Last summer Kobe Bryant underwent a fairly controversial knee procedure in Germany to try and give him a little more lift, and the ability to further prolong his career. The operation was a success, and Bryant stated on multiple occasions this season that he felt better than he had in years.
Now, injury-riddled center Greg Oden is going to attempt the same procedure, and will be hoping for similar results. The former number one overall pick has had four knee surgeries since entering the league in 2007. Recently he was released by the Portland Trail Blazers, and is currently a free agent.
According to Chris Broussard of ESPN, Oden is hoping to return to the NBA some day, and thinks this particular procedure will help him reach that goal.
“Greg had long planned to have this procedure done,” one of the sources said. “He thought he’d wait until his knee was completely healed, but the doctor said Greg would get the greatest benefit by doing it now because it would help his recovery.”
Bryant, who also recommended the procedure to New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, is not the only current NBA player to go under the knife in this capacity. Gilbert Arenas, who was once a prolific scorer before physical and personal setbacks, has also undergone the Orthokine procedure.
Broussard also reported that Oden is not considering retirement, but is hoping to return to the NBA when his knee is fully healed. While there is no official timetable for his return, ESPN is reporting that he may be ready to go by the middle of next season.