A blessing in disguise?

by bbfred on Sep 16, 2007 6:18 PM PDT

Ian Thomsen in his latest "Inside the NBA" column thinks Greg Oden's comparison with Bill Russell needs to be replaced with one modeling him with Amare Stoudemire.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/09/14/stoudemire.oden/index.html

What struck me as interesting is that focus of Stoudemire's recovery included finding and fixing the problems that caused his knee problems. They focused on finding muscle groups that were weak or tight which directed extra stress to his knees.

For the Blazers and Greg Oden to catch this early before more damage could be done is obviously a plus. If the recovery period includes a similar focus on finding what caused the injury and strengthening muscle groups to prevent future problems, this could be a yearlong investment in making Greg Oden ready for a long trouble-free NBA career.

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Absolutely

Look, the fact of the matter is thatwe can either look at this as the worst thing that has happened to us or the best. Greg Oden was going to have a rough year, WE ALL know that. He will now have all year to not only fix his knee, but a.) bulk up on top, b.) work on his shooting skills, c.) balance out his body and really help prevent future injuries, and d.) get a desire and fire to prove his worth like he's never had before. The thing is, I'm pretty confident that Oden is a guy that will do all 4 of these things. He does not seem like the kind to not care. This injury really will probably give him a more fierce and powerful career than he would have had previously. We are going to see a MONSTER next October, guaranteed. **disclaimer** I am not being Polyanna about this, I am a realist and not dumb or ignorant about the game of basketball. I am truly convinced this kid is special and with the love and support this city has shown him, he will return it back in spades.

by mark twain on Sep 16, 2007 6:38 PM PDT reply actions

Great Find!

A must read by all the Blazer faithful. Especially loved the summary at the end.

"....if Oden applies the same persistence as Stoudemire, with similar progressive advice from his therapists and athletic trainers, he may yet come through this episode with a stronger, healthier body than before.".

I have no doubt Greg will become the latest "model" of a microfracture surgery that makes the player stronger all around, thus better equipped to handle the long regular season grind. Greg's body type should relish in this kind of plan and action during recovery

The Oden Era, Day 81

by Heymoe on Sep 16, 2007 6:48 PM PDT reply actions

He will

I read 7 seconds or less by Jack McCallum, and the impression he got was Amare wasn't taking his rehab as seriously as he needed to. He has definitely worked hard lately; I'm not trying to knock him. I just know that Oden will work his butt off from the get go, and while that won't translate to coming back any faster, it will translate to being in good shape when he does comeback.

Believer, you have forgotten the true meaning of Alvis Day. Neither is it ham, nor pomp. Nay, the true meaning of Alvis day is drinking. Drinking and revenge.

by supremepuntiff on Sep 16, 2007 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Nice article

I've grown frustrated over the week with the garbage reporting that's been out there on his injury. This is one of the first to address the science of the injury itself as well as providing some general insight as to the recovery effort.

Thanks for the post.

Transformers kick a**

by dcblazer on Sep 17, 2007 10:47 AM PDT reply actions

You're right

about most of the other coverage. Especially the "contribution" of his fellow SI columnist.

This was a revealing article - that they could watch Lebron James and predict that if he doesn't change the way he runs and walks, he will have injury problems.

You would think players and teams with their careers and millions of dollars at stake would be proactive about eliminating such devastating and potentially painful setbacks. I can just see Cleveland on the brink of getting back to the finals and Lebron suddenly sidelined with an injury that was predicted and preventable.

But at the same time it's easy to understand that a 21 or so year-old is not going to be too interested in spending time with physical therapy when they don't have an injury - yet. That is why this is a blessing for Greg Oden. Where they may have been able to look at him and see areas of concern, no one would have suggested delaying his playing days as needed to get his muscles balanced to prevent the possibility of injury, now he has the wake up call and the time to take advantage of what these doctors have to offer.

by bbfred on Sep 17, 2007 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Exactly.

My wife who knows virtually nothing about Basketball is convinced this is a blessing in disguise. She claims that it is easier for her to feel because she wasn't shocked and horrified by the whole thing. It was her immediate reaction and I think for the reasons you just outlined and others that she might just be right.

October, October, October, October, October...... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odin)

by Idog1976 on Sep 17, 2007 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Our Wives Should Hang Out!

That way we can watch more games...; )

Seriously, though, mine said the same thing.

From an outsider's perspective, it makes sense that the adversity and challenge of rehab will make him a better player, and a better man, in the long run.

Our wives may not know much about BBall, but they sure know a thing or two about sports, and life as a whole.

Like it or not, Rip City is Back

by sohrab19 on Sep 17, 2007 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Hehe

I read this to my wife and she totally cracked up. She is so certain this will turn out to be a good thing. Maybe she's secretly watching Batum highlights on youtube when I leave the room.

You know I've thought and pondered and thought some more about Oden. You know what? I can say in all seriousness I expect an 85% plus version of Oden pre-inury within the year and near 100% in two years. I also think this will sharpen him on many levels. I think Oden becomes a man during this rehab. A man with a mission.

October, October, October, October, October...... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odin)

by Idog1976 on Sep 17, 2007 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions