersey and I loved watching him playing college. He is one of the biggest what ifs of basketball and I think if his legs were able to stay strong and he didn't injure them all the time he could have been one of the most dominant centers we have ever seen.

[@satanspit4101]

You are homophobic. Bigot.

[@matthewfletcher7710]

Growing up in Portland, and being a 10 year old when Oden was drafted; I cannot tell you the hype, hope, hate, and now hurt that swirl around this man's name -still, even- because of how his time in PDX turned out. I think the Portland Big 3 in B-Roy, L-Train, and Oden are the biggest what-if in sports history.

[@torachan23]

I always feel bad for athletes who end up as "busts", especially as a result of injuries. To have so much talent and drive, only to be failed by things beyond your control, is heartbreaking.

[@alexherrmann1489]

This should prove to be another great series, keep up the good work and excellent content!

[@TheSportsfansSam]

As a Blazer fan you gotta give 70% of the blame to the organization. They were and always have been completely incompetent from top to bottom. Their medical staff was the worst in the league. Not just for Oden and B-Roy but the entire team. If they were in a bigger market if shared a city with another pro franchise people would riot.

[@jamvan1000]

A franchise with an incompletent medical staff is always doomed. It took the Bucks passing on Steph Curry, because of an incorrect diagnosis for them to clear house and fix it. They wouldn't have a championship if they didn't

[@shaundrahammond3282]

They do. The Timbers. They have a bigger fanbase and they've won multiple chips recently

[@TheSportsfansSam]

@@shaundrahammond3282 soccer is great but the MLS is not recognized of one of the major sports leagues in the US so my statement remains true.

[@shaundrahammond3282]

@@TheSportsfansSam There are more Timbers fans in the city than Blazers fans.

[@ethans8719]

@@shaundrahammond3282 yea that’s not true

[@geno8246]

Just saw Greg a Week ago!! Dude literally pulled up beside me while I was pumping gas!! Extremely cool, and let me get a picture with him. He says he still hoops to stay in good shape! 💪🏾💯

[@dazedapparition7845]

I remember him in college. Everyone mentioned how old he looked for his age. I thought he had some type of aging thing going on and couldn't be good against a grueling physical NBA for his body. He Def had skill but I didn't think his body was going to hold up. I didn't think it would happen that fast. Great guy that the NBA needed more of.

[@corybarrett2394]

I remember that too. In an interview, Oden talked about some of the comments, saying one his favorites was when he was asked "what was it like fighting in World War II?" That still makes me chuckle.

[@brandongordon2392]

Greg Oden deserved so much better. He’s not a bust… I stand by this immensely.

[@giopamplona5866]

Secret Base always, ALWAYS delivers. amazing work as always guys

[@froggoman8275]

I love this channel’s drive to consistently make entertaining and original content.

[@ethans8719]

I always found it interesting how oden had uneven leg lengths and it was never an issue but when they tried to even it out and fix his gait the injury’s started

[@johndavidson1877]

Heartbreaking. Truly someone who deserved success and did everything in his power and then some to achieve it, but life just didn’t go his way. Hope to see him smiling while he coaches this year

[@pitongus]

The man was a beast when on the court. He got hurt. He doesn't deserve to be called a bust.

[@petchiropractor9713]

This series is about to repeatedly break my heart 💔

[@DawryMike]

Great episode excited to see what's next.

[@LgnSknks541]

I was a DJ in Portland Strip Clubs during Odens time in Portland. He came in to our club a handful of times, and he was always an insanely polite and cool dude. I always got the feeling that he didn't want to be "out", but his "friends" wanted to show off who they were hanging out with.

[@danielcasteel3426]

As an Ohio native, this literally hurt my heart watching this. Greg Oden was unfairly cursed by the basketball Gods in such cruel ways.

[@maxiglasmacher910]

this almost made me cry

[@ripcity503]

That stat you said and I also see it on twitter all the time about oden, Roy, and Aldridge playing playing 62 games together and 52-10 is not accurate. They played 76 games together with a 51-25 record.

[@RequiemForABuckeye]

Wrong

[@brandonaschoff3516]

This is the best channel on KZbin. Thanks for another great story, guys.

[@JonStark117]

*It’s really sad to see what happened to Greg Oden…He had ALL the potential in the world. His effort and drive was never in question. I remember watching him shoot free throws with his left hand at Ohio State when he injured his right hand. I STILL think he would’ve been one of the all time greats had he never dealt with those career injuries. Praying he’s living a happy and successful life.*

[@TexasDragon]

My god, you truly wish men with a heart like his could actually get put in a better body with a better organization

[@JeepersCreepers12]

This series has so much potential, looking forward to more.

[@nassorcooper]

The Blazers notoriously selected Sam Bowie one spot before famed Space Jam actor Michael Jordan. Gold.

[@jeffclassic7205]

I think Oden would’ve been an amazing player, never thought he was a bust. He definitely had the talent and drive but his body just wouldn’t work with him. Hope he’s doing well man, awesome guy

[@dfoleyusa]

This was very good. Lots of things I previously didn’t know about Greg. We often forget as fans that at the end of the day athletes are human just like us. Oden clearly cared a lot about performing but circumstance, some of it beyond his control, conspired to keep him from ever realizing any sort of potential. Like the excellent narrator stated at the beginning a simple label like ‘bust’ does not fully define Greg Oden - it’s way more nuanced than that.

[@49cent19]

For the love of God please make a video about the beef between Muhammed Ali and Joe Frazier.

[@dontatme1290]

Another great series idea. I never miss a video. Even subject matter I don’t have a passion for is gripping.

[@mikeybarboza3086]

I feel bad for this man, I had multiple knee injuries end my NFL dreams in college. I can't imagine getting to actually reach your dream and have it stolen from you especially over something you have no control over like injuries.

[@nickk4057]

I think people often forget that pro athletes are people just like us. And I think any of us would struggle the way Oden did other those circumstances, if you were constantly getting injured and were feeling like you are disappointing the fans, you are not gonna be able to play your game. Feel bad for Oden and I hope his post basketball career has been good! Great video bro 🔥

[@relioabi7044]

I feel for the man. Greg Oden was a great big man. Possibly hall of fame level potential. But his body gave up on him.

[@LtNduati]

Even with 1.24 million subs, Secret Base has to be one of the most underrated sports based creators on the internet. Always something interesting and great quality too!

[@its_gera1210]

Oden was amazing when he was on the NBA court he was literally a top ten player in his position when he did play Portland was crushing the competition when they had Roy, Aldridge, and Oden on the floor at the same time if I’m being honest the biggest bust ever is truly Anthony Bennet!!

[@MrCrisisZ]

I ran into Greg Oden in Hawaii back in 2012 he was such a tall monster I couldn't believe when I realized he was actually younger than me. This was when his career was almost over.. poor guy. Sad that he had some many knee injuries never got to have the career he could have reminds me of penny hardaways career being cut off

[@lanalex4826]

How are people still calling him the biggest bust ever after Anthony Bennett came and went from the league

[@mrfake675]

Oden was a bigger name. More potential

[@parkercronin3774]

Very thoughtful video, hope we get more in the series like it. Well done, Mr. Ali.

[@zaynmcadams194]

I don't know if anyone remembers this. But back in the day, a few weeks or maybe a month after Oden got drafted, there was a segment on NBA TV where Oden sat down in a room with some of the greatest centers in NBA history. Bill Russell was there, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and a few others I cant remember. Till this day, I can't find this footage anywhere. There was a main interviewer who sparked up the conversation between the all time greats and Oden. The only thing I remember from the interview is when Greg said: "I'm kind of starstruck right now in the presence of legends. I feel like I don't even belong here." It just blows my mind that looking back, even before Oden did anything on an NBA basketball court, they had him sat down with legends as if he was a for sure thing in the NBA to be the next Bill Russell or something. I doubt the NBA will ever release this footage from the vault. 😂😂

[@terry2cool26]

Wishing Greg nothing but good health and happiness. A great stand up dude.

[@seanduffy1420]

RIP Bill Russell

[@WarioSaysSo]

Can't help but feel sorry for Greg Oden. He was an enormous big-man tallent with good development potentials who could have had a fine professional basketball career. Sadly his own body seemed to want to subvert every which way. His right hand, his feet and his knees, oh the poor guy's knees never gave him a break. It is a great shame injuries turned him from a great prospect into just “the guy taken right before Keven Durant”. A lot of people call Oden a bust, but when your own anatomy fails you at the scale like his did, I really don’t think that’s at all a fair argument. Glad he finished college and is still around with basketball. He suffered a lot from his inner demons.

[@214Vontae]

It's tough when injuries are really the only thing stopping you from having a great career

[@tbow13gbr22]

The thing that hurts looking back at Oden is that we’ve now seen a guy like Joel Embiid miss two full seasons with injury, then end up developing into an MVP. It’s tough not to think that if Oden had been drafted to a better organization and been given the time he needed to get better, maybe things would’ve turned out differently.

[@mattr27]

Even without the injuries, he was never going to live up to the massive expectations that were placed on him. He had a limited offensive game, Durant was always going to be better. No disrespect to Oden though, he didn't deserve those injuries and he still would've been an above average player.

[@richmckee8868]

Oden's right hand (his scoring hand) was broken his entire freshman year at OSU until the championship game. He played left handed and still dominated college ball.