Greg Oden will return to the NBA with the Miami Heat on a veteran’s minimum contract, and attempt to resuscitate a career derailed by knee injuries. Oden last played in the NBA on December 5th, 2009, logging four minutes before fracturing his left kneecap. 2009 may not seem that long ago, but look at all the things that have happened in the NBA since that day:

1. LeBron James made “The Decision,” advanced to the NBA Finals three times won two titles.

2. Kevin Durant (2nd overall pick in 2007, behind Oden) won three scoring titles and was named to the All-NBA first team four times.

3. Ohio State teammate Mike Conley helped lead a team to the playoffs.

4. David Stern announced his impending retirement.

5. Kyrie Irving graduated from high school, completed his entire college career, was drafted No.1, and made an NBA All-Star team.

6. Shaquille O’Neal went from the Cavaliers’ bench to the Celtics’ bench to TNT’s bench.

7. Jermaine O’Neal was overtaken as the Miami Heat’s highest paid player.

8. Only six centers have been taken in the top 5 of every NBA draft after 2007, none of whom have made an All-Star team or won the Rookie of the Year award.

9. Chris Andersen covered his entire body with tattoos.

10. Dwight Howard has alienated (at least) two separate fanbases.