Greg Oden makes first NBA appearance since 2009

(UPI) -- Greg Oden is officially back.

The un-retired NBA star played his first professional basketball game since December 5, 2009 on Wednesday night in New Orleans.

Oden, 25, who had been battling recurring injuries for the past 46 months, came off the bench in the Miami Heat's 108-95 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. During his few minutes in the court, Oden even managed to score a powerful slam dunk on his offensive possession.

Ealier this month, Oden said he would "like to" play during the Heat's preseason even if it was just for a "couple of minutes."

"I understand I won't be playing 20 minutes," he said at the time, "but if I could get out there and play a couple of minutes..."

Oden's performance during Wednesday's game maybe even earned him a spot during the regular season. Even if just for a few minutes.