Former first overall pick Greg Oden recently opened up about the trials and tribulations he has and continues to go through following what was short-lived NBA career. One of the things the 32-year-old talked about is Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant, who incidentally, was selected second overall — just one spot behind Oden — back in 2007.
According to Oden, he has nothing but good thoughts for Durant, and admits that he himself is a fan.
“No, I’m happy for KD,” Oden said, via Alex Kennedy of Hoops Hype. “I hope and pray that he can come back from this injury and be just like he was before – or even better. I’m nothing but a fan of KD.”
Oden was then asked about a prior interview wherein he allegedly admitted that watching the now Nets star on TV would make him tear up.
“I wouldn’t say that I cried,” he claimed. “I had some feelings inside like, ‘Damn, I was picked first…' I wish I could be doing those things! I wish I could be the businessman that he is, the good dude that he is. But I’ve never felt anger or like, ‘That should be me!' I’m a fan of basketball and a fan of him. I wish him nothing but the best and I hope he comes back next year and takes Brooklyn to a championship.”
At this point, Oden continues to battle his demons, which as he admits himself, comes in the form of alcohol dependence and drug addiction. It's great, however, that he is able to openly talk about the Nets star and the different paths they've taken. We wish Oden all the best, and hope that he is able to overcome all the challenges he will be facing from here on out.
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