Once associated with high expectations and injuries, Greg Oden has subtly established a strong financial base outside of basketball. Known for being selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, Oden’s bright future was ruined by a string of crippling knee injuries.
Even though his playing career was cut short, his financial story is one of perseverance and flexibility. Oden’s NBA earnings, endorsement deals, and second career as a coach have contributed to his estimated $14 million net worth.
It is improbable that Oden will achieve financial success. His basketball career started off with a lot of promise but was cut short by knee issues. Oden immediately became well-known across the country as a high school standout in Indianapolis, winning the coveted title of National Boys Basketball Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006.
| Personal Information | Career Highlights | Financial Information |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name: Greg Oden | NBA Career: 2007-2014 | Net Worth: $14 Million |
| Born: January 22, 1988 | Teams: Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat | Salary (Final NBA Season): $1.2 Million |
| Nationality: American | College: Ohio State University | Career Earnings: $24.4 Million |
| Height: 7’0″ (2.13 m) | Coaching: Assistant Coach at Butler University | Endorsements: Additional Earnings from Deals |
| Children: 1 | Career Achievements: NBA Draft 1st Overall, 1-time NBA Finals Appearance | Real Estate: $800,000 Home in Dublin, Ohio |
| Spouse: Sabrina Williams | Injuries: Career Cut Short Due to Multiple Knee Surgeries |
His reputation as a once-in-a-generation talent was further solidified during his freshman year at Ohio State University. Oden won defensive player of the year in 2007 after leading his team to the National Championship game despite a season marred by injuries.
Oden was considered the best player available when he announced his intentions to enter the 2007 NBA Draft. Although Oden was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers, his career with the team would be hampered by injuries from the start. Oden missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury, and as his injuries mounted throughout his career, he was unable to play as much and struggled to establish the dominance that many had anticipated.
Oden was able to land big contracts during his career, earning $24.4 million in NBA salary, even though he only played parts of three seasons. He made $5.4 million during the 2009–2010 season, which was his highest pay period.
Oden’s career was unfortunately cut short after the 2014 season due to his ongoing battle with injuries. He agreed to a one-year contract with the Chinese Basketball Association’s Jiangsu Dragons in 2015. But Oden’s playing career came to an end when he left the team after a short time.
But basketball isn’t the end of Oden‘s tale. Following his playing career, Oden transitioned into coaching. He began working with Butler University’s basketball program in 2022, initially serving as Director of Basketball Operations before moving on to assistant coach. This action indicated that Oden’s priorities had shifted from playing to mentoring. He has a source of income from his work as a coach that should last him for a very long time.
Oden has expanded into advisory work in addition to his coaching role. He works as an athlete advisor for Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment, a Baltimore-based business that focuses on giving athletes financial counseling and education. In this capacity, Oden can offer his firsthand knowledge of managing money and overcoming obstacles in professional sports, which could be extremely beneficial for athletes just beginning their careers.
Even though Oden never achieved the level of financial success some of his peers did, he has benefited from endorsement deals throughout his career in addition to his work as a coach and advisor. He partnered with well-known companies like Adidas and Nike during his early years as a highly-touted NBA prospect, which allowed him to briefly profit from his notoriety. Although not as much as his NBA salary, Oden’s financial portfolio has benefited from these endorsement earnings.
Oden has also demonstrated a strong interest in real estate. He paid $800,000 for a house in Dublin, Ohio, in 2017. With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a half-bath, the 5,300-square-foot home reflects Oden’s comfortable post-retirement lifestyle. Ohio real estate ownership offers stability, securing a valuable asset while enabling Oden to enjoy life away from the spotlight.
Oden’s wealth demonstrates the strength of perseverance, even though it is not as astounding as that of some other former NBA players. Oden has made a name for himself in the basketball community as a mentor and a businessman despite suffering setbacks and never living up to his high standards on the court. His $14 million net worth serves as evidence that adaptability, the capacity to learn from mistakes, and the ability to grasp new opportunities are more important indicators of success than the quantity of games played or titles won.
Oden may appear to have a modest net worth when compared to other NBA players of his generation. It is important to remember, though, that his career was cut short, and he has made the most of his circumstances through his post-NBA endeavors. Oden’s financial stability has been a result of his wise real estate investments, coaching at Butler University, and serving as an advisor for young athletes.
Aspiring athletes will find Oden’s story especially motivating because it demonstrates how resilience, tenacity, and flexibility are critical for sustained success. Oden discovered new ways to fulfill his love of basketball and secure financial success after his career ended too soon. His $14 million net worth demonstrates his capacity to change course and reinvent himself in ways that many might not anticipate following such a tumultuous professional sports career.
