Greg Oden rumors: Miami Heat remain interested

May 30, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Greg Oden (right) holds up the conference championship trophy after defeating the Indiana Pacers in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Greg Oden (right) holds up the conference championship trophy after defeating the Indiana Pacers in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Before the end of the 2013-14 season, Greg Oden expressed that he would like to return to the Miami Heat assuming they wanted him back.

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Understandably, the Miami Heat had far more pressing free agent issues on their plate than the status of Oden, but it sounds as if the two could be reuniting.

Greg Oden hasn’t drawn much free agent interest which has limited his amount of suitors, leaving the Miami Heat as one of the only teams to show interest in the former Ohio State star. But it seems as if Miami has a soft spot in their heart for the 7-footer as Pat Riley hinted that Miami Heat are still interested in re-signing him.

"Riley said “right now, we have not made any decisions” on Greg Oden. “He’s still on our board. We are going to give Greg some thought.”"

While most players with Oden’s injury woes and sub-par play likely wouldn’t be considered for an NBA roster, there remains hope that he’ll eventually become healthy enough to play a reserve role and given his talent, he’s understandably worth a small contract and a roster spot.

There’s no doubt it’s an unlikely scenario, but the risk is extremely minimal for the Miami Heat and the reward could end up being very beneficial. There were times during the past season where you could see quick glimpses of what Greg Oden could have been if not for the injuries, so if you have the open roster spot there’s no harm in such.

I mean really – would you prefer Oden or a developmental player as your end of the bench talent?