Memphis Grizzlies Interested in Signing Greg Oden?

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

The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly interested in bringing former No. 1 overall NBA Draft Pick Greg Oden to their free-agent camp in hopes of gaining depth at the center position.

Today’s major news headline involving the Memphis Grizzlies, according to Shams Charania of RealGM, puts the name of Greg Oden in the same sentence with our team of Beale Street. The initial report reads:

"The Memphis Grizzlies have explored center Greg Oden, expressing interest in the recent past with a workout in the spring. The Grizzlies will potentially bring in the former No. 1 overall NBA pick to a free-agent camp in June, league sources told RealGM.Oden, the first overall selection to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2007, played with the Miami Heat last season. He scored 67 points and grabbed 54 rebounds in 23 games.The Grizzlies’ current level of interest in Oden remains unclear, but the franchise is believed to be having a free-agent mini-camp in the upcoming weeks — like many organizations around the NBA. Oden is undecided in his possible participation there.Oden’s close friend and former teammate, Mike Conley, spoke late this season about the possibility of the seven-footer’s comeback. Surely, Oden’s comfort level with the Grizzlies rises with Conley’s stature on the team.In averaging 15.7 points and 9.6 rebounds, Oden led Ohio State to the NCAA championship game in 2007 and had the base of a foundational player at the NBA level. Nevertheless, knee injuries provided constant setbacks.Oden, 27, has played two NBA seasons for Portland and one for Miami."

Personally, I am surprised that this particular rumor has not popped up long before now–even before Greg Oden joined the Miami Heat. He is still best friends with Grizzlies’ point guard Mike Conley–they have played on the same team together on every level of play except in the NBA. Oden even attemped a Memphis Grizzlies’ playoff game a few seasons ago just to watch Conley go to work on the floor.

Mar 21, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) defend Miami Heat center Greg Oden (20) in the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 91-88. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

An Oden pairing with Conley must happen. I may be biased in that I am a Grizz fan in Indiana, but the tandem of Conley and Oden is something special. Even with all of the past health and off-court issues with Greg over the years, this Grizzlies would be a perfect fit for the center and playing with “Clutch Conley” may be the one thing that can jumpstart a solid career for Oden.

How is Greg’s health? Has he remained in playing condition? These answers will surely be answered quickly by the time the Grizzlies hold their free-agent camp in June, assuming he accepts the rumored invitation. If he is able to play and compete, I really believe the Grizzlies could find steal of a center in Oden to add depth to their bench. I still have a little hope for Greg Oden’s career.

With thanks to ‘The Oregonian,’ here is some valuable insight into Mike Conley and Greg Oden’s current relationship and how Oden feels about the Grizzlies and a potential comeback.

Regardless of what the Memphis Grizzlies decide with Greg Oden, it looks to be a VERY interesting offseason in Grizz Nation.

Keep checking with Beale Street Bears for the latest offseason news and info regarding your Memphis Grizzlies!

Go Grizz!

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