Trail Blazers center Greg Oden went into a Vail, Colo., operating room Monday thinking he would have minor arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to remove debris.

He ended up having yet another microfracture surgery.

It’s the third time Oden has had microfracture surgery in his career, including the second on his left knee. The medical procedure officially ends any chance of the oft-injured center returning this season and raises doubt about whether he ever will play in the NBA again.

“This is not the news we were hoping for Greg or the organization,” Blazers President Larry Miller said in a release. “It’s hard to put into words the heartbreak for everyone involved, but especially for Greg. He’s a young man who has experienced a great number of physical challenges in his playing career and today is yet another significant setback for him. We have a lot of empathy for Greg and his family during this difficult time.”

It was the fifth knee surgery the 24-year old former No. 1 overall draft pick has endured during his time with the Blazers. He’s played in just 82 games over his four-plus seasons with the team, averaging 9.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.43 blocks per game.

He has not played in a game since Dec. 5, 2009, when he he fractured his left patella in a home game against Houston.

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