Oden out for year, Blazers say

PORTLAND, Ore. — There appears to be no end in sight for Greg Oden and his troublesome knees.

The Portland Trail Blazers said Monday that a procedure to clear debris out of Oden’s left knee resulted in another microfracture surgery. Oden had the surgery in Vail, Colo. It was originally expected to be an arthroscopic procedure to clean out the 7-foot center’s knee, but the surgeon determined there was additional damage.

The former No.1 pick in the 2007 NBA draft has now had two microfracture surgeries on his left knee, and one on his right. He has also undergone surgery for a fractured left kneecap.

The Blazers say Oden will not play this season.

“It’s hard to put into words the heartbreak for everyone involved, but especially for Greg. He’s a young man who has experienced a great number of physical challenges in his playing career and today is yet another significant setback for him,” Trail Blazers President Larry Miller said in a prepared statement. “We have a lot of empathy for Greg and his family during this difficult time.”

Oden, who has not played in an NBA game since Dec. 5, 2009, has appeared in 82 career games for the Blazers, averaging 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds.

It was expected that he might be able to play this season, but a checkup before the start of training camp in December reportedly revealed concerns about a nonweight-bearing ligament in the left knee, further setting back his rehabilitation.

The former Ohio State star was selected over Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant with the top pick in the 2007 draft.