Greg Oden participated in his first practice with the Miami Heat, a milestone in his attempt to comeback. LeBron James, meanwhile, refused to fuel any speculation about his plans for the summer when he is eligible to become a free agent.
Oden hasn't played in an NBA game since December 2009. After four years, playing in practice was a big step forward for the 25-year-old center.
"It felt good just being out there," Oden told reporters, via ESPN. "It's the first time in awhile, I'm happy I got it completed. They had to pull me off the floor. But I've got to take steps."
Oden, who signed with the Heat in the offseason, played for about half of the practice doing defensive drill work. He's still not cleared for contact, and the Heat are unwilling to put a timetable on his return to the court.
"It's step by step, practice by practice, minute by minute," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters. "It was a big bonus to have him out there. We'll meet the trainers and see how he reacts and go from there."
After multiple knee surgeries and a four-year layoff from basketball, making it through a practice without any setbacks is progress.
"We'll keep going," said Oden, who sat with ice on his knees and watched the rest of the practice. "Little by little."
James, meanwhile, made it clear to reporters he is not going to detract from the Heat's season by discussing free agency.
"For me, being a leader of this team, I owe it to this organization (and) to my teammates to not get involved in it, to not talk about it," James said on Monday, via USA Today Sports. "I understand you guys have to ask questions. You guys are doing your job, but I'm not going to address it.
"Once we get to that point, then I'll address it. But I don't think it's appropriate to talk about it right now. My concern is putting our team in a position to win another championship. That's my only goal. That's my only mind frame right now."
James is eligible to opt out of his contract after this season. The Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers are believed to have the strongest chance of luring the four-time MVP away from Miami.
