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[Saba Sports News] Former NBA big man Greg Oden was recently asked to build his ultimate starting five—including himself and four former teammates—during an appearance on the *Knuckleheads Podcast*. While he quickly named the first three players, his final selection took some extra thought and ended up being a surprising pick.
“Well, first off, it’s B-Roy (Brandon Roy), Bron (LeBron James), D-Wade (Dwyane Wade),” Oden said. “And I’mma say Andre Miller. Man, I love Miller.”
Considering that Oden’s career was cut short by injuries, this lineup is quite impressive. Let’s break down his choices, starting with the most unexpected one.
Andre Miller (Point Guard):
Miller was easily the most controversial selection. Despite never making an All-Star team, he was a steady and reliable floor general, averaging 12.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game over his career. Oden emphasized that he wanted a traditional point guard to lead his squad, making Miller his obvious choice.
Dwyane Wade (Shooting Guard):
Wade was a no-brainer for the shooting guard spot. A three-time NBA champion and 13-time All-Star, Wade put up career averages of 22.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. His impact on both ends of the floor made him an easy pick for Oden’s dream team.
Brandon Roy (Small Forward):
Roy’s selection at small forward wasn’t surprising given his talent. A gifted scorer and playmaker, Roy averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Injuries cut his career short, but in his prime, he was among the league’s best wings. Oden and Roy could have been the foundation of a dominant Trail Blazers squad had they both stayed healthy.
LeBron James (Power Forward):
No explanation needed here—LeBron James is one of the greatest players in NBA history. With career averages of 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game, plus 21 All-Star and 20 All-NBA selections, James was the most obvious pick in Oden’s lineup. Even in his 22nd season, he remains a dominant force.
Alternate Lineup Possibilities:
Oden’s lineup is already stacked, but had he been open to shifting positions, he could have moved LeBron to point guard and added a big man like Chris Bosh or LaMarcus Aldridge at power forward. That would have added even more size and versatility to his squad.
Ultimately, Oden built a formidable lineup based on the players he shared the court with—one that, in its prime, would have been a nightmare for opponents.