Greg

Oden

It’s just a procedural move. Oden is out for the year -- and maybe his career -- due to his well-documented knee woes. He was going to be an unrestricted free agent after the season anyway and will be hoping an NBA team is willing to take a shot on damaged upside.

Oden underwent the third microfracture procedure of his career on Monday. Considering he’s currently on a one-year contract, there’s a good chance the Blazers release the former No. 1 overall pick to free up a roster spot. Although neither the Blazers nor Oden will say it, it’s possible we never see him on an NBA court again.

Oden had some minor blood clots in his left ankle that delayed the date of this surgery. The goal of Monday’s procedure is to remove debris from his knee. Oden is not expected to play this season and has appeared in just 82 total games since going No. 1 overall in 2007.

Oden was scheduled to have a mere arthroscopic procedure to clean out debris. But when doctors got inside, the found more damage and determined that another microfracture was needed. It’s the third microfracture of his career. The Blazers have already admitted that this is a “significant setback” and that he’ll miss the entire season. Oden’s NBA career is in serious jeopardy. He’s played in just 82 total games.

No surprise here. Oden will be an unrestricted free agent after the season and will be in search of a fresh start. It remains to be seen if he’ll ever play in the NBA again after undergoing the third microfracture surgery of his career in February.

Follow the link for a fascinating and honest interview with Oden, in which he admits that during his second season with the Trail Blazers he “pretty much became an alcoholic.” His best friend died in a car accident while Oden was in college and he’s been dealing with the aftermath ever since, while navigating three microfracture knee surgeries, a nude picture scandal, impossible expectations and a franchise that apparently wasn’t very supportive. Again, follow the link for the full tale.

Oden has been on crutches since his February 20th procedure and is expected to remain on them for another five weeks. Oden will be an unrestricted free agent if he clears waivers Saturday and has expressed interest in playing for his hometown Indiana Pacers after he recovers.

This is the first target date we’ve gotten on Oden in over a year, which is very encouraging news. We won’t know how healthy he is for a few more weeks, but he remains a viable sleeper candidate by the off chance that he stays healthy this season.

Oden had the right knee surgery a couple weeks ago, but the left side procedure has been delayed by “minor” blood clots in his left ankle. “Still kind of up in the air on a date,” acting GM Chad Buchanan said. “Nothing is set in stone on when they are going to go in and work on his left knee at this point.” Oden already has two left knee surgeries on his resume since 2009.

Buchanan says that Oden is “kind of taking the next step in his rehab” by doing work on the court, adding that “We hope (he’ll play) but there’s no guarantees at this point.” The oft-injured big man could be worth a roster spot in deeper formats, but it’s tough to justify using a bench spot on him in standard leagues.