Video: Former Blazers C Greg Oden Makes Preseason Debut For Heat

Former Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden made his preseason debut for the Miami Heat during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.

The game marked Oden's first NBA action since Dec. 5, 2009, a span of 1,418 days. He finished with 2 points (on 1-for-1 shooting), 2 rebounds and 2 turnovers in 4 minutes.

Here's the video of his entry onto the court and his first touch, which resulted in a dunk.

Update: Here's Oden's post-game interview.

Here's a transcript of Oden's interview with Jason Jackson of Sun Sports.

Did you know you were going to play?

"Yeah I did. They kind of told me earlier in the day. I'm happy I'm able to walk off this court. I'm able to play another day."

Your first shot was a dunk

"I'm happy my first shot was a dunk and I made it. I'm still getting it back, I've got a long ways to go but I'm happy to be out there."

What's next?

"Right now, ice. Make sure that tomorrow that I take care of everything I need to and make sure the swelling is down, and my knee is good. Go out there and look forward to the next game, getting into it."

Final thoughts

"It's been three years, three long years. My friends and my family and God have been with me the entire way. I finished the game."

Oden officially signed with the Heat in August.

Oden underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee and arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in February 2012. In May 2012, he underwent Orthokine treatment on both of his knees. Previously, Oden underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee in 2007, underwent surgery after suffering a fractured patella in his left knee in 2009, and underwent microfracture surgery in his left knee in 2010.

Oden, 25, holds career averages of 9.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in 82 appearances.

Timmay! wrote a column on Oden during the summer.

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