Oden attempted a comeback in 2013-14 with the Miami Heat, playing in 23 games after a three-season layoff. Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Greg Oden, a former No. 1 overall NBA draft pick, has signed a one-year, $1.2 million deal to play for a team in China.
The 7-foot center will play for the Jiangsu Dragons of the Chinese Basketball Association, according to multiple reports Monday.
Oden played one season at Ohio State and helped lead the Buckeyes to the national championship game. He was the No. 1 overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2007 draft, one spot ahead of Kevin Durant.
Oden has played just three NBA seasons due to seven knee surgeries — three of them microfracture procedures.
Oden attempted a comeback in 2013-14 with the Miami Heat, playing in 23 games after a three-season layoff. He worked out with the Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets earlier this summer.
In three NBA seasons, the 27-year-old Oden averaged 8.0 points and 6.2 rebounds in 105 games (66 starts).
