Haynes: Blazers F Nicolas Batum Says Greg Oden Still Wants NBA Comeback

Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com reports on Twitter that Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum met with former Blazers center Greg Oden in Indiana during the team's road trip. Batum said that Oden "looks good and is planning a return to NBA next season."

Wednesday was the three-year anniversary of Oden's last NBA game.

Oden was released by the Blazers in March after undergoing microfracture surgery on his left knee and arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in February. He opened up to Grantland.com in May to reflect on his time in Portland, which began when he was selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. Also in May, he underwent Orthokine treatment on both of his knees.

Since then, Oden has expressed a desire to be a gym teacher, and been in Ohio State's gym at least once, while being spotted at various hangouts in Columbus, Ohio, during OSU's football season. Oden's agent has said on multiple occasions that Oden would pursue a return to the court for the 2013-14 season.

Oden, 24, holds career averages of 9.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in 82 appearances.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter