In New York Greg Oden‘s return to the court has been plagued with swelling of the knees after a scrimmage game threatened his attempt to avoid a season-ending surgery.
In a practice session in lower Manhattan on Wednesday, Oden sat in a chair with an ice pack on his left knee in an attempt to avoid any further swelling which could slow down his conditioning. The former No. 1 pick had to sit out as a precaution, but claims he’s getting in shape.
“I’m fine,” Oden said. “It’s been three years, three-and-a-half years for me, so a little bit of swelling … As long as there’s no surgery, I’m OK. It’s just taking its time. It’s going to be a long season, and I’m going to get there. It’s just one day.”
Oden hasn’t played in an NBA game since Dec 9, 2009 due to severe knee problems. Despite making great strides in practice and even contesting a couple of shots by teammate LeBron James at the basket, the swelling proves how difficult his comeback is going to be.
“I was hoping it didn’t [swell], but it did,” Oden said. “What can I do about it? The best thing I can do is get it back down and get back out there and figure out what I can do to get out there and not have it swell again.”
Not only are Oden’s injuries a big concern for him, he has to re-calibrate himself to a game that once came naturally.
“I’m just trying to get my timing back; when I’m out there, that’s what I think about,” he said. “I’m overthinking when I’m out there. Basketball is supposed to be, just play and flow into it. And to me it’s still getting back, trying to learn the plays still and figure out where I can and can’t be and try and figure out my teammates. I haven’t played with these guys before. That’s a big challenge too. The more I’m out there, the more I’m getting my timing back and getting my legs up under me and getting back to basketball.”
