The name Greg Oden is trending on Twitter after the Miami Heat center--who usually comes off the bench--got the start on Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers.
The two teams sit atop the Eastern Conference and met in last year’s Eastern Conference finals.
The Heat beat the Pacers in seven games.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told the Indy Star that Oden was brought on to improve the front court.
“He’s here to make a championship team better. That’s why we went after him so aggressively. He does some things because of his size we haven’t done before,” he said.
Oden, who battled injuries for years after being chosen No. 1 overall in the 2007 draft, said he’s just happy to be playing again.
“I’m just happy to be able to play,” Oden said. “The No. 1 thing is getting the win, but the fact that I do get to play here in front of my family and friends, that means something to me.”
Oden’s performance on Wednesday earned lots of criticism, though, from Twitter users.
“Everyone on the court has blocked [Roy] Hibbert except for Greg Oden,” said one user.
“It’s official. Greg Oden is trash,” said another.
However, others encouraged the center, wanting him to live up to his potential.
“I really want Greg Oden to play to his full potential I remember going to watch him play in high school when I was like 5,” said one user.
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