Greg Oden wants to play in preseason for Miami Heat

Greg Oden is ready to play ball.

The 25-year-old player, who hasn't played an NBA game since December 2009 over knee problems, is hopeful that the Miami Heat will let him play in the preseason.

On that note, the 7-foot center also hopes to play in the the Oct. 29 regular-season opener against Chicago. Even is its just for a few minutes.

"I would like to," Oden said. "I understand I won't be playing 20 minutes, but if I could get out there and play a couple of minutes."

The decision, however, will be up to the Heat medical staff as well as the team's coach Erik Spoelstra .

In August the Heat announced the former No. 1 player had signed a two-year-contract with the Miami team.

Oden was taken by the Portland Trail Blazers during the first selection of the 2007 draft. He had left Ohio State after one season. The Buckeyes advanced to the NCAA Tournament title game with Oden.

However, after signing with Portland Oden has appeared in only 82 games due to a series of injuries. He has had three microfracture surgeries on his knees, most recently on Feb. 20, 2012.