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02:49 PM ET 01.10 | According to a report by ESPN.com, former Portland Trail Blazer and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft Greg Oden is planning on returning to the game as early as the 2013-14 regular season. Oden had his third microfracture surgery (his left knee) back in February 2012. Over the course of three full seasons in Portland, Oden played in just 82 games, which equals out to just one full season. He averaged 9.7 points and 7.3 rebounds over that span. Oden hasn't played since Dec. 5, 2009. The Miami Heat appear to be the favorites to sign Oden once he returns. Miami recently cleared up a few roster spots by releasing guard Terrel Harris and forward Josh Harrellson, although they recently re-signed Harrellson. The team could essentially sign Oden and keep him on the roster until he finishes his rehab. Miami is currently tied in to over $80 million in salary for next season, and that number could dramatically rise with the new luxury tax kicking in. The Heat are also $14 million over the threshold for this year as well. Even at the minimum, signing Oden could be a risky move, and that doesn't even take into account his numerous injuries that have kept him out of action all this time. With the Heat's struggles to rebound the basketball (39.0 a game, 29th in the NBA) as of late, GM Pat Riley is truly trying to pull a rabbit out of his hat with hopes that (over time) a guy like Oden could help improve the team's deficiencies in that department. Is he worth the risk?

Greg Oden, Getty Images/ Sam Forencich

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January 10, 2013 10:03 PM ET

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Why not ???

I hope nothing but the best for Greg Oden......

Mickey Bad Arse

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January 10, 2013 10:12 PM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 10:03 PM ET 01.10 by Mickey Bad Arse

Why not ??? I hope nothing but the best for Greg Oden......

You just like anyone that looks older than you.

Onion

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January 10, 2013 10:14 PM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 10:12 PM ET 01.10 by Onion

You just like anyone that looks older than you.

Dude does look pretty old........

Mickey Bad Arse

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January 10, 2013 10:16 PM ET

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He makes Aunt Esther look young

Onion

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January 10, 2013 10:17 PM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 10:16 PM ET 01.10 by Onion

He makes Aunt Esther look young

Fred is an old fish eyed fool !!!!!!!!!!

Mickey Bad Arse

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January 10, 2013 10:25 PM ET

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Night, have to get up at 5:30 to take my son to the Chiropractor. Has a competition next week in Chicago and he's hurt his shoulder.

Onion

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January 10, 2013 10:27 PM ET

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QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 10:25 PM ET 01.10 by Onion

Night, have to get up at 5:30 to take my son to the Chiropractor. Has a competition next week in Chicago and he's hurt his shoulder.

Later man....Best wishes to your son.....

Mickey Bad Arse

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January 11, 2013 08:15 AM ET

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Why not? Oden will never be the player he was projected to be when he entered the NBA after all those surgeries but he may have gotten to a place where he can maintain some sort of consistency and be a productive backup. I believe where you get into trouble if your the Heat is expecting too much from him if he begins to show some promise. Are you thinking about the possibilities of a reinjury; if he's reinjuried then he's signed at the minimum level and his contract goes away.