This team making or not making the playoffs is a separate issue.

   Greg Oden and what he means to this team should be handled with the highest degree of care and conservative approach. The only consistent thing I have heard about Micro-Fracture from both surgeons, re-hab specialists and players themselves is "Don't rush the comeback".

  Oh, He'd want to come back, and I think that is what makes it tempting to The Blazers and Greg Oden. But we aren't winning rings this year. Forced to sacrifice a season, why put the future at additional jeopardy for a playoff run that would mostly be about simply gaining experience. No. Oden is the future, and the future is getting close, but in my opinion absolutely no way I bring him back either for this season, or a potential post season stint.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Rv4zBbblUC8

admitted on PTI that there is a difference in opinion between himself, Nate, and Paul Allen on this topic.  But KP made it clear that his own feeling is that Oden should not play this season under ANY circumstances.  And I'm confident that KP's view would carry the day.

is asked I keep my answer the same: NO!

There are so many reasons I feel this way.

Even if we make it and he is cleared to play, has been practicing with the team, etc... I still don't think he should play.  Playoffs are a rough time physically and I don't want Greg's first NBA experience to potentially induce further complications.  Amare came back in a similar situation, but prior to the playoffs (against us if I remember correctly), had a great game then sat for another six months.

In addition if we actually make it to the playoffs to suddenly introduce a piece to the puzzle will take some adjusting for the whole team, we don't want that adjusting to happen during the playoffs when the sole reason we could possibly get there at this early stage of our development is due to team chemistry almost entirely.

Finally, Greg isn't going to be able to contribute all that much in his first couple of months, he'll be learning how to not foul out.  I propose that we not only would lose more often if he were introduced to the line-up at the start of the playoffs, but that it's a horrible idea with regards to his confidence.  I want Greg to begin in a "normal" way (a healthy Summer League, Pre-Season, and then regular season) this will be good for his confidence and be the least risky course of action with regards to injury, and will also make him the most effective player he can be by the time he is playing in regulation NBA games.

Is this some weird Sonic-hatred?  Or were you joking?  If not: man, the grass is always greener, isn't it?  Nate's not perfect, but what coach is?  I think he's talented and learning as he goes--just like his young team.  Nate works hard, admits mistakes, keeps the lines of communication open, etc.  What's not to like?  I'm sure other NBA teams would be lining up to sign Nate if the Blazers let him go.  

If the doctors are 100% confident he is ready to rock, let him get his feet wet.  If it's next year fine.  If earlier sweet.  No need to force anything though.