Greg Oden Returns To The NBA And Lands A Contract With Miami Heat

The former No. 1 pick by the Portland Trail Blazers, Greg Oden, has chosen the two-time defending champion Miami Heat to make his comeback to the NBA, capping a monthlong recruiting process which culminated with Oden spending this entire week making his final selection from a list of six suitors that included San Antonio, Dallas, New Orleans, Sacramento and Atlanta.

Oden reached a two-year deal with the Heat, according to Mike Conley Sr., one of Oden's agents, who added that the basketball player accepted an offer worth about $1 million for this coming season and would have a player option for 2014-15.

The former Blazer said it was a "big deciding factor" that Heat officials made it clear to him that he "wouldn't be needed as much early in the season" as he works his way back from more than three years out of the league.

"When I had a conversation with Coach [Erik] Spoelstra and hearing how much he knew about the training stuff that I was already doing, it kind of made me feel like they know what's best for me," Oden said in a phone interview with CBS Sports.

"I'm not going to sit here and say I'm 100 percent," Oden added. "I am moving [well] and I am feeling good, but I have a lot of work to do."

Oden was the number one pick in 2007 draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, but missed the entire 2007-08 season after undergoing microfracture surgery on his right knee. He played in 61 games in 2008-09 and averaged 8.9 points and 7.0 rebounds.

However, new injuries early in the 2009-10 season prevented him from actually taking off. In his 21st game, Oden fractured his kneecap and missed the rest of the season. He hasn't played since.

Although he could've gotten more money with another team, Oden prefers to compete for championships, and the Heat now have a 7-footer to help them try for a third straight title.