Greg Oden Has "Slight Setback," Misses Practice With Knee Swelling

Welp. That didn't take long. Greg Oden only took part in his first five-on-five drill with the Heat on Monday, but he had to be held out of practice today because of swelling in his left knee. ESPN's Brian Windhorst calls it a "slight setback," but it still can't be good news for a guy whose knee troubles have kept him from playing in the NBA since the 2009-10 season.

Remember: The Heat's trainers are measuring Oden's knees before and after every workout to test for swelling, a pretty good indication that his odds are as long as his joints are brittle. Oden tried to be upbeat when talking to reporters, saying "as long as it's no surgery, it's OK." Which, at least for him, must count for something. More Oden:

"Next thing to do is get (the swelling) back down and get out there and figure out what I can do to not let it swell again."

The Heat, rather carefully, have set no timetable for Oden's return.

Photo: Associated Press