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The Portland Trail Blazers and Greg Oden agreed to a restructured one-year contract after the oft-injured center had another setback during his rehabilitation from microfracture surgery on his left knee.
The new contract was announced Friday after the Blazers opened training camp. A day earlier, Oden's agent reported the former No. 1 draft pick had agreed to the $8.9 million qualifying offer that Portland offered on June 29.
Oden
"We're hopeful, but less confident that he will return to the court this season," Blazers president Larry Miller said in a statement. "We've stood by Greg from the day he was drafted and we continue to do so now with this agreement."
The 7-foot Oden hasn't appeared in a game in two years. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent following this season.
The terms of the new deal were not announced, and the nature of the setback was not disclosed by the team. Oden was examined by doctors in Colorado on Thursday.
It was thought that Oden might be able to practice with the team on a limited basis when training camp opened on Friday. He wasn't expected to play for the team until late January, at the earliest.
Portland selected Oden with the first pick in the 2007 draft, but the ex-Ohio State star had microfracture surgery on his right knee and waited until 2008 to make his NBA debut. He also broke his left kneecap and sat out much of the 2009-10 season.
Oden is averaging 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds over 82 career games.
"I'm obviously disappointed with the setback, but I'm as determined as ever to return to the court," Oden said in a statement released by the team. "I appreciate the support of the Trail Blazers and our fans and that they continue to stand behind me."
The Blazers open the season at home against Philadelphia on Dec. 26.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
The new contract was announced Friday after the Blazers opened training camp. A day earlier, Oden's agent reported the former No. 1 draft pick had agreed to the $8.9 million qualifying offer that Portland offered on June 29.
Oden
"We're hopeful, but less confident that he will return to the court this season," Blazers president Larry Miller said in a statement. "We've stood by Greg from the day he was drafted and we continue to do so now with this agreement."
The 7-foot Oden hasn't appeared in a game in two years. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent following this season.
The terms of the new deal were not announced, and the nature of the setback was not disclosed by the team. Oden was examined by doctors in Colorado on Thursday.
It was thought that Oden might be able to practice with the team on a limited basis when training camp opened on Friday. He wasn't expected to play for the team until late January, at the earliest.
Portland selected Oden with the first pick in the 2007 draft, but the ex-Ohio State star had microfracture surgery on his right knee and waited until 2008 to make his NBA debut. He also broke his left kneecap and sat out much of the 2009-10 season.
Oden is averaging 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds over 82 career games.
"I'm obviously disappointed with the setback, but I'm as determined as ever to return to the court," Oden said in a statement released by the team. "I appreciate the support of the Trail Blazers and our fans and that they continue to stand behind me."
The Blazers open the season at home against Philadelphia on Dec. 26.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
