If anyone knows what Greg Oden is going through, it’s Michael Redd.

When Portland meets the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, the Bucks sharpshooter will return to the lineup after spending time on injured reserve after he sustained a left patella strain the second game of the season. Redd tried to return in late November but to no avail.

He missed nine games, and then sat out another seven after a lack of “explosiveness”, with Redd finding it “hard to jump.”

Now – like so many other players around the league – Redd is passing along his thoughts and prayers to Greg Oden, after Oden suffered a left patella fracture against Houston last Saturday and underwent season-ending surgery last Sunday.

Who knows if or when Portland will recover mentally or physically from the loss of Oden.

Redd and Oden have more than their Ohio State connection in common. The two have worked out together in summers’ past in Columbus, Ohio, so sentiments run deep between Redd and Oden.

"I hate that it happened to him," Redd told the Journal Sentinel about Oden. "I just thank God that I'm not out for the rest of the season because of a patella tendon strain. I wish the best for him. I've tried to call him and just wish him well."

Much like Oden, Redd is no stranger to lingering injuries. He sat out the last 35 games for the Bucks last season after ACL surgery. Hobbled the past few years for one reason or another, the 10-year pro hasn’t played in an 82-game season since 2003-04, then his fourth season in the league.

Truly one of the good guys in this league (and with a silky smooth lefty release), Redd’s story actually provides a sense of hope for Greg Oden - a story filled with faith.

photo: kjl.com

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