Cleveland, OH
Former Miami Heat Center Ranked Among Greatest NBA ‘What-If’ Stories
Greg Oden already ranked among the most significant “what could have been” stories in NBA history when he joined the Miami Heat in 2013.
Nothing has changed over a decade later. The 2007 No. 1 pick remains a regular fixture on listicles and videos discussing players who never panned out in the NBA.
HoopsHype called Oden the 10th biggest “what-if” player in NBA history. A litany of knee injuries famously derailed Oden’s career before he even had an opportunity to turn the Portland Trail Blazers into title contenders.
Portland infamously selected Oden over future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant following the former’s dominant freshman season at Ohio State.
“His mix of skill (he had quick post moves, could shoot the hook and would finish everything around the basket), vertical leaping ability and size (he was a true 7-footer with a strong frame) made him unstoppable,” the article said of Oden.
We never saw Oden look “unstoppable” in Portland. He missed his rookie season and underwent three microfracture surgeries by his fifth pro campaign. The Trail Blazers waived him in March of 2012.
Oden joined the Heat months after LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh led the club to their second straight title. He averaged 2.9 points and 2.3 rebounds across 23 games.
The veteran big man finished his basketball career playing for the Chinese Basketball Association’s Jiangsu Dragons in 2016.
ODEN SAYS HE FEARED PLAYING FOR HEAT
Oden reflected on his short Heat tenure on former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel’s podcast earlier this week.
Oden admitted he feared getting in trouble or becoming the player who jinxed the two-time defending champions. He said he spent five days a week with teammate Michael Beasley, though they limited their South Beach trips to avoid any issues.
“We can’t get in trouble in Miami,” Oden told Manziel. “Like we’re on this team, we’re going to make it to the f—- Finals, we’re going to get rings, just don’t f— it up, basically. Being on that team, it felt like it meant a little bit more, and I wasn’t going to be the one to mess that up, especially after two championships.”
Oden nonetheless still thinks highly about his Heat stint.
“It was probably the best experience I saw,” Oden said. “A-List players, A-List organization, A-List fans, A-List City. It was amazing.”
NEW JERSEYS REVEALED
Good news for Heat fans hoping to buy official jerseys ahead of the holidays: you now have another option to pick from.
On Thursday, the Heat released the latest edition of their “Culture” jersey.
The newest version is named “Blood Red.” The team posted it on the official X page, providing all the purchase details.
COULD HEAT TRADE BAM FOR GIANNIS?
Heat fans have long dreamed of watching former NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo team up with Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler.
Unfortunately, a potential addition may involve a tough subtraction.
HoopsHype included the Heat in a Nov. 13 article ranking eight potential trade targets for Antetokounmpo. The problem is the Heat lack the type of assets that could convince Milwaukee to deal the Greek Freak.
The article suggested a combination of Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier, and Tyler Herro “would likely be” the first names included in any trade because of their salaries. However, it also proposed the Heat may need to add Adebayo or Butler as the headline in any potential trade package.
“Pat Riley’s Heat pursue stars over rebuilds, and always have,” the article stated. “And if their conversion rate is low, it is only because they are always playing the game.”
ALL-STAR HERRO COULD HURT HEAT
Herro is playing the best basketball of his NBA career, so why isn’t the team’s future more optimistic?
The answer is quite simple on the surface: Herro’s All-Star level start to the year further complicates the Heat’s future blueprint.
Prior to the season, the Heat were faced with two key choices based on the play of veteran star Butler. Either trade Butler at the deadline if championship contention does not appear realistic or deal Herro in an attempt to win now with the 35-year-old at the helm.
The issue is few expected Herro’s production and trade value to skyrocket the way it has. His performance against the Detroit Pistons in Tuesday’s overtime victory was the best of the season for a Heat player, recording 40 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and four steals on 51.9 percent shooting and 10 of 17 shooting from three-point range.
The front office must now decide if Herro is a cornerstone of their organization after just nine strong games, or more than ever, should team president Pat Riley look to move him?
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Jake Elman works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat on SI. He can be reached at jakeelman97@gmail.com or follow him on X @JakeElman97.
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VERICA “VERA” DRAKSIC
OBITUARY
age 74, of Kirtland, OH, passed away peacefully February 26, 2026. Daughter of the late Mijat and Anna Kalac, Vera was born and raised in former Yugoslavia with her siblings Maria (deceased), Lucija (deceased), Nevenka, and Petar. As a young woman, Vera felt a calling to help others that drew her to the field of nursing. This developed into a life-long devotion to cooking and caring for family and friends that she took with her everywhere, from aiding residents at the Slovene Home for the Aged to her work with the Congregation of Blessed Sacrament. In the winter of 1971, Vera emigrated to the United States, settling in Cleveland where she started a family with Martin (deceased), her husband of 40 years. She was a loving mother to their two daughters, Anita (late husband Edgar), and Irena (husband Chris), and a devoted grandmother to her cherished grandson, Evan. Vera spent nearly every waking moment preparing foods for people she admired, including the delicious dishes of her homeland, like strudels, poticas and sarma. Around the holidays, she baked until every container she owned was filled with cookies; gifts for the dozens of people she considered family. If you needed Vera, you could always find her in a kitchen peeling a potato, chopping an onion, or kneading dough; all while stirring a simmering pot. Fueled by a love of people, hard work, strong coffee, and bread and butter, she somehow had time to get the job done with a story and a smile. They don’t make them like Vera anymore. Contributions may be made in memory of Vera to either Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States, St. Jude, or Doctors Without Borders. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, March 6, 2026, at Divine Word Catholic Church, 8100 Eagle Road, Kirtland, Ohio, 44094, at 10 AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Vera at THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 4 – 8 PM. Online obituary, guestbook, & order flowers at www.DeJohnCares.com.
CLEVELAND — Thousands of people braved the cold in downtown Cleveland for the third wave of “No Kings Day” demonstrations against the Trump administration.
This time, protestors said, the stakes are higher than ever.
Community members and activists joined at the Free Stamp in Willard Park and marched alongside Lakeside Avenue and around Cleveland Public Square on Saturday. Demonstrators said they’re rallying against the Trump administration’s escalation of federal immigration enforcement tactics and rocky global economy amid the country’s war with Iran.
Protestor Fidel Swain who served 15 years in the US Air Force. (Spectrum News 1/Tanya Velazquez)
U.S. Military Veteran Fidel Swain said he’s marching for the rights of all Americans.
“We’re really concerned with what’s going on in the country today as far as this current administration,” Swain said. “They all seem to not follow the principles and ideas of the working class and just most Americans, which is law, order.”
Northeast Ohio resident Charlotte Hartman also stood among the crowd of demonstrators. She said she attended the two previous No Kings Day protests in Strongsville.
Today, Hartman said, she’s standing in solidarity with all marginalized groups.
(L-R) Protestors Elaine Wheaton, Charlotte Hartman, and Michele Murphy. (Spectrum News 1/Tanya Velazquez)
“The way he treats people and minorities, the way he treats handicapped people … They don’t seem to be any care or concern for anybody,” Hartman said.
Hartman was joined by Elaine Wheaton, who said she hopes the demonstration will help unite Americans, despite ideological differences.
“We’re hoping that some of the people that voted for Trump before might be changing their mind,” Wheaton said. “He’s getting a little too overboard … I have no problem with Republican presidents like Reagan or Bush or whatever, but it’s not that he’s Republican. It’s just that he’s a bad human.”
The White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson sent a statement to Spectrum News dismissing Saturday’s protest. She wrote, “The only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them.”
The first No Kings Day protest in June included around 5 million participants, while the second event in the fall drew in around 7 million people.
While speaking about the No Kings Day protests in October, Trump told Fox business that he’s “not a king.”
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Protests against President Donald Trump’s administration are scheduled across the country Saturday, including in Northeast Ohio.
Events are happening around the region, with the largest turnout expected in downtown Cleveland.
Cindy Demsey, a co-organizer of the event, emphasized the rally’s purpose: “No Kings rallies in Cleveland and around the country demonstrate that We The People support an immediate end to foreign wars, ICE’s terror tactics, the administration’s unconstitutional power grab, covering up evidence of crimes against children and government for billionaires.”
The rally is set to begin at 1:00 PM at the Free Stamp next to City Hall on Lakeside Avenue and East 9th Street.
Back in October, thousands gathered downtown, and the events featured musical performances and various speakers before a march.
When a demonstration took place this past summer, Cleveland police estimated about 5,000 people were in attendance.
That event was mostly peaceful, with one person arrested for disorderly conduct.
Here is a list of the events taking place this Saturday, March 28.
Cleveland
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Free Stamp, Willard Park
Akron
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: John F. Seiberling Federal Building and United States Courthouse
Lakewood
When: 10:30 to noon
Where: Lakewood City Hall
Parma
When: 10 to 1 p.m.
Where: Ridgewood Lake Park
North Ridgeville
When: 10 to noon
Where: LCCC University Partnership Ridge Campus
Mansfield
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Richland County Administration & Courthouse
Parma
When: 10 to 1 p.m.
Where: 7620 W Ridgewood Dr
Chardon
When: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: 100 Short Ct St
Cuyahoga Falls
When: 11 to 1 p.m.
Where: Cuyahoga Falls Downtown Amphitheater
New Philadelphia
When: 11:30 to 1 p.m.
Where: Tuscarawas County Courthouse
Ashtabula
When: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Smith Field Dog Park
Port Clinton
When: Noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Erie Dearie Park, a corner of Waterworks Park
Vermilion
When: Noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Exchange Park
Wooster
When: Noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Public Square
Strongsville
When: Noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Pearl Road & Ohio 82
Hudson
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Gazebo Green
Sandusky
When: 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: Sandusky Mall Entrance
Kent
When: 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Gazebo, intersection of Franklin Ave and West Main Street
Warren
When: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Trumbull County Courthouse Square
Canton
When: 3 to 5 p.m.
Where: Central Plaza North
Medina
When: 4 to 6 p.m.
Where: Medina Public Square Historic District
Find more here.
Copyright 2025 WOIO. All rights reserved.
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