Being 7-feet tall with prospective talent at your side is definitely a confidence booster. But even though he’s a perfect fit for the description above, NBA basketball player Greg Oden has declared himself “over” due to knee injuries that have kept him out of three seasons. However, the 28-year old hasn’t always felt this down about himself.

According to Yahoo! Sports, Oden was in a better headspace in September, 2010. Oden said, “Is there any proof that I’m a bust? All there is proof of is that I have bad luck with injuries. When I was out there on the floor, I think I did pretty good for myself.” But alcohol and recent knee surgery has put this player’s past to shame.

This past week, Oden declared that he was “the biggest bust in NBA history” while even comparing himself to fellow NBA star Kevin Durant. With averaging 15.3 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes, it’s not surprising that most are shocked about Oden’s statement, including our peers. Haley Jones (11) said, “I do not agree with [Oden]. He is not a bust, but merely betrayed by his own body.”

Missing 82 games, however, can be quite a downer (no matter how many three pointers you’ve made). Manas Jinka (11) comments on Oden’s tough situation. He said, “He was drafted first overall in his draft class.” Jinka goes on, stating how “[Oden’s] injuries derailed his career.” and how that’s just “the unfortunate reality with these athletes in that their career could be ruined in an instant with one injury.”

 Even with all the talent and statistics that has so far driven his career, Oden won’t be back on the court until his knees have fully recovered — which is unlikely. Although it may be an unfortunate end to his basketball career, it doesn’t mean he won’t be able to be a success, even if it won’t be on the court.