updated 1:35 p.m. ET March 13, 2008

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Greg Oden practiced with the Portland Trail Blazers for the first time since right knee surgery ended the No. 1 draft pick’s debut season before it started six months ago.

Oden, the 7-foot center from Ohio State taken with the top selection in last year’s draft, surprised his teammates Wednesday when he participated in offensive drills and even dunked during 45 minutes of half-speed work. The Blazers were in Sacramento for Thursday night’s game against the Kings.

“Yeah, it was nice,” Oden said after lifting weights Thursday in Sacramento. “I learned some of the plays that I’m not going to use, but it was good to be out there with the guys and go through some of the stuff that they go through.”

Only coach Nate McMillan and athletic trainer Jay Jensen knew Oden would be in practice Wednesday for the first time since undergoing microfracture surgery in September.

“They made some comments about it,” McMillan said of his players. “They laughed about it and said ’Hey, finally you’re here to work.”’

The Blazers have stayed in contention for a playoff berth without their future franchise center. Led by All-Star Brandon Roy, Portland is in 10th place in the Western Conference.

Oden said he felt no discomfort in his knee after the workout. The Blazers still have no intention of allowing him to play this season, however.

“We just changed up his workout,” McMillan said. “He’s been doing a little light running for about a week or so now, and that’s all it was yesterday, some light running. The only difference (was that) he was with the team.”

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