NBA: Greg Oden Has First Full Practice With Miami Heat, Clears Significant Hurdle In NBA Return

Greg Oden successfully cleared one of the major hurdles in his return to the NBA after having his first full practice with the Miami Heat.

Michael Wallace of ESPN reported that the former first overall pick participated in the team's scrimmages as part of their preparation for Tuesday's preseason game against the Washington Wizards. It was the first full on-court workout for Oden since signing a two-year deal with the Heat in August.

"It felt good to get out there and get some up-and-down," said Oden, who reportedly blocked a shot by four-time and reigning MVP LeBron James in one play. "You can see I'm frustrated because I'm not as back as I want to be. But it's little steps, and today was another step, getting out there and doing some five on five."

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was impressed with Oden's progress in the first two weeks of their training camp. While he is not considering sending Oden into Tuesday's game against the Wizards and Thursday's match against the Brooklyn Nets, Spoelstra said that the 25-year-old center could play in their remaining preseason assignments.

Aside for Spoelstra, Oden's Heat teammates were also impressed with Oden's work ethic. James said that he did not hesitate to attack Oden in their scrimmage, knowing that the former Ohio State standout will not back down from any challenge.

"He fouled me twice today, and I scored on him, too," James said. "For him to be able to stick with it and be here, we went five-on-five, it's a testament to him keeping his composure, him believing in himself, his family believing in him. He's back where he belongs, and that's in the NBA."

Oden has not played since sustaining a season-ending knee injury in December 2009 when he was still playing for the Portland Trail Blazers. Since being drafted ahead of Kevin Durant in the 2007 NBA Draft, Oden only played a total of 82 games, averaging 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds.