Greg Oden was once seen as the NBA’s next big thing—a towering center with incredible potential. But his story took a different route, marked by tough injuries, short-lived comebacks, and new beginnings. Today, at 37 years old, Oden has transitioned away from the court into a role that helps other athletes avoid the pitfalls he once faced.
Early Life and Basketball Beginnings
Born on January 22, 1988, in Buffalo, New York, Greg Oden’s early childhood was filled with big dreams. When he was nine, his family moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, and later to Indianapolis. That’s where his basketball journey really took shape. Oden played high school ball at Lawrence North, quickly establishing himself as a force. He led his team to three straight Indiana Class 4A titles and earned back-to-back National Boys Basketball Player of the Year awards in 2005 and 2006.
Even before he hit college, the basketball world was watching.
Dominating College Ball at Ohio State
Greg took his talents to Ohio State University for the 2006-07 season. Although he missed the first few months due to a wrist injury, his debut made headlines. In his first college game, he posted 14 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks. His defensive presence was unmatched, and he played a huge role in helping the Buckeyes reach the NCAA Championship game in 2007.
He didn’t just make noise on the court—he made history. Greg became the first freshman named to the Associated Press All-American team since 1990. That same year, he was recognized as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. It was clear he was NBA-ready, and he declared for the draft after just one season.
The NBA Dream That Struggled to Stay Alive
In 2007, Greg was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers. Expectations were sky-high. But just before his rookie season could begin, he was sidelined by knee surgery. That marked the start of an injury-plagued career. He missed his entire first year and only managed partial seasons after that.
The 2008-09 season gave fans a glimpse of his talent, but he still missed over 20 games. Things took a turn for the worse in his third season when he fractured his patella and appeared in just 21 games. Then came the devastating news in 2010—he needed microfracture surgery, which would keep him out for another full season. By 2012, after multiple surgeries and setbacks, Portland let him go.
He didn’t return to the NBA until the 2013-14 season with the Miami Heat. Though he only played in 23 games, Oden reached the NBA Finals with the team. Miami ultimately lost to the Spurs, but for Greg, just making it back to the court was a win in itself.
Life After the NBA
After his stint in Miami, Greg tried to make a final comeback overseas. In 2015, he signed a one-year deal worth $1.2 million with the Jiangsu Dragons in China. However, midway through the season, both sides agreed to part ways.
Now, Greg Oden is focused on something completely different—helping other athletes handle their finances. He works as an athlete adviser at Edyoucore, a Baltimore-based firm that offers financial education to athletes and entertainers. It’s a fitting role for someone who’s seen both the highs and lows of professional sports.
Career Earnings and Net Worth
Despite his short career, Greg earned around $24.4 million in NBA salary alone. Add to that a few million more from endorsements during his time in the spotlight. As of 2025, Greg Oden’s estimated net worth is $14 million. His story serves as a reminder of how crucial smart money management can be, especially when an athlete’s career is shorter than expected.
Family Life and Personal Challenges
Greg Oden’s personal life hasn’t been without struggles. In August 2014, he was charged with battery after an incident involving his ex-girlfriend. He later pled guilty to battery with minor bodily injury while other charges were dropped.
But life moved forward. In 2016, he and his fiancée Sabrina Williams welcomed their daughter, Londyn. A year later, in September 2017, Greg and Sabrina tied the knot in Maui, Hawaii. Today, his focus seems to be on family and building a stable future.
Real Estate and Lifestyle
Greg lives a relatively low-key life in Ohio. In 2017, he bought a home in Dublin for $800,000. The spacious 5,300-square-foot property includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a half-bath. It’s the kind of quiet, comfortable setup that suggests he’s moved on from the bright lights and loud crowds of NBA arenas.
Final Thoughts
Greg Oden’s story is a mix of promise, pain, and perseverance. Though his NBA career didn’t turn out the way fans or scouts expected, his ability to bounce back and find a meaningful role post-basketball speaks volumes. From being a “once-in-a-decade” prospect to becoming a mentor for athletes today, Greg has found a way to turn his setbacks into purpose.
Not every sports journey is about championships and MVPs—sometimes, the real win is in learning from the past and helping others avoid the same mistakes. Greg Oden might not have had the career he dreamed of, but he’s still making an impact where it counts.
