This will be the first home game where Greg Oden is ready to play, and it should really be an incredible atmosphere. In order for it to truly be special, it is time to start the big fella. 

Let's Imagine the buzz surrounding the RG...

The rumor begins to spread throughout the arena prior to the lineup announcements that Greg Oden will indeed be starting. Nobody can confirm nor deny... but the euphoric feeling begins to arise in the hearts of the Rose Garden faithful. Then, the lights go off... the music begins its arena thumping vibrations... the first four players are announced to rousing receptions... Blake... Roy... Batum... Aldridge... and then, a brief delay... the music builds... "At center, standing 7 feet tall, the big man in the middle, from thee ohio state university.... GREEEEEEEEEEEG OOOOOOODEENNN!!!!!" The crowd goes wild!! A standing ovation ensues...  they're chanting "ODEN, ODEN, ODEN, ODEN!!!"... signs in the rafters declare "Oden '08, worth the wait!"... "odEn Shakes Portland's eNemies!" (ESPN... get it? ok, that was the best I could come up with)... "Put on your O face!"... "Oh-Yeah Greg Oh-den!".  The crowd buzz will not die... the tip-off is approaching and Oden is making his very first tip at the Rose Garden in the regular season. The ref bounces the ball and declares "i'm going high, so let it get up in the air"... The excitement rises higher and higher and at the very tip of the ball's summit Oden is half an arms length above Drew Gooden, sending it back to Blake to begin the legendary career of Greg Oden at Portland's Rose Garden.

Yes, the crowd knows it. Brandon Roy is the leader of this team... but the Rose Garden is Greg Oden's house. It's his domain. Here, he will protect the paint. He will intimidate those who dare to contend. His first rim rockin' dunk will send the city into a 7.2 quake that will be felt for years and years to come. Greg Oden has arrived... and the fans will stand with a smile on their face... and grown men will pretend to choke or sneeze after Oden sends his first Rose Garden rejection into the 10th row, because a tear of joy will begin to surface. 

This is Oden's house. Give him the keys to start the game... and set forth the incredible career that will follow.