Dec 16, 2011; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trailblazers center Greg Oden (52) poses for a photo during media day at the Rose Garden. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

Fox Sports Florida says the Charlotte Bobcats are one of two teams Greg Oden is eying as he gets ready to make a return to the NBA next season.

FSF had a phone interview with Oden’s agent Mike Conley, who says his client is interested in the ‘Cats and the San Antonio Spurs:

“San Antonio has an aging front line with (Tim) Duncan, and with Duncan and the Admiral (retired David Robinson, who still lives in San Antonio), he would have some great mentors.
Charlotte, they are rebuilding. They would be in a better position (than many teams) to take more of a risk.’’

So should the Bobcats take that “risk”?

Well, Charlotte will have more money to spend than most contenders who might want to add Oden to their bench, and it’s not like they’d have to spend THAT much to convince the big man to play in the Queen City over another town where a team with less money wants him.

Oden’s played in 82 games during his injury shortened career. He’s averaged 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds to go along with 1.4 blocks in just 22 minutes per game. Per 36 minutes, that translates to 15.3 points, 11.9 rebounds and over two blocks.

Those numbers are impressive, but that’s the problem any team who wants him will have to deal with; There’s no denying his talent and potential, but, so far, the risk has always been bigger than the reward.

If the ‘Cats can grab him for the right price, he could turn into a solid pickup.

I’d pass on him if the asking price is too high, though.