Greg Oden-from first drafted to unemployed alcoholic

[bbtds]

http://www.indystar.com/article/20120509/SPORTS04/120509041/Greg-Oden-says-he-pretty-much-became-an-alcoholic-during-second-NBA-season-?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Sports

Do you think that Ohio State would offer him a free education since he brought them so much revenue over his freshman year?

Seems like a great argument for not leaving school early or gambling so much on your future.

[KL31NY]

Mark Titus (nice nod for Club Trillion) with a great perspective on Oden and great story to read.

[Valpo89]

You have to read the full article on grantland.com instead of these few paragraphs from The Star.

[bbtds]

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7908766/a-rare-interview-former-no-1-overall-pick-greg-oden-injury-plagued-career

[bbtds]

After reading the whole story I think you are certainly correct that a lot was left out in the few paragraphs in the Indy Star story. I would say that Oden could actually benefit from some time spent with Mike Conley Jr. or IUPUI grad, George Hill. Both Memphis and especially the Indiana Pacers would be good places for Oden if he is able to rehab and get himself NBA ready. Yes, the Grizzlies have Gasol and the Pacers have Hibbert but maybe a bench role in an environment that would appreciate where he is coming from and in the Pacers case, hometown love, would help Greg get over all the "bad" and sometimes deserved luck he has had. Then if there is a return to form then the teams can negotiate over Greg's value.

This is from a pre-playoff series article on the Pacers website which previews the series starting Sunday against the Miami Heat:

http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/vogel-sends-message-about-miami-flopping

There are no such plans for center Kyrylo Fesenko, who likely will remain inactive. (Fesenko didn't play against Orlando in their first play-off round. The Pacers use Hansbrough and Pendergraph at center when Hibbert goes out)

[sectionee]

Has there ever been a bigger bust at #1 then Greg Oden?

[FWalum]

At least, if the article is to be believed, he hasn't squandered the money he received for being the #1 overall pick.  Give him credit for that at least.