Will my career be longer if I don’t go to the Trail Blazers? Oden: I’m grateful to them, but my body can’t hold on

June 28th, former Trail Blazers No. 1 pick Oden was interviewed by HoopsHype.

Reporter: A player's career development depends largely on which team they were selected by and how culture it was. The Portland Trail Blazers seem to be a great team, but have you ever thought that if you go somewhere else, you might have a longer career? Or is it because of a knee injury that prevents you from achieving this?

Oden: I don't think so. I am grateful to the Portland Trail Blazers because they have changed my life and the life of my family. My physical condition was not allowed at that time. My body couldn't bear it at that time. So, I try not to think about those "ifs", but to enjoy what has really happened.

In 2007, the Trail Blazers selected Oden with the No. 1 pick, but due to injury, Oden played only 105 games in his NBA career, averaging 8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.