NBA Tipoff 2012: Greg Oden and Players Playing for Their Careers This Season

The NBA season is upon us, and that means that players like the Portland Trail Blazers' Greg Oden need to get their act together. The NBA is a place for the best basketball players, and if a player doesn't fit, they could end up finding themselves out of a job quickly.

There are going to be plenty of players in this situation for the 2011-12 season. With a short season and extended rest, many should be able to play at their full potential. It won't be as easy for guys who have been slowed by injuries, but the extra rest shouldn't hurt them, either. 

The following players will be banking on this coming season to propel them into continuing to have a future in the NBA.

Baron Davis

After leaving the Golden State Warriors in 2008, Baron Davis hasn't been able to get back on track to what was a stellar career. He has never been able to get his points per game up, even while playing with a Los Angeles Clippers team that didn't have many weapons.

He was traded at the trade deadline last season to the Cleveland Cavaliers. There he only played in 15 games but averaged 19.7 PPG. It isn't clear on where Davis will be heading in 2011-12. He is under contract with the Cavs, but they may choose to cut him with the amnesty clause.

If cut, Davis will be looking for a last chance at redemption. At 32 years old, Davis definitely still has room to make up ground.

Nate Robinson

If the Oklahoma City Thunder do end up cutting point guard Nate Robinson, it is hard to imagine him finding work in the NBA for the 2011-12 season. While he has been electrifying at times, Robinson has lost pretty much any value to any team's roster spot.

At 5'9", Robinson can't add much size to any team. His career average of 11.3 PPG is skewed due to his days with the New York Knicks, as more recently he averaged only 6.8 PPG last season. His career average of 2.6 APG doesn't help his cause, as he isn't a pass-first point guard.

Robinson may find work at the end of a team's bench next season, but he has to hope that someone goes down in order for him to prove that he still has worth in the future. At only 27 years old, he really needs to make a stand this season or just go overseas.

Gilbert Arenas

There is not a doubt in anyone's mind that the Orlando Magic should use the amnesty clause on Gilbert Arenas. With nearly $62 million still owed to him over the next three years, the Magic need to get that money off their shoulders.

There is no doubt that Arenas is talented, but following many leg injuries, he just has not been the same player. Once a player who could easily put up over 25 PPG, he has now become someone hoping to make 25 percent of his shots. In 49 games with the Magic last season, Arenas made only 34.4 percent of his field goals while also averaging a measly eight points per game.

If Arenas is released, he will likely get the league minimum and will be in great danger of running his career short. He has the talent, but he needs it to show up now more then ever.

Greg Oden

Greg Oden is a sad story. The Portland Trailblazers took him with the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft, but he has never been able to really play. Since entering the league, he has been in only 82 games due to constant leg problems resulting in micro-fracture surgery.

At seven feet tall, Oden is a beast. When he returned to the court in 2009, he was starting to come into form. He averaged only 11.1 PPG, but he was grabbing 8.5 RPG and averaging 2.3 BPG. If he can return to healthy form, there is no doubt that Oden could be dominant in this league.

It isn't clear yet on what his health is for this upcoming season, but there is no doubt that some team will be willing to give him a shot. He will come cheap, too. If he can't play this season, the book may be closed on Oden's NBA future.

Ben Gordon

When Ben Gordon played for the Chicago Bulls, he was one of the most elusive scorers in the game. Once he made his move to the Detroit Pistons, his play began to fall off significantly.

With the Bulls, Gordon was good for almost 20 PPG. With the Pistons, he has struggled to even score 10 at times. His minutes per game have dipped significantly, and with the addition of Brandon Knight, those numbers could continue to drop.

Gordon really needs to prove this season that he can still score at will. He also needs to hope that he can get on the court enough. He has two more years on his contract after this one, with over $12 million due to him each season. That may be too much for a guy who may only be getting on the court for 20 minutes each night. The amnesty clause may be coming his way following this season.