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I read a Boston Globe article from earlier this year, and you admitted that you lacked the work ethic going into your NBA career. Was that because you were hurt and you didn’t want to do the extra work to get in shape or was it more because you were just immature at the time? Greg Oden: I think it was a little bit of both. A little bit of immaturity, but also, having all the injuries, it took so much more to get to an even playing field. I think that was a big part of it. And also, it’s hard to get in shape when you can’t run with all my knee problems. So, I had to handle myself a little differently because, if I worked out too hard, I would probably be out for two or three days. If I practice two days in a row, I would probably be out two or three days. So, at one point in my career, it was like, do you want me for practice or do you want me for the games? -via HoopsHype / June 27, 2025
You were in Miami for your last year. Did you feel the infrastructure of ‘Heat Culture’ there? Greg Oden: Yes, I mean I was a part of it. I mean we made it to the Finals, from the organization to the coaching staff to every player on that team, you definitely felt that was the culture. To everybody that worked in the Heat organization, it was just amazing. They were all going for one goal, and that was to get championships and be the best player you could possibly be. And it helps when you’re in Miami. There are a lot of distractions in Miami. Was it easy to lock in? Greg Oden: To a certain extent, yes. I mean we all still grown men. We have to make our best decisions while we’re there. But, they have the structure to make sure you’re in your best shape there. Like I said, the coaching staff, Coach Erik Spoelstra, I mean, he’s literally worked in every job you could possibly have in that organization on the coaching staff. So, they definitely do a really good job of getting everybody prepared. -via HoopsHype / June 27, 2025
