In a recent episode of “Glory Daze” — the new series from Almost Friday Media — Greg Oden spoke candidly about his time playing with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade during his tenure with the Miami Heat. Oden shared his thoughts in an intimate conversation with host Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback, Johnny Manziel.
Oden, a former No. 1 overall pick, reflected on the pressure he felt upon joining the star-studded team. “The number one thing I said when I got with the Miami Heat was don’t get in trouble,” Oden recalled.
He described his commitment to staying focused, especially alongside teammate Michael Beasley. “We were like, we can’t get in trouble in Miami. We’re going to make it to the f*cking finals,” he added. Oden emphasized his determination not to jeopardize the team’s success, stating, “I definitely tried to stay away from South Beach because being on that team felt like it meant a little bit more.”
Oden’s admiration for LeBron was evident as he recounted a memorable moment during a game. “I saw LeBron James guard somebody in the left corner. They threw a pass, and he was right there,” Oden said. He noted that such moments showcased LeBron as the greatest player in the game. “LeBron James on the Miami Heat is the greatest player to ever play the game of basketball,” he added.
In addition to discussing LeBron, Oden expressed gratitude for his experience in Portland. “That was the day that changed my life,” he said about being drafted by the Trail Blazers. Oden acknowledged the ups and downs he faced due to injuries but remained thankful for the opportunities he had. “I’m forever thankful to the Portland Trail Blazer organization for even taking a chance on me,” he said.
He reminisced about the love he received from the city of Portland, highlighting the supportive community and the trainers who helped him along the way. “I’m always going to shout out Jay Jensen, the trainer for the Trail Blazers,” he noted, reflecting on the bond they shared during his recovery.
Manziel and Oden also discussed their challenges and how they aim to guide younger players. “I feel like I’m a beacon of what not to do,” Manziel shared, acknowledging that success can fade quickly. Oden agreed, emphasizing his desire to impart lessons learned from his own struggles. “I personally didn’t succeed in the NBA the way I wanted to,” he said.
Both men reflected on the temptations that come with fame. “It’s easy to get caught up in the lifestyle,” Oden remarked. He highlighted the importance of staying true to oneself amid distractions, sharing that he and Manziel “had to pass out every night just because [he] couldn’t go to sleep.”
As their conversation continued, Oden opened up about his personal battles with mental health. He described periods when he felt isolated and embarrassed, struggling to cope with his emotions. “I lived in the house with two friends and didn’t see them for seven days,” Oden recalled. He detailed the challenges he faced during difficult times, including his reliance on substances to cope.
Despite the struggles, Oden emphasized the lessons he learned. “The older I got, I realized this is your life,” he stated. He stressed the importance of accountability and personal growth, noting, “I can’t blame anybody else. All you can do is be the best for you.”
Oden also shared a powerful reminder of his past, stating that he keeps a picture on his phone to remember where he once was. “I had to take every last one of those every night just to sleep three hours,” he said, reflecting on his journey to recovery. He concluded, “I just want to be happy with everything I am and make the best decision every day.”
