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?
MORE HEAT NEWS
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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.
ERIE COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) – Ohio troopers said a 13-year-old boy died Thursday from injuries stemming from an ATV crash on Sunday afternoon.
The highway patrol has identified the victim as Lamonie Campbell from Cleveland.
The crash, which also hurt a 10-year-old boy, took place around 1:45 p.m. in the eastbound lane of State Route 113 in Milan Township.
The 10-year-old was operating an ATV, with Campbell as the passenger, when the crash happened.
A Toyota, operated by a Berlin Heights man, struck the ATV as it entered State Route 113 from a private drive, troopers said.
According to the highway patrol, the ATV caught fire as a result of the crash, which also sent the Toyota off the roadway before it rolled and struck a pole.
First responders first took the boys to Fisher-Titus Medical Center for treatment.
Troopers said the 13-year-old was later flown by medical helicopter to a Cleveland hospital.
There’s no update at this time on the 10-year-old’s condition.
State Route 113 was closed for approximately one hour and 50 minutes.
The highway patrol will continue to investigate the crash.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Cleveland, OH
Colt Emerson Leads Mariners Past Guardians In Return to Ohio – WHIZ – Fox 5 / Marquee Broadcasting
CLEVELAND, OH – Some three years ago, Colt Emerson was tearing it up in the Muskingum Valley League for John Glenn, on his way to being named the Gatorade Player of the Year, right here in Ohio. Now, fast forward to 2026, he returns home for the first time as a pro, as the Mariners faced the Guardians in a true homecoming for Emerson.
“Being here is special. A lot of games growing up, coming here. So it’s going to be pretty surreal” said Emerson before game one of the series in Cleveland. “I love the game, you know? I respect the game, and I’m just so grateful to be here.”
Growing up a lifelong baseball fan in Ohio, Colt always knew this day would come, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have to pinc himself every now and again when he puts on the Mariners jersey.
Emerson continued, “If ten-year old me can see me sitting here, see me on the field, that’s the only thing that matters. It’s been a fun journey.”
The game started slowly for Seattle, with no runs or even hits to talk about, at least until Emerson took the plate in the third. With one swing of the bat on an inside change up from left handed pitcher Joey Cantillo, he sent one into the right field seats for a home run in his first at bat back in his home state.
“I can’t even describe it” said Emerson, with a broad grin across his face after the game. “When I saw it go out, I took my time around the bases, just to look around, you know? You grew up playing here, and your first at bat, you hit a home run. It’s cool.”
Colt had quite the efficient ball game, reaching base three times with two walks, and accounting for two of the Mariners’ runs in the three to one victory. It is his first career multi-walk, and multi-run game in the major leagues.
Emerson continues to amaze his manager, Dan Wilson, each and every game.
“Like we’ve said before, he just sees the game and he senses the game and knows what to do in the right situation, and tonight was another example of that” said Wilson.
It’s another memorable moment in the remarkable rookie career of one of John Glenn High School’s finest, as Emerson continues to provide a much-needed spark for Seattle.
The Mariners are in Cleveland for two more games this weekend before heading back on Sunday night.
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