Greg Oden: the next Bill Russell, the comeback story ... The Bust

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  • čas přidán 1. 08. 2022
  • Hindsight is 20/20. As the NBA continues to evolve, it becomes easier and easier to dub Greg Oden as the biggest bust in league history. Being drafted one spot before Kevin Durant certainly doesn’t help but is it fair to label Oden as a bust if he never had the chance to properly succeed?
    In our new series ‘Prism’ we aim to tackle the public perception of iconic athletes and sports personalities, in an effort to better understand the person, where that perception came from, and what other aspects of their history it overlooks. In the case of Greg Oden, he’s consistently labeled as one of the biggest busts in the history of the NBA. Athletes typically fit this description when they fail to meet a certain level of expectations but Oden’s case is unique. To fully understand why Oden is perceived this way, we have to remember his extreme potential, how the NBA operated before he was drafted, and distinguish why not all busts are the same.
    Written and produced by: Joe Ali
    Directed by: Ryan Simmons
    Art direction by: Michael Das
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Komentáře • 1,3K

  • @SecretBaseSBN
    @SecretBaseSBN  Před rokem +866

    welcome to Prism y'all, we're really excited to finally share this with you. we'll have a new episode every Tuesday between now and September 20th, so keep an eye out and we'll see you soon

    • @Donald38
      @Donald38 Před rokem +3

      Why September 20?

    • @erikbreathes
      @erikbreathes Před rokem +4

      ​@@Donald38 because thats when the episodes run out, i presume

    • @SecretBaseSBN
      @SecretBaseSBN  Před rokem +86

      @@Donald38 we made an 8 episode run so that's just where it wraps

    • @JMillz512
      @JMillz512 Před rokem +1

      Best Sports channel on YT!!!

    • @erikbreathes
      @erikbreathes Před rokem +11

      @@brucerobertson7437 they really didnt though

  • @kentuckyfriedchildren5385
    @kentuckyfriedchildren5385 Před rokem +3477

    That clip of Greg walking and getting asked by that old lady if he plays basketball and his reply "I used to" almost makes me cry every time I see it

    • @matternst1442
      @matternst1442 Před rokem +321

      When he realizes that she asking him a question and how he answers is so genuine and sweet with a smile. Then his smile drops as he walks away.... I’m tearing up just thinking about it man lol

    • @habu2140
      @habu2140 Před rokem +183

      that's a cruel video man. hate the video maker and old lady for doing that to the big guy smh

    • @vaportowel
      @vaportowel Před rokem +2

      @@habu2140 why

    • @SamsterTH
      @SamsterTH Před rokem +109

      @@vaportowel If I had to guess, I'd say it's because Greg Oden is human and has feelings like everyone else on this planet. "Hate" is sorta a strong word, but the video was in pretty poor taste regardless

    • @thomasdaniels6824
      @thomasdaniels6824 Před rokem +27

      @@SamsterTH Do you know the context of the video. That old lady had no clue who Greg was.

  • @jennietsai1260
    @jennietsai1260 Před rokem +2559

    Hearing about how Oden apologized to the GM and team after getting hurt is heartbreaking. He obviously cared so much

    • @bandersnatchbigfootexplore549
      @bandersnatchbigfootexplore549 Před rokem +84

      Oden should be the one to be apologized to. He gave it his all even when his body was not at all ready and still feel in awe every time I watch all his highlights from high school to his 2 or 3 years in nba.

    • @mockingslur6945
      @mockingslur6945 Před rokem +26

      Of course he did. No one want’s to feel like they failed. Getting hurt is really a tough pill to swallow. At the time I was really surprised he was ranked higher than Durant after watching him in college.

    • @Bigedub101
      @Bigedub101 Před rokem +1

      @@mockingslur6945 I always wondered that too..I didn't watch as much college basketball by then but watched Oden and KD and always said Portland should have taken KD even tho was so slim

    • @mockingslur6945
      @mockingslur6945 Před rokem

      @@Bigedub101 I am a Rocket’s and UT fan, and had never seen anyone do what KD did as a Freshman, so I knew what he was going to do at the Next Level. I got to watch a lot of NCAA game’s. When they did the One and Done thing, college basketball was actually watchable. When it was they had to be in the NCAA for 3 year’s was the best the NCAA was, and you were actually getting player’s that were going to change the franchise immediately. Not rebuilding for year’s at a time. KD was different bc he was tall and could hit just about everything that he shot, so everyone that played Texas knew he should have been Number 1 that draft, but the NCAA tournament used to be really good until 1997 when I believe player’s were about to be let into the league out of high school. That probably changed a lot of people’s live’s bc it was a real gamble at first. There was no g-league or college for those player’s. I think that if you don’t get drafted, you should be able to go back to college, or do whatever you want. Is it still 19 year’s old now? I know next year there’s a kid from France that is legitimately the consensus number 1 pick next year. If you haven’t seen him yet, then you read me say it. Lol

    • @mockingslur6945
      @mockingslur6945 Před rokem

      @@Bigedub101 sorry that was so long

  • @rustyshackleford010
    @rustyshackleford010 Před rokem +869

    For anyone interested in where Oden is currently, he recently became Director of Basketball Operations for Butler University in his hometown of Indianapolis for his former college coach, Thad Matta.

    • @tacosavings9751
      @tacosavings9751 Před rokem +148

      Also been sober for awhile. I think the guy's actually a low key success story.

    • @ADpanzer
      @ADpanzer Před rokem +60

      Hearing that he is succesful in his own way made me so glad. People with integrity like him deserve the best in life

    • @iggunnafandom7432
      @iggunnafandom7432 Před rokem +5

      W

    • @bkid0582
      @bkid0582 Před rokem +22

      That’s actually a W, he gets to stay around the game and use his experience to help young players, he might be a “bust” but I’d say he’s a fairly successful person

    • @Hakeem990
      @Hakeem990 Před rokem +4

      @@tacosavings9751 The brother is a decent man

  • @aminislam5188
    @aminislam5188 Před rokem +939

    It still surprises me that Secret Base can make content this good so consistently

    • @scrungus483
      @scrungus483 Před rokem +2

      Fantastic journalism on all fronts, from investigation to presentation.

    • @chinortega3
      @chinortega3 Před rokem

      Hats off

    • @whoistylerdurden1652
      @whoistylerdurden1652 Před rokem +8

      Literally every single video they bring out is incredibly substantial and great

    • @DaileyShorts
      @DaileyShorts Před rokem +4

      They are such pros

    • @dfoleyusa
      @dfoleyusa Před rokem +1

      Right? These guys are amazing at what they do

  • @omarosman2247
    @omarosman2247 Před rokem +1654

    Such a sad story man. Greg's genuinely a great dude, can't help but feel sorry for all he's been thru

    • @c87kim
      @c87kim Před rokem +1

      Good dudes don’t make it in the nba, only killers

    • @busydoinnothinn
      @busydoinnothinn Před rokem +16

      yea, such a great dude that repeatedly punched his girlfriend in the face. great dude!

    • @jasonallen3678
      @jasonallen3678 Před rokem

      Great ball player too, but just couldn't stay healthy..

    • @superrookie7553
      @superrookie7553 Před rokem +8

      @@busydoinnothinn tbh at that time he was going through a tough mental period, so I won't judge him for having a bad temper once or twice

    • @330wiz7
      @330wiz7 Před rokem +1

      @@busydoinnothinn really bro? Did that hurt your precious little feelings when he allegedly punched his gf? 🤣

  • @lpourmirza
    @lpourmirza Před rokem +706

    RIP Bill Russell, true legend of the game in every sense of the word

    • @Thor-Orion
      @Thor-Orion Před rokem +5

      The GOAT.

    • @David-iv6je
      @David-iv6je Před rokem +16

      Loved Bill Russell.
      Did they really time this for today, when Russ died? That's...unfortunate.

    • @CinoG2G
      @CinoG2G Před rokem +7

      @@David-iv6je pretty odd look tbh... why not incorporate any trending topics though ? 🙃

    • @rykwon4535
      @rykwon4535 Před rokem

      Bill Russell is alive, moron

    • @outgrown3094
      @outgrown3094 Před rokem

      Did not know he died til i saw this :/ wtf :(

  • @er_mu8336
    @er_mu8336 Před rokem +326

    That video of him on a college campus, saying "he used to play basketball" on hidden camera and being sad after will forever be one of the saddest basketball videos ever

    • @timholland2129
      @timholland2129 Před rokem

      czcams.com/users/shortsa3R_sAgbPW8?feature=share

  • @LaMostraVia
    @LaMostraVia Před rokem +400

    I’ve seen Oden at the playground in my neighborhood playing with his daughter quite a few times…
    Dudes a great dad and great person he talked to every single person that came up to him and even played with the kids.

    • @houstonb3015
      @houstonb3015 Před rokem

      He’s also a woman beater so…

    • @burnintrees420
      @burnintrees420 Před rokem +4

      Us Portland fans luved the guy too. Too bad our club had Pritchard, dude was as inept as they come!

    • @cm9241
      @cm9241 Před rokem +6

      Yeah he also punched his girlfriend in the face so

    • @EyeLabPNiece
      @EyeLabPNiece Před rokem

      Dude so trash he only plays with kids now lol probably a pedo too so his nba injuries was karma then

    • @jacobyarmand13
      @jacobyarmand13 Před rokem +1

      @@cm9241so has a million other people your point is what exactly

  • @alexcalderon1017
    @alexcalderon1017 Před rokem +574

    Oh boy this one’s gonna hurt, my first NBA game seeing live was seeing Greg Oden and Brandon Roy against the Knicks, they won on a Roy game winner.. what could’ve been

    • @cjvaye99
      @cjvaye99 Před rokem +31

      that team should of been a dynasty out west. they could of had a big 3 and all drafted players too.

    • @antonchizhov4419
      @antonchizhov4419 Před rokem +5

      I remember how hyped I got watching Greg throw down a vicious two-handed tomahawk in Summer League. He was incredibly athletic and quick and agile for a big man. That Portland team was so promising

    • @seize3
      @seize3 Před rokem +6

      This is a one hell of a "first game ever" story

    • @JWex-jy7sk
      @JWex-jy7sk Před rokem +4

      I still have a Greg Oden bobblehead and thinking about getting myself a Greg Oden jersey too
      $11 I got his bobblehead for back in February and in new condition.
      Was always rooting for him in his early days on the Blazers and became a fan of that young core Portland started to develop in Oden, Roy, and Aldridge.

    • @montblancnoland4034
      @montblancnoland4034 Před rokem +1

      With Aldridge in the cut too dam

  • @TheTroystreet
    @TheTroystreet Před rokem +305

    I never thought of him as a bust he was just unlucky and got injured. I think it’s unfair to say someone is a bust when they can’t stay healthy

    • @cjezinne
      @cjezinne Před rokem +10

      Unlucky. But still a bust

    • @jbbrolic
      @jbbrolic Před rokem +48

      I look at him differently than most "busts" because it wasn't due to horrible attitude, ego, bad work ethic, drug use etc. It was no fault of his own which in most of these situations is not the case.

    • @b00biejingles
      @b00biejingles Před rokem +20

      By definition he was indeed a bust. There's different categories of them: The one's that sucked and were possibly overhyped, the one's that had the talent and threw it away due to personal issues and the injury stricken which is where Oden falls. Not to mention he was a #1 overall pick so that only helps the argument. Is it unfair? Absolutely but for Portland to invest into him and get little to nothing in return would give him the bust label.

    • @JustCallMeEss
      @JustCallMeEss Před rokem +10

      I agree, injures are apart of the game and it happens but Greg legit had his career taken away because of them. He didn’t really get a chance to live up to the hype so he can’t be considered a bust.

    • @olamideolanrewaju6581
      @olamideolanrewaju6581 Před rokem +17

      Exactly Hasheem Thabeet, Oluwakandi Darko and Anthony Bennett are true busts. They stayed healthy but just weren’t good enough. Oden had talent. Maybe not as much as Durant but for sure a ton of it in his brief time.

  • @loganford1220
    @loganford1220 Před rokem +154

    Always saw Greg walking around OSU campus when he was finishing his degree. Nice dude, still rooting for him.

    • @skippythealien9627
      @skippythealien9627 Před rokem +14

      It's awesome to see Greg Oden doing what he can to get by in life. He had some really rotten luck, but i'm happy to hear he's still trying his hardest

    • @josephgreene4841
      @josephgreene4841 Před rokem

      Same he even dapped me up before a final exam

    • @spartan4613
      @spartan4613 Před rokem

      He just got a coaching role with Butler! I've seen him around the city once or twice, I'm glad to see that he still hasn't given up on basketball.

  • @thenumberquelve158
    @thenumberquelve158 Před rokem +349

    I definitely stand with Kevin Durant on this one. Reminds me of Kijana Carter in football. Some guys are just dealt awful hands, they actually genuinely try but just.... get stopped once they start getting the ball rolling. I never consider the injured guys to be busts, only the guys who are either immature/uncoachable despite talent levels, or just press the off switch the minute they sign a huge contract.
    I particularly feel bad for Mr. Oden here, caught between valuing his health and wanting to appear strong/justify his #1 draft by playing more of a role on the team.

    • @jdapaul1351
      @jdapaul1351 Před rokem +16

      I agree with you. I think the greatest #1 draft bust in modern NBA history is either Darko Miliçic or Anthony Bennett.

    • @bradylewis1037
      @bradylewis1037 Před rokem +3

      Carter is a good take. When he finally got back to football he was always on a team for the preseason, and each year he'd rip off a run of at least 50 yards for a touchdown only to be cut. The talent was there, just couldn't stay on the field and then had the label on him.

    • @kvltizt
      @kvltizt Před rokem +8

      @@jdapaul1351 Bennett was way worse lol Darko became a serviceable role player and had a reasonably long career.

    • @mockingslur6945
      @mockingslur6945 Před rokem +2

      @@jdapaul1351 Darko was a 2 pick.

    • @weregretohio7728
      @weregretohio7728 Před rokem +3

      It never seemed fair to drop the bust label on someone who just has the bad luck of their body breaking down on them.

  • @just_gut
    @just_gut Před rokem +293

    I read an article some years back about how Phoenix's medical, training, and nutritional staff was incredibly important in that run they had with Steve Nash. The Trailblazers seem like the exact opposite. They've ruined so many promising careers.

    • @CRneu
      @CRneu Před rokem +32

      Blazers have cleaned house on the medical team a few times. You can't really blame it on staff over 40 years. We just have terrible luck.

    • @qwertyzxcvbn3174
      @qwertyzxcvbn3174 Před rokem +6

      Portland is not why Oden got injured wtf are you talking about

    • @TheCriminalViolin
      @TheCriminalViolin Před rokem +27

      Yep. I keep thinking about this. Phoenix still is considered to have the very best state of the art training staff and facilities/equipment, and were the very first to have and use cryogenics as a healing and recovery tool. Portland at the same point in time clearly could not have had WORSE training staff, equipment and facilities. And something to make note of here - Portland still has the exact same training staff now as they did in 2010. That's not a joke. And looking season to season throughout this time frame league wide will clearly prove how terrible of training staff they still are.

    • @verbfrombonsai8852
      @verbfrombonsai8852 Před rokem +11

      @@qwertyzxcvbn3174 I mean correct, but the organization has a role in making sure they recover.
      Yao Ming and Steve Nash were very injury prone during their playing days but they remained serviceable and had long enough careers to become Hall of Famers. A proper rehab prevents players either from playing worse after an injury or getting injured more.
      But you do have a point that Oden is just prone to be hurt in the first place because of his height.

    • @CRneu
      @CRneu Před rokem

      @@TheCriminalViolin your 2010 thing is just not true. Where are you getting this? The entire blazer medical staff has been turned over since 2018.

  • @TheW.I.N.K.
    @TheW.I.N.K. Před rokem +63

    Portland had LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy and Greg Oden...and fate said - "Nah. You gets nothing." That's crazy.
    PRISM going to be great.

  • @IndieGamerChick
    @IndieGamerChick Před rokem +25

    On draft night in 2007, my Mom thought Greg Oden was Greg Oden's father. That says it all about him.

  • @MoralesCorner
    @MoralesCorner Před rokem +50

    It may sound weird but, given how hard he kept trying to recover after so many injuries, Greg Oden is a certified legend to me.

    • @billblaski9523
      @billblaski9523 Před 8 měsíci

      I mean the one season at Ohio State, they went all the way to National Championship. Got whupped, but he'll always be loved in Columbus

  • @johndebono1870
    @johndebono1870 Před rokem +95

    The more you hear about what a good dude Oden is, the more it breaks my heart that injuries and mental health completely derailed his career.
    If he had the good fortune of of being born a decade later, he probably has an Embiid-esque career.

  • @mvpandrew93
    @mvpandrew93 Před rokem +45

    *From a Michigan man, his career was just unlucky chance after another. Much respect for the man he is today. He never walked away from basketball even though the sport tried leaving him.*

    • @PapaEli-pz8ff
      @PapaEli-pz8ff Před rokem

      The NBA is a business! I don't doubt that he is a good dude. His career started out on a bad note.. it was a huge gamble on a player the league didn't know enough about health wise. He is not a victim.

  • @CharlieKellyEsq
    @CharlieKellyEsq Před rokem +114

    I watched this dude at ohio state. I went there when he was a freshman. He was an absolute joy to watch, the most dominant player on any court, and it wasn't even close. I was so sad for him with all of the injuries

    • @abrosenberry
      @abrosenberry Před rokem +7

      Oden absolutely owned Noah and Horford in the title game, he was completely dominant. If only his teammates could've hit a few damn 3s...

    • @jeremykrause153
      @jeremykrause153 Před rokem

      I don’t really watch a lot of college basketball but I did watch Ohio state a lot that year and he most definitely was a man among boys.

  • @imbigful
    @imbigful Před rokem +80

    damn, this hurts, Oden helped inspire my love for Buckeye basketball, he's such a class act too.
    Also RIP Bill Russell

  • @stevensamuels5212
    @stevensamuels5212 Před rokem +58

    I feel so bad for this dude because so rarely do u see a player really say sorry for getting injured. Dude really just wanted to play and he understood how frustrating it was to the fans and his teammates that he couldn’t. I feel like a lot of people can relate to that.

  • @mathlover5k
    @mathlover5k Před rokem +73

    Add Bill Russell to the title... Right in the feels, SB

  • @Seagodd
    @Seagodd Před rokem +28

    I was at Greg oden’s last game as a kid, I still remember some of the crowd heckling him and yelling for him to get up…poor guy. Dude was going to be the most dominant player in the league no doubt about it

  • @geezushasrisen
    @geezushasrisen Před rokem +139

    Brandon Roy gotta be the next one after this. Him and Roy pretty much faded out the league at the same time while playing for the same franchise at the same time with eerily the same type of injuries.

    • @joshg1529
      @joshg1529 Před rokem +8

      When if they both weren’t dealt a terrible hand they could’ve been a force for a decade.

    • @joshlewis575
      @joshlewis575 Před rokem +16

      That micro fracture knee surgery ain't no joke. Rarely see anyone ever come back from those, let alone multiples like those 2 did. Brandon Roy is one of my top 5 favorite players, dude was so clutch. He is one of the biggest what ifs in sports, injuries suck

    • @Wallyworld30
      @Wallyworld30 Před rokem +6

      @@joshlewis575 Chicago Bears WR first round pick in 2015 Draft (#7 overall) sustained a mircrofracture in his leg during Summer Camp before his Rookie Season. He had to sit out his entire Rookie season and when he finally cameback the next Season he was only able to play 4 games before getting injured again. In is entire 5 year career he only played in 23 games and never scored a single touchdown. He was picked only 3 picks after Amari Cooper. I'm a Packers Fan and I hate the Bears but I never want to see these men especially Rookies having career cut short due to injury.

    • @ethans8719
      @ethans8719 Před rokem +3

      Roy’s degenerative knee stuff dated back to his college days. It’s why he fell to 7 in the draft.

    • @theflyingkaramazovbrothers6
      @theflyingkaramazovbrothers6 Před rokem

      @@Wallyworld30 that was a stress fracture in the leg. What Oden and Roy had were microfracture surgeries, which is a surgical technique aimed at increasing blood flow (and thus healing) to a joint (typically.)

  • @byufan
    @byufan Před rokem +29

    I was a freshman in high school when Greg Oden was at Ohio State. I really thought he would be the next great big man in the NBA but injuries robbed us of that. Wherever Greg is, I hope he’s doing okay.

    • @spartan4613
      @spartan4613 Před rokem +2

      This year he actually got a coaching role at Butler in Indianapolis with Thad Matta's staff. I've seen him around the city a couple of times already, kinda cool to see him back home.

    • @stevenlharris
      @stevenlharris Před rokem

      sorry for your loss

    • @billblaski9523
      @billblaski9523 Před 8 měsíci

      ​@@stevenlharristhank you

  • @RetroBaseball
    @RetroBaseball Před rokem +127

    Can’t wait for more of this new series, it looks great so far!

  • @Godzeller3143
    @Godzeller3143 Před rokem +6

    My dad is the Assistant AD at the High School Oden and Conley went to. I was present at all three state championships. I saw him as a young kid and was in awe. He was powerful and quick. So insane to see this covered.
    This video did a really good job of capturing what I remember he was like.

  • @janellemaynait
    @janellemaynait Před rokem +17

    He's the reason why I can't call him a bust injuries destroyed his career before it started

  • @bangaamen501
    @bangaamen501 Před rokem +50

    You guys always put out bangers, rather beef or introspectives. Love it. I'm here for Prism. 🏆🙏🏿👑

    • @skippythealien9627
      @skippythealien9627 Před rokem +1

      I remember thinking nothing was going to top Beef History...and then came Collapse.
      I thought nothing was going to top Collapse...and then came the Deep Dive into the Seattle Mariners. Hands down the best sports documentary i have ever seen in my life
      The content that SB puts out is incredible

    • @bangaamen501
      @bangaamen501 Před rokem

      @@skippythealien9627 they never cease to amaze me

  • @torachan23
    @torachan23 Před rokem +31

    I always feel bad for athletes who end up as "busts", especially as a result of injuries.
    To have so much talent and drive, only to be failed by things beyond your control, is heartbreaking.

  • @Whereyahidin
    @Whereyahidin Před rokem +26

    I would love to see a prism episode on a guy like Lettrell Sprewell.

  • @dreamcatcha
    @dreamcatcha Před rokem +75

    As a Trail Blazers fan, I can’t say I’ve ever been as excited than after drafting Oden to play with LA & Roy. I still find myself playing the “What-If” in my head if he didn’t get hurt

    • @mockingslur6945
      @mockingslur6945 Před rokem +1

      As a Rocket’s fan I never understood their need for a big men over 2 hof’s. Even Bobby Knight tried to tell the Trailblazers to take Jordan after what they had just seen. Did you know they almost traded that pick to Houston for Sampson and The Rocket’s could have either got Jordan or Clyde with Hakeem. Crazy to think of that combo playing their career’s together. Next year I believe will be one of the only year’s since Lebron that there will be a consensus number 1 pick.

    • @gamechanger114
      @gamechanger114 Před rokem

      Literally, the moment I became a Blazers fan lol. I watched some of his HS games and followed all the games in college he played with a cast on his dominant hand, shot free-throws with his off-hand and still dominated all year. After getting drafted by the Blazers I discovered Brandon Roy and LA and had high hopes. BRoy became my favorite player at that time.

    • @undergrounddojokeyboardcag701
      @undergrounddojokeyboardcag701 Před rokem

      I remember arguing with Blazers fans about taking Oden over KD. I always felt it was stupid to pass up on KD and to this day i have no idea why the Blazers did.
      But on the old ESPN boards Blazers fans used to call me an undercover Sonics fan who was trying to convince them to vote for KD over Oden because as a Sonics fan i wanted Oden. Despite the fact that i was able to explain, IMO very rationally and correctly, why Oden was a bad pick. At the time we didnt have a professional team and i was just a general NBA fan. Hell, if i was a fan of any team at that time it would have been the Baby Bulls, Suns and Pacers. But then ironically we got a team in Oklahoma. Anyway, I remember the only reason Blazers fans used to give as to why they had to take Oden was "because a big man talent like that only comes around once a decade". Which i thought was one of the dumbest, know-nothing reasons anyone could give that was proven to be inaccurate in their own example.

    • @mockingslur6945
      @mockingslur6945 Před rokem

      @@undergrounddojokeyboardcag701 the kid that’s coming from France next year is probably the the biggest prospect to come out since Lebron, and as far as big men, maybe since Shaq. He is legit.

    • @misterx6276
      @misterx6276 Před rokem

      Shaq and Penny connection is what mightve been.

  • @RapitsokoolBeats
    @RapitsokoolBeats Před rokem +24

    If Oden knew about Anthony Bennett he wouldve been the greatest center in NBA History

  • @b-bone7562
    @b-bone7562 Před rokem +1

    I met him at a restaurant in DC this past spring. Super nice guy, really humble, and took the time to speak to so many different people in the restaurant that night. Great guy and I wish he got the chance to really show who he was

  • @MickeyKraut419
    @MickeyKraut419 Před rokem +4

    Thanks for making this video and telling Greg's story. Oden has always had tremendous respect and sympathy from Ohio State fans throughout his career. In a city like Columbus that has such a communal vibe to it, folks take notice of how people carry themselves. Folks I know that had classes with him always thought well of him as a person and comment about how humble, thoughtful, and kind he is. His teammates at Ohio State spoke highly of his work ethic, his demeanor, and his love of the game. Buckeye nation loved that he worked hard, and cared about the team winning above having a great stat line. On the court he was a tier above in college... and if he'd have been able to stay healthy he would have enjoyed a lot of success in the NBA, too. I have full confidence in that. His story isn't one of a player that just didn't have the drive or potential to succeed, but one of someone who was unfortunately mired by serious injuries.
    It was great to see him back with the Buckeyes when he returned to Columbus to finish his degree and work on Thad Matta's staff. And I'm happy for him that he has reunited with Thad at Butler. He's faced more than a fair share of struggles in his life, and done some things wrong, but he has always owned his actions and held himself accountable to them. Despite his career being so short and playing time so sparse in the NBA, I look at Oden's story and journey as a success. Who cares if his career never had a chance to fully blossom in the NBA as a player? He has endured all that adversity and found a path in life where he still is involved in with something he has genuine passion for, working alongside a great mentor and friend in Thad Matta. Sometimes plans go off the rails, but you have to keep moving forward to find peace and happiness in life, and I think Oden is doing just that.

  • @Whyzee12
    @Whyzee12 Před rokem +3

    Hard not to at least tear up watching this video. Sports just aren’t fair man. They’re brutal

  • @kgramckow
    @kgramckow Před rokem +3

    Great episode, pumped for the rest of the series. Really appreciate the personal and introspective framing.

  • @nolanhartman9046
    @nolanhartman9046 Před rokem +8

    Oden seems like a genuinely kind man. It’s sad to see all the hardships he was dealt

  • @samhhhhh
    @samhhhhh Před rokem +3

    The wait was worth it, great first ep. Thanks for your passion and dedication SB

  • @poseidonson13
    @poseidonson13 Před rokem +6

    Loved this video, and super excited for this series! So much of sports media can get caught up in analyzing stats or scrutinizing achievements like championships, to where it's easy to forget the people who are actually out there, playing the games themselves.

  • @MetalGod999
    @MetalGod999 Před rokem +3

    Congratulations, Secret Base, on your new series, Prism! Man, I’m looking forward to seeing all the good stuff you’re planning on showing for the next few weeks. Keep up the great work! 👍👍

  • @apocobring
    @apocobring Před rokem +4

    I loved this. This was presented in such a heartfelt manner. I really appreciate the time and respect that y'all gave this. This is what I've always wanted sports journalism to be.

  • @parkercronin3774
    @parkercronin3774 Před rokem

    Very thoughtful video, hope we get more in the series like it. Well done, Mr. Ali.

  • @MFPLATYPUS
    @MFPLATYPUS Před rokem +12

    As a Blazer fan I won't deny the "what if" with Oden makes me sad. He's a good man, and I hope he's happy these days.

  • @BigSmile91jm
    @BigSmile91jm Před rokem +9

    I remember watching his first game against the Lakers and even that small bit showed me enough to believe this guy would be a special player. In another universe his injuries don't pile up and he could have a hof career.

  • @alexherrmann1489
    @alexherrmann1489 Před rokem +2

    This should prove to be another great series, keep up the good work and excellent content!

  • @brandonaschoff3516
    @brandonaschoff3516 Před rokem

    This is the best channel on CZcams. Thanks for another great story, guys.

  • @patrickrees7641
    @patrickrees7641 Před rokem +4

    Fantastic idea for a series and love the introspective approach. Always felt Greg Oden was unfairly judged and this video does a wonderful job of articulating why the labels were unjust. Looking forward to the rest of this series

  • @whitechocalte532
    @whitechocalte532 Před rokem +12

    Oden and Conley played hs ball 15 minutes from where I live, I was pretty young and they were Gods in Indianapolis. It always makes me so sad how Greg’s career turned out because he had what it took his body just couldn’t comply

  • @CharmCityGamer
    @CharmCityGamer Před rokem

    Thanks for the new series SB! Excited to learn all I can!

  • @MontyBusinessMMA
    @MontyBusinessMMA Před rokem

    Excellent job and makes me revise my perspective. Love what you guys are doing.

  • @EbonAvatar
    @EbonAvatar Před rokem +36

    How different would our opinions of Oden be if Durant was also a bust, or at least, only became a role player? I think the Durant comparison is what really made Oden feel like such a bust, which isn't fair to him

    • @wephilips6651
      @wephilips6651 Před rokem +1

      Why/how? Genuinely asking. I thought oden was a bust entirely due to injury and not playing so I don’t understand how Durant is relevant?

    • @TheFloorman100
      @TheFloorman100 Před rokem +9

      ​@@wephilips6651 He was taken as the first pick over Durant. That Durant turned into a superstar and he turned into a bust is why the comparisons sting so much.

    • @EbonAvatar
      @EbonAvatar Před rokem +4

      @@wephilips6651 Compare Oden to another all-time 1st overall pick draft bust: Anthony Bennett in 2014. That was a terrible pick but if you look at the top of that draft there were a lot of bad picks, or at least high picks that turned into role players, not superstars. We don't get a genuine superstar in that draft until Giannis at pick 15. Thus Bennett doesn't (to me at least) FEEL like as much of a bust as Oden, because the whole top of that draft was weak. Whereas Oden not only didn't live up to the hype, he was also taken one spot above a future Hall of Famer, a Hall of Famer who was also very good right away.
      So that's what I'm getting at. Without Kevin Durant Oden would not feel like as much of a bust as he does.

    • @titankiller5287
      @titankiller5287 Před rokem

      Not true, it’s sad but oden played like 100 games total in the nba, that’s a bust dude, don’t have to compare him to anyone else to be disappointed in that, for example, the Anthony bennet draft was garbage, and he’s still one of the worst/biggest busts of all time

    • @EbonAvatar
      @EbonAvatar Před rokem

      @@titankiller5287 don't get me wrong I'm not saying Oden isn't a bust all on his own. He definitely is. My point is just that he feels like even more of a bust because of Durant. Would Sam Bowie feel like as much of a bust as he does if Jordan wasn't taken right behind him?

  • @mattchamberlain1466
    @mattchamberlain1466 Před rokem +9

    First off, have to say, great video. Appreciate the dynamite work. I do take umbrage at a couple points. Allowing Greg Oden's feelings to cover over the much more clear busts in NBA is unfair. He was great and would have been greater if he hadn't been injured. There are many other high picks(don't want to be crass and name names) that failed harder. I would also like to say that alcoholism isn't often a choice, and dropping that blame on an injured man who lost someone close to them is more than a little insensitive. We could all work to do better in realizing that alcohol dependence is a deep and troubling addiction that requires support and understanding. All that being said, I enjoyed the video and SB's output, but wanted to air a couple issues that could be covered more compassionately.

  • @cracklecracklebaybay5612

    I was a DJ in Portland Strip Clubs during Odens time in Portland. He came in to our club a handful of times, and he was always an insanely polite and cool dude.
    I always got the feeling that he didn't want to be "out", but his "friends" wanted to show off who they were hanging out with.

  • @shawnsbrooks
    @shawnsbrooks Před rokem

    Dear Secret Base,
    You're great. You transcend sport media. You're doing a so many things better than the 30 for 30's have even come close to.
    Your formats are completely unique, the editing is beautiful, the storytelling is sincerely unparalleled (in terms of sports stories) and the personalities of the presenters/hosts(?) make it fun.
    Many layers to love.
    Been a fan since the beginning. You guys are great.

  • @cheeto1171
    @cheeto1171 Před rokem +3

    I feel every new NBA player should watch this at training camp. Great job as always guys! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

  • @somethingnooneused
    @somethingnooneused Před rokem +9

    Really wish he would have went on to become an all time NBA great. It would have been nice to see a former Buckeye be a top player in the NBA for many years!

  • @neb185
    @neb185 Před rokem +2

    Heartbreaking story, honestly. Really shows, again, how lucky you need to be to truly succeed as a professional athlete. Injuries, teams you play for, coaches, it's all just as important as talent.
    Great video as always.

  • @rstates8864
    @rstates8864 Před rokem

    This is a fantastic idea for a video series. Props to you guys!

  • @matthewfletcher7710
    @matthewfletcher7710 Před rokem +26

    Growing up in Portland, and being a 10 year old when Oden was drafted; I cannot tell you the hype, hope, hate, and now hurt that swirl around this man's name -still, even- because of how his time in PDX turned out. I think the Portland Big 3 in B-Roy, L-Train, and Oden are the biggest what-if in sports history.

  • @PIEMAN106
    @PIEMAN106 Před rokem +4

    Great video as usual! The only thing I feel was missing from Oden's story was the fact that legs were different lengths. Portland, being suspicious, then gave Oden shoes with insoles that fixed the length difference. However, it was only after joining Portland that he had knee injuries, making the Blazers seem more at fault for his injuries.

  • @blackcurlmagicgrey-sloan8640

    This was great. Thank you for putting This in a different perspective.

  • @froggoman8275
    @froggoman8275 Před rokem

    I love this channel’s drive to consistently make entertaining and original content.

  • @TheSportsfansSam
    @TheSportsfansSam Před rokem +68

    As a Blazer fan you gotta give 70% of the blame to the organization. They were and always have been completely incompetent from top to bottom. Their medical staff was the worst in the league. Not just for Oden and B-Roy but the entire team. If they were in a bigger market if shared a city with another pro franchise people would riot.

    • @jamvan1000
      @jamvan1000 Před rokem +4

      A franchise with an incompletent medical staff is always doomed. It took the Bucks passing on Steph Curry, because of an incorrect diagnosis for them to clear house and fix it. They wouldn't have a championship if they didn't

    • @shaundrahammond3282
      @shaundrahammond3282 Před rokem

      They do. The Timbers. They have a bigger fanbase and they've won multiple chips recently

    • @TheSportsfansSam
      @TheSportsfansSam Před rokem +3

      @@shaundrahammond3282 soccer is great but the MLS is not recognized of one of the major sports leagues in the US so my statement remains true.

    • @shaundrahammond3282
      @shaundrahammond3282 Před rokem

      @@TheSportsfansSam There are more Timbers fans in the city than Blazers fans.

    • @ethans8719
      @ethans8719 Před rokem +1

      @@shaundrahammond3282 yea that’s not true

  • @giopamplona5866
    @giopamplona5866 Před rokem +3

    Secret Base always, ALWAYS delivers. amazing work as always guys

  • @GuySelga
    @GuySelga Před rokem

    Another fantastic series from SB! Love this channel.

  • @meazyme
    @meazyme Před rokem

    Yall's work inspires me!! Great job folks 👏 👍

  • @mockingslur6945
    @mockingslur6945 Před rokem +3

    When this happened I didn’t have much empathy for him, but at 38 after having a hip replacement, I can understand this young man’s frustration. I was a Durant fan when he came out of college, but I know from experience injuries are tough. They can effect the rest of your life not just physically, but mentally as well

  • @theahearn2658
    @theahearn2658 Před rokem +17

    I used to have a Greg Oden Jersey and I loved watching him playing college. He is one of the biggest what ifs of basketball and I think if his legs were able to stay strong and he didn't injure them all the time he could have been one of the most dominant centers we have ever seen.

  • @dontatme1290
    @dontatme1290 Před rokem

    Another great series idea. I never miss a video. Even subject matter I don’t have a passion for is gripping.

  • @NateMcCoy1194
    @NateMcCoy1194 Před rokem

    This channel keeps coming with great vids and great concepts.

  • @DawryMike
    @DawryMike Před rokem +5

    Great episode excited to see what's next.

  • @danielcasteel3426
    @danielcasteel3426 Před rokem +7

    As an Ohio native, this literally hurt my heart watching this. Greg Oden was unfairly cursed by the basketball Gods in such cruel ways.

  • @anakinsand1192
    @anakinsand1192 Před rokem

    This a great video that explains so much. Thank you

  • @geno8246
    @geno8246 Před rokem +1

    Just saw Greg a Week ago!! Dude literally pulled up beside me while I was pumping gas!! Extremely cool, and let me get a picture with him. He says he still hoops to stay in good shape! 💪🏾💯

  • @dazedapparition7845
    @dazedapparition7845 Před rokem +26

    I remember him in college. Everyone mentioned how old he looked for his age. I thought he had some type of aging thing going on and couldn't be good against a grueling physical NBA for his body. He Def had skill but I didn't think his body was going to hold up. I didn't think it would happen that fast. Great guy that the NBA needed more of.

    • @corybarrett2394
      @corybarrett2394 Před rokem

      I remember that too. In an interview, Oden talked about some of the comments, saying one his favorites was when he was asked "what was it like fighting in World War II?" That still makes me chuckle.

  • @ethans8719
    @ethans8719 Před rokem +6

    I always found it interesting how oden had uneven leg lengths and it was never an issue but when they tried to even it out and fix his gait the injury’s started

  • @Leonfromre4and2
    @Leonfromre4and2 Před rokem

    what a banger! I just love the NBA content from this channel

  • @ossiencadwallourien-modred447

    I see this guy every year at the NABC convention at the Final Four. No one ever hounds him for autographs or pictures. I've seen him walk around the airport as if he weren't the former #1 overall pick with one of the single greatest college seasons of all time. Such a humble guy who is still leaving a huge imprint on the game of basketball. We'll be hearing his name for many years to come. Great guy.

  • @pitongus
    @pitongus Před rokem +5

    The man was a beast when on the court. He got hurt. He doesn't deserve to be called a bust.

  • @lanalex4826
    @lanalex4826 Před rokem +14

    How are people still calling him the biggest bust ever after Anthony Bennett came and went from the league

    • @mrfake675
      @mrfake675 Před rokem

      Oden was a bigger name. More potential

  • @fightincodenames481
    @fightincodenames481 Před rokem

    Fantastic video. Great job 👏

  • @cesarcanete3402
    @cesarcanete3402 Před rokem +2

    Him & Thomas Robinson are the two draft busts that I absolutely feel sorry for. Greg Oden is a genuinely great dude and was hands down thee most dominating Center I've seen since Shaq. Nobody was as dominant and unstoppable like Greg Oden. Sad that he didn't have the career that most people expected him to have.

  • @rjhaney2614
    @rjhaney2614 Před rokem +17

    This might be the best thing Joe has done at SB and he has put out some bangers.

    • @SimuLord
      @SimuLord Před rokem +1

      His contributions to the Falcons documentary were raw, real, and wildly entertaining. Still my all-time favorite Joe performance. But that's a crazy high bar Joe set for himself.

  • @49cent19
    @49cent19 Před rokem +9

    For the love of God please make a video about the beef between Muhammed Ali and Joe Frazier.

  • @703Heat
    @703Heat Před rokem

    Another banger series concept cant wait for more

  • @johnrathedi7765
    @johnrathedi7765 Před rokem

    I already love this... Please do more🤩🤩

  • @jeffclassic7205
    @jeffclassic7205 Před rokem +3

    I think Oden would’ve been an amazing player, never thought he was a bust. He definitely had the talent and drive but his body just wouldn’t work with him. Hope he’s doing well man, awesome guy

  • @JonStark117
    @JonStark117 Před rokem +3

    *It’s really sad to see what happened to Greg Oden…He had ALL the potential in the world. His effort and drive was never in question. I remember watching him shoot free throws with his left hand at Ohio State when he injured his right hand. I STILL think he would’ve been one of the all time greats had he never dealt with those career injuries. Praying he’s living a happy and successful life.*

  • @thairob
    @thairob Před rokem

    Excellent video. Very nicely reported and edited.

  • @ericejoaquin
    @ericejoaquin Před rokem

    Well done Joe Ali! Love your narrations from “Beef History” and Dorktown’s “History of the Atlanta Falcons”

  • @relioabi7044
    @relioabi7044 Před rokem +14

    I feel for the man. Greg Oden was a great big man. Possibly hall of fame level potential. But his body gave up on him.

  • @JeepersCreepers12
    @JeepersCreepers12 Před rokem +3

    This series has so much potential, looking forward to more.

  • @petchiropractor9713
    @petchiropractor9713 Před rokem +1

    This series is about to repeatedly break my heart 💔

  • @user-mz4nn6yj2y
    @user-mz4nn6yj2y Před rokem

    i love this :(
    always loved him
    and kept on doing "what if he was healthy" in nba 2k

  • @zaynmcadams194
    @zaynmcadams194 Před rokem +5

    I don't know if anyone remembers this. But back in the day, a few weeks or maybe a month after Oden got drafted, there was a segment on NBA TV where Oden sat down in a room with some of the greatest centers in NBA history. Bill Russell was there, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and a few others I cant remember. Till this day, I can't find this footage anywhere. There was a main interviewer who sparked up the conversation between the all time greats and Oden. The only thing I remember from the interview is when Greg said: "I'm kind of starstruck right now in the presence of legends. I feel like I don't even belong here." It just blows my mind that looking back, even before Oden did anything on an NBA basketball court, they had him sat down with legends as if he was a for sure thing in the NBA to be the next Bill Russell or something. I doubt the NBA will ever release this footage from the vault. 😂😂

  • @mikeybarboza3086
    @mikeybarboza3086 Před rokem +3

    I feel bad for this man, I had multiple knee injuries end my NFL dreams in college. I can't imagine getting to actually reach your dream and have it stolen from you especially over something you have no control over like injuries.

  • @johndavidson1877
    @johndavidson1877 Před rokem +1

    Heartbreaking. Truly someone who deserved success and did everything in his power and then some to achieve it, but life just didn’t go his way. Hope to see him smiling while he coaches this year

  • @dmagik8
    @dmagik8 Před rokem

    very well made video. glad this writer is getting more time on the mic. God damn is this episode a bummer. will watch again.