Former No. 1 pick Greg Oden is leaving Butler’s men’s basketball team, per Akeem Glaspie of the Indianapolis Star.
Oden was an assistant coach for the Bulldogs for two seasons after originally being hired as Butler’s director of basketball operations in Apr. 2022. The organization hiring Thad Matta as head coach had a significant influence on his decision, as Oden played under Matta during their time with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Matta also brought Oden on as a student coach, student manager, and graduate assistant when he returned to The Ohio State University to complete his undergraduate degree.
Butler Basketball’s Greg Oden Leaves Program
It’s unclear whether Oden will return to his previous role or seek another position altogether.
Former NBA No. 1 overall pick Greg Oden told IndyStar he is leaving his position as Butler men’s basketball assistant coach. The former Lawrence North High School star would not comment on where he was heading next.
A source confirmed that current Indiana Pacers assistant coach Connor McCaffery has been targeted to fill the vacancy on the Bulldogs coaching staff. Connor is the boyfriend of Indiana Fever rookie superstar Caitlin Clark.
However, he’s likely to be replaced by Indiana Pacers assistant coach Connor McCaffery. McCaffery is perhaps best known for being in a relationship with Indiana Fevers rookie Caitlin Clark. Clark, who recently broke the WNBA’s season assist record, has been equal parts spectacle and spectacular since being drafted.
317 assists in the (317) 🏙️🔥
Caitlin Clark broke the @WNBA record for most assists in a season in her first year in Indy. pic.twitter.com/Wzz7XaCusx
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) September 14, 2024
If hired, McCaffery will have the opportunity to coach younger brothers Patrick and Jack.
McCaffery will have a chance to coach his brother Patrick, currently in his first year at Butler after transferring from Iowa. Connor and Patrick’s younger brother Jack is committed to join Butler as part of its 2025 recruiting class.
This may not be the deciding factor in whether Butler brings him on. Nonetheless, the family ties can’t be ignored.
Returning to NBA?
Oden has become more confident in and comfortable with himself since his NBA career ended. An injury-prone big man, he’s admitted he felt like a draft bust because he couldn’t stay on the court.
Though he only has three official years of NBA service, he missed four seasons entire seasons with knee injuries. He played in fewer than 24 games in two other seasons. These issues were largely out of his control. Nonetheless, the expectations placed upon him led him into a depression and alcoholism.
With those problems in his rearview, it’ll be interesting to see if he returns to the NBA as a coach. Indeed, the Portland Trail Blazers —who drafted him —could see him as a useful player development coach for their center group. The Miami Heat, the last team he played for, could value him for a similar reason.
It’s also worth noting that 20-year NBA veteran Udonis Haslem, who Oden recently appeared on a podcast with, is now the Heat’s vice president of basketball development. With Oden’s NBA and front office experience, Haslem might see him as someone who could help his department.
