MIAMI — Greg Oden still needs some time to get ready for the rigors of playing in the NBA.

He no longer needs a new team, however.

The former No. 1 overall draft pick has chosen to sign with the two-time defending NBA champion Miami Heat, ending months of suspense over where the center whose career has been decimated by a series of knee problems would be attempting his comeback. The Heat were long perceived as the frontrunners to land Oden, and now have a 7-footer to help them try for a third straight title.

Oden accepted an offer worth about $1 million for this coming season.