NBA Free Agency 2013: San Antonio Spurs Will Turn Greg Oden Into Next 'Tim Duncan'

Former Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden is gaining interest from at least eight teams this offseason--one of which is the reigning Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs, known for their knack in maximizing the ability of their players, might be the perfect team for the injury prone Oden. Why? Because of two words: Gregg Popovich.

Selected first overall in the 2007 Draft, Oden averaged 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds in 82 games over the span of five seasons (2007 to 2012). Despite possessing a great deal of talent, Oden has struggled to reach his full potential because of his fragile knees.

Oden hasn't played an NBA game since 2009 and had to undergo a myriad of surgeries, including three micro fracture operations. But after one full season of rehabilitation, the former Ohio State standout is reportedly ready to resume his NBA career.

The Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Memphis Grizzlies have all expressed their interests in getting the services of the former prodigious big man. However, the Spurs offer the perfect situation for Oden to elevate his game to the next level.

With Tim Duncan probably entering his final season, the Spurs are suddenly in search for his heir apparent. Matching the achievements of one the best bigmen who ever played the game would be impossible, but the Spurs only need someone who can plug the middle and produce steady contributions on the offensive end.

Apparently, Oden fits the requirement.

With the mentorship of Popovich and Tim Duncan, Oden has a chance to become a pretty efficient player in the league without putting his health at risk.

Duncan has never been an athletic player like most big men today. However, the two-time MVP uses his fundamental footwork and excellent feel around the basket to outmaneuver his defender at will.

At age 25, it's still not late for Oden to adopt a below-the-rim playing style. Like Duncan, the 7-foot, 285-pound Oden has a repertoire of moves in the post and he can improve more if he started to incorporate some finesse in his game.

Moreover, the Spurs can wait for Oden to get ready physically and mentality without pressuring him to produce right away.

If everything falls in place, Oden could be a major force in this league and perhaps become the successor to Duncan in the coming years.