Greg Oden was a name synonymous with “what if” in the NBA. He possessed great talent but was injured frequently throughout his career. Despite his brief playing time, Oden still managed to amass a significant net worth.
Early Life and Education
Greg Oden played basketball in high school in Indiana and was born in Buffalo, New York in 1988. He was 7 feet tall above his peers and was named Mr. Basketball USA in 2006.
Oden did not neglect academics despite his burgeoning basketball career. At Waldron Mercy Academy, a private Catholic school, he received a film degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). But the NBA lured Oden away and he left UCLA to focus on basketball – a move that would affect his financial future.
Net Worth
Oden amassed a net worth of around USD 14 million despite little playing time.
Factors That Contribute to His Net Worth
Below are some of the factors that helped Oden generate such an amount of net worth:
Guaranteed Contracts: A Top Draft Pick Has Power
Oden’s financial success hinges on his rookie contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. Picked number one overall in the 2007 NBA draft, Oden signed a four-year deal worth an estimated USD 21.8 million. This guaranteed contract provided Oden with a substantial financial base – regardless of playing time due to injuries. If he never played a game, this contract would have put him comfortably financially.
Limited Playing Time/Limited Earnings: The Impact of Injuries
Even though his rookie contract provided a safety net, injuries limited Oden’s earnings potential. He appeared in just 113 NBA games over an eight-year career – far less than a healthy player would accomplish. This limited playing time meant fewer performance-based bonuses and incentives, which limited his ability to earn in the NBA.
Seeking Opportunities Abroad: Chasing Championships and Paychecks
Oden never gave up basketball entirely despite his struggles in the NBA. He played overseas in China for the Jiangsu Dragons in 2015-2016. Though NBA salaries rival those of most international leagues, Oden’s stint in China likely gave him a decent paycheck and an opportunity to prove himself and gain confidence.
Endorsement Deals: Capitalizing on Early Hype
Injury hampered his playing career, but Oden’s early promise did bring some endorsement deals. He signed with companies like Nike in his rookie year to ride the hype of being the number one draft pick. These endorsements probably added income for Oden, but weren’t his main source of wealth.
Beyond Basketball: Investing for the Future
Like most athletes, Oden has likely considered investing beyond basketball. Even though details about his specific investments are private, his financial advisors certainly would have encouraged him to diversify his income streams to secure his long-term financial security.
Conclusion
Being a top draft pick like has earned Greg Oden a huge net worth. But his story also shows how injuries can wreck a player’s career and earning potential. Financial security is important, but the true legacy of Oden will likely be his enormous talent and the “what if” scenarios surrounding his injury-plagued career.
