Greg Oden!

by Blogaholic on Dec 21, 2008 1:19 AM PST Comment 65 comments

WOW, if this guy could just stay out of foul trouble he would be so dominant!

Once he gets goin, and gets his confidence level up high, he seems to always go get into foul trouble. For instance against Phoenix, he was up for the competition against Shaq, and did just as well, if not better in those first few minutes of play, gettin 6 quick points and a block on Amar'e after forcing shaq to throw up a bad shot.

But then it happens, two quick fouls in like 5 min.

Anyways, I've been so impressed with him though so far, especially against the Clippers (stayed out of foul trouble, had a big game) and just hope and pray for the fouls to slow down! Don't worry greg, your gonna be something special.

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thank you. You deserve a rec.

this is exactly what i need to read right now. This post is like the listerine to rinse out all the bad tastes of negativity and hate surrounding Greg Oden. I feel exactly how you do. He has proven that he can play on the court with the big guys. He WILL be dominant. It’s a matter of time. He’s only played 22 games? Don’t you even worry Portland, this is no Sam Bowie. He will be an allstar. Enjoy this time watching Greg Oden stumble, fumble and foul his way down court and you cherish it Portland.. because it wont last for long.

Rip City REVIVAL

by HonestPete on Dec 21, 2008 1:29 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

watching sam bowie on csn

he was pretty badass. its a pity that he had to be injured for most of his career. i’m sure he felt the pressure that greg has felt to win and decided to come back early from injury to help the team, but ended up only hurting them in the long run.

Adelmans Blazers + a healthy Bowie/Sabas = no MJ 3peat. I honestly believe we would have nabbed a ring or 2 during those years.

Honor Terry Porter

by Philthyanimal on Dec 21, 2008 11:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

A little unfair to use the word "hate"

when describing peoples’ attitudes involving Oden. Impatient is probably as negative as most posters on the site get.

by BrewDude on Dec 21, 2008 12:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i agree

But people like Colin Cowherd “Hate on” Greg Oden. I don’t think anyone truly hates Greg Oden, but people definitely “Hate on” him. ha make sense? That’s what I meant in the first place.

Rip City REVIVAL

by HonestPete on Dec 21, 2008 5:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Greg

will be a very good center in this league. People need to relax on him, they act like he is the second coming. Everyone needs to remember this is a 20 year old kid coming off a full year away from playing and is leading the team in double doubles after missing 6 games. Look at Dwight Howards Rookie numbers and they about allmost the same when looked at per minute. Greg : 8pts 8rebs 1.5blcks in 23 mins per. Dwight: 12pts 10rebs 1.7blcks in 32mins per. Greg Actually may stack up better. My ONLY worry for Greg is mental, he has alot of poeple saying alot of stupid crap about him. I just hope he knows how full of B.S. they are.

by blazerbeliever97504 on Dec 21, 2008 1:31 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

i don't think he does know that it's just B.S.

Hell, it’d get to me too. So many expectations to live up to. He just doesnt seem jolly. In fact it was weird to hear that he mentioned that he didnt even enjoy playing basketball anymore. Kind of scary. Greg’s problem is 100% mental unfortunately. He can be dominant if he learns to get comfortable.

Rip City REVIVAL

by HonestPete on Dec 21, 2008 1:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Wait what?

When did he say that he didn’t enjoy basketball anymore? You mean him saying he tried to take it seriously? link please?

He's Coming! Oden Slayer of Giants

by Idog1976 on Dec 21, 2008 1:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I have no link.

And thats the first thing that ran through my mind when i was writing that response. A Commentator during the PHX vs. Portland game (Marv Albert?) mentioned it and said that he had a conversation with his old high school coach and it was his old coach who inspired him to give it another go and to not give up.

Rip City REVIVAL

by HonestPete on Dec 21, 2008 5:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I caught that and worried

Another thing they said was for Greg to stay off the internet (oops, emmm… well…) and stop listening to what everybody is saying. Play defense and let the game come back to him.

I hope Gregs not sad or losing passion for the game. I do think he’s a sensitive kid and may be taking all the UNFAIR criticism to personally.

The guy is a beast who just needs time to get his feel back. I really hope Greg knows how much he is appreciated and thats not just talking basketball.

Oh yea, one other thing, that 5th foul on Shaq was about the lamest call I have ever seen. Its proof positive for me that David Stern has given instructions to the ref to make it hard on Oden just like he tried to have the schedule arranged to make it hard on him to begin the season. Yes I believe Stern fixes the NBA… speaking of which… what happened to that guy?

Some comments may not be 100% accurate

by bow4meow on Dec 21, 2008 6:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The lamest call you've ever seen?

I agree, it was not a good call. But the lamest?

This one is pretty lame my friend, and dare I say… Even Lamer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-igP_XG-kCo

Rip City REVIVAL

by HonestPete on Dec 21, 2008 11:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

just copy and paste that whole link.

i am not technologically savvy

Rip City REVIVAL

by HonestPete on Dec 21, 2008 11:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That was nice

"There is a difference between having two guys banging down low and having two guys who can bang down low." - Blazin'

by tominhawaii on Dec 22, 2008 6:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I stand corrected

still, didnt Sheed get the call? So…..

If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?

by bow4meow on Dec 22, 2008 8:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I love Stuckey’s shriek

My HDTV is a JustinTV streamer who doesn't just use a webcam :(

by inroywetrust on Dec 22, 2008 9:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Remember when Al Horford was regarded as the next great big man??

here was big Al’s line : Horford ranked first among rookies in double doubles (25), as well as rebounds (9.7 rpg), which was 13th among all NBA players. Among first-year players, Horford also finished sixth in scoring (10.1 ppg).

Me thinks our man finishes this year ahead of that???

Oden & Rudy co- Rookie Of The Year ---- Brandon for MVP!!!

by Ripped City on Dec 21, 2008 11:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Worst case I think he ties it. Keep in mind we’re at the 1/3 mark and he as 8 double doubles (and our boy missed a few games early). He’s on pace to be even with him with the injury spot…

Give it another 2 months and he’ll increase those numbers, give it time.

by Powder on Dec 21, 2008 12:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

and we are not the Hawks!!

just think how many more options we have then they did?? c’mon Joe Smith, Mike Bibby??? LOL

Oden & Rudy co- Rookie Of The Year ---- Brandon for MVP!!!

by Ripped City on Dec 21, 2008 12:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Thanks for being “Honest” Pete.

Where "The Natural" Happens.

by Blogaholic on Dec 21, 2008 1:32 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

oh and you are very welcome.

Thanks for a good post.

Rip City REVIVAL

by HonestPete on Dec 21, 2008 1:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

For being labeled so quickly as being a flop (see above posts for comparative numbers between him and D Howard), he sure seems to be doing pretty well. Not to mention he is a rookie. A rookie!

I think the best thing he has going for him right now is that he is playing with Priz and being coached by Lucas. He will be fine.

Could you imagine if we could merge both Priz and Oden into one center? Take Oden’s “explosiveness” and dominance and mix it with Priz’s velcro hands and experience.

By next year, Oden will start having many dominating games. In two years we will all but forget these conversations were even here. Our focus will be on Roy taking over at the end of games while Oden and LMA dominate the rest. Throw in a few amazing Rudy highlights here and there, and it will all be a wash.

"OK, it's going to rain tomorrow. And there is going to be a Greenpeace meeting and hippies are going to be protesting" ~ The Buffet of Goodness on Portland

by Blazer on Dec 21, 2008 2:34 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Priz's velcro hands?

After last year, I don’t think I’d have ever expected to see those words. Maybe all Przybilla needed was a good hand snap. Snapping his off hand could do even more wonders for his game.

by poster on Dec 21, 2008 7:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That's the other big development at center

Prz, who used to be counted on to drop any pass, actually can catch and hold on to the ball now.

That has long been the difference between an Prz and a Tyson Chandler—the latter can field passes and throw ’em down. Prz used to have trouble putting back rebounds without fumbling the ball.

by EngineerScotty on Dec 21, 2008 11:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I won't forget these conversations

I’ll be coming back, writing down names, and laughing everytime some people post anything about him.

If you can't convince them, confuse them -- Harry Truman, U.S. President

by jscot on Dec 21, 2008 9:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

HUH?

Oden & Rudy co- Rookie Of The Year ---- Brandon for MVP!!!

by Ripped City on Dec 21, 2008 12:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I mean that

in a year’s time, when Greg is averaging 15 and 12 or better (it might happen by the end of this season), I’ll be really tempted to do what we Brits call “name and shame”, pulling out some of the “better” quotes that people have made about Greg being a flop, a disappointment, etc. Whether I’ll attach the actual names, or just repost the quotes anonymously, remains to be seen. I suppose it depends on how mean I’m feeling.

If you can't convince them, confuse them -- Harry Truman, U.S. President

by jscot on Dec 21, 2008 11:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

OH! Sweet!

I got ya, and I am with ya!! I am stealing his cards on eBay right now and someday I will be cashing in to buy game tickets!!

Merry Christmas to you jscot!

Oden & Rudy co- Rookie Of The Year ---- Brandon for MVP!!!

by Ripped City on Dec 22, 2008 9:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And to you!

Hopefully we can celebrate with 3 D-mensional wins — Denver, Denver, Dallas.

If you can't convince them, confuse them -- Harry Truman, U.S. President

by jscot on Dec 22, 2008 1:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

As I tell my nephew over in Afghanistan ....

…. get some!

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Dec 22, 2008 12:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What Greg is going through is unparalleled

in the history of the NBA. I’m certain no #1 pick has ever had to sit out an entire season recovering from a major surgery or injury before making his debut. What has been unfortunate is that after a year and a half away from basketball, Oden has had to come back in the midst of unrealistic expectations, unfair media scrutiny, getting hurt again in his first game, and one of the toughest early season schedules ever. Now not only is his on-court performance being dissected and criticized, his personality, attitude and mental toughness are being questioned as well! I know it would have been impossible for this to occur, but I really wish there was someway for Greg to have spent half this season in the D-League getting his game back together before coming back to the NBA.

I am old enough to remember the tough times and funk that Walton went through his first couple of seasons before emerging as a dominant force. Let’s hope Oden can do the same, minus the injuries!!

by socalblazer on Dec 21, 2008 6:12 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Nice not to read something stupid and negative. Thank you!

"People? You man Sheeple."

by Mike-Fu on Dec 21, 2008 7:12 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

rookie calls

Oden is getting a lot of rookie calls too. Ticky-tack fouls that will not be called after some time in the NBA. Example: Oden’s 5th foul at the Phoenix game – he might have put his pinky finger on Shaq’s back, then Shaq was thrust off the court almost into the upper seats. FOUL!!

by clonigro on Dec 21, 2008 10:51 AM PST reply actions 1 recs

It was a kung fu move

It just looked like a pinkie-tap, but Oden was really channeling his inner qi, to deliver a powerful blow to the unsuspecting Shaq.

Shaq is fortunate that Oden didn’t finger-tap him into the 300 level.

Shaq—and the rest of the league—are also fortunate that the referees are wise to Oden’s mastery of such maneuvers, and thus call fouls when Oden uses such disreputable techniques. Really, it should have been called as a Flagrant 4.

by EngineerScotty on Dec 21, 2008 11:28 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs

My feelings exactly

After reading Brandon discuss the officiating difference between the all-stars and the rest of the league (and him getting some benefits from that system) I can’t help but think that Greg is getting the raw end of some of that. As long as he “takes it like a champ”, perhaps in time he won’t get those nonsense calls against him and then there won’t be anything to stop him!

What were Shaq and Dwight Howard’s rookie season fouls-per-game?

quid Latine dictum sit, altum viditur

by dvcastle on Dec 21, 2008 11:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

FINALLY A GOOD ODEN POST!!!! THANK YOU!!

If that seemed like a shout in the headling, good it was!!!

Great point clonigro! When all the refs get over the cheezy “welcome to the league rookie” calls we will all breathe a little easier! Remember when Shaq was a rookie and he could barely make it through a game against Ewing or Hakeem and missed almost all his free throws, that will change when Greg finishes a couple “tours of duty”….

Greg please know you are loved and appreciated and I look forward to every shot you block and rebound you grab with a big ripped city grin!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Blazer Win on Christmas day!

Oden & Rudy co- Rookie Of The Year ---- Brandon for MVP!!!

by Ripped City on Dec 21, 2008 11:42 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Not all his fouls are cheap

He needs to learn from Joel and coaches how to stay straight up and not let his arms get extended over guys. Then the cheap fouls will be his second or third instead of his fifth or sixth.

PTB Liberation Day - 2/10/04

by tssbro on Dec 21, 2008 11:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

of course not all are cheap fouls

I think it is just those that come when they seem to just prevent him from wanting to play hard defense in fear Nate sitting him after two quick calls, and overall in the league that drives me nuts when they sit a player in the first quarter because of fouls to sacrifice the flow and tempo of the game.

I agree he can and will learn to get better position and he has Joel and coaches like Lucas to help!!

Oden & Rudy co- Rookie Of The Year ---- Brandon for MVP!!!

by Ripped City on Dec 21, 2008 12:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That sounded more negative than I intended

I meant to elaborate on your comment and not make an either/or. The original post was great. I liked your response too. I just wanted to expand on it. Sorry for sounding like a d-bag.

PTB Liberation Day - 2/10/04

by tssbro on Dec 21, 2008 12:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

all good!

no worries your point was valid as well I know what you mean about his arms getting over guys- let’s get ready to take out Denver!!!

Merry Christmas tssbro!

Oden & Rudy co- Rookie Of The Year ---- Brandon for MVP!!!

by Ripped City on Dec 22, 2008 9:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Short and Sweet

Just like his career so far.

Microfracture. One year of college ball. Sat out an entire year. Has played a wopping total of 21 games of professional ball.

He will blossom into a absolute beast, the only question is when. Late this year? He keeps getting better every game. What will he be playing like in another 21 games?

When it comes to Oden talk, most local radio talk show hosts make me nauseous. I have been turning them off lately. Christmas music is so much nicer.

The Oden Era, Day 548

by Heymoe on Dec 21, 2008 11:44 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I don't listen either

I can’t stand those idiot’s on the Fan how are they even employed, they live in a media bubble!

Oden & Rudy co- Rookie Of The Year ---- Brandon for MVP!!!

by Ripped City on Dec 21, 2008 11:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

They're ridiculous aren't they. Do they even pay attention to basketball? Did they really expect Greg to average 30 / 15 this year after a year out from microfracture?

by dario argento on Dec 21, 2008 1:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

amazing huh, thank god we have Rice and Barrett to keep us sane!!

Oden & Rudy co- Rookie Of The Year ---- Brandon for MVP!!!

by Ripped City on Dec 21, 2008 5:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I love Mike Rice. He's just goofy enough to remind us all that it's just a game and suppoeded to be fun.

by raoulduke on Dec 21, 2008 5:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sooo true!

I remember when he kinda drove me nuts in the earlier days just after shonz but he is also my fave now, I love the confusious bit….

how far we have come!

Oden & Rudy co- Rookie Of The Year ---- Brandon for MVP!!!

by Ripped City on Dec 22, 2008 9:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Perfect practice makes perfect.

by Ojala John on Dec 21, 2008 12:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Foul trouble

It’s a three part equation:

Greg’s experience level
the refs’ experience with Greg
and the team’s perimeter defense

The first two will improve in time. The last one will either improve in time or by trade.

by Jumbo on Dec 21, 2008 12:47 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

i agree but

I think his main issue is the fact that his knee is not 100%. He is slow and gets out of position very easily.

by blazerchamp on Dec 22, 2008 2:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The league is punishing Greg for not bringing the monster ratings the

first two weeks that the schedule was set up to produce.

by raoulduke on Dec 21, 2008 1:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Wait for it . . .

It’s almost GO time !

Be patient and the Monster will arrive !

It's GO time !

by walkoff41 on Dec 21, 2008 1:24 PM PST reply actions 1 recs

I love it ...

It’s GO time!

Rec!

quid Latine dictum sit, altum viditur

by dvcastle on Dec 21, 2008 11:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Greg looked ready to have a break out game vs Shaq of all centers, before getting those fouls.

I think Greg will be a beast sooner than we may think. He is looking more comfortable every game. His offense is no doubt evolving before our eyes.

by dario argento on Dec 21, 2008 1:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Still was!!

I think it still was breakout in a sense, that was the best first 8 min of playing time I have seen – oh and the last 8 min weren’t bad either!!!

Here’s to many more good Greg Oden Posts!!!

Oden & Rudy co- Rookie Of The Year ---- Brandon for MVP!!!

by Ripped City on Dec 21, 2008 5:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think he gets better game by game

when he works with Lucas.

Man I’m glad Coach is back.

Perfect practice makes perfect.

by Ojala John on Dec 21, 2008 8:05 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

good point!

Lucas is important for all our guys!!!

Oden & Rudy co- Rookie Of The Year ---- Brandon for MVP!!!

by Ripped City on Dec 22, 2008 10:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If it's possible for a guy his size to sneak up on people, he will

He’s improving a bit every game. If he got just 1% better each game, by this tim enext year he’d be an all star.

by raoulduke on Dec 22, 2008 12:01 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

meh.

i hate the word “if”.

"im a buffet of goodness"-Channing Frye

by burritoman on Dec 22, 2008 1:20 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I like Oden

"There is a difference between having two guys banging down low and having two guys who can bang down low." - Blazin'

by tominhawaii on Dec 22, 2008 6:27 AM PST reply actions 1 recs

Rec!

quid Latine dictum sit, altum viditur

by dvcastle on Dec 22, 2008 9:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And he likes you.

I think you should ask him to go steady.

Perfect practice makes perfect.

by Ojala John on Dec 22, 2008 10:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I sent him a card once and he never wrote back

"There is a difference between having two guys banging down low and having two guys who can bang down low." - Blazin'

by tominhawaii on Dec 23, 2008 4:03 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Keep it rollin for Greg!!!

I just had to come back and post another positive Oden post!! I can’t believe that this is not #1 ??? Everyone wants to go and dis Travis for some reason?

My Oden Thought(s) For The Day:

Will we (true Blazer fans) ever really say that was Greg’s “Breakout Game”??

Or is he already past that point and now were in for a gradual progression to dominance and greatness??

Does the media ever really give him a “break” and do we care??

I’m just happy Greg is a Blazer!

Keep the positive comments for Greg coming!!

If your reading Greg – Merry Christmas and I will kick your butt at Guitar Hero!!

Oden & Rudy co- Rookie Of The Year ---- Brandon for MVP!!!

by Ripped City on Dec 22, 2008 10:04 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Not many bigs

can make the leap from high school to collage and have a huge impact, Shaq was a sophmore at LSU before he declared thats alot of basketball and fundamental learning that greg did not get, look at players like Kwame Brown, they came into the league too earley and had way too many expectations on them.

Portland and I mean KP and Nate, and the training staff have done an outstanding job at bringing Oden along, the media was and has been all over him since March Madness of 06. We/most of us fans have been chomping at the bit and I would bet a few us were even wanting Greg to play last season without full re-hab.

I think Gregs play next season will be night and day to what we are seeing this year and I happen to be in the minority and think he is already a game changing center with just what he does now.

Prediction: Oden starts to increase his point totals after the first of the year and I still think he will be on pace for 16-14 and 3-4 blocks per night.

I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team."

by Dragonage on Dec 22, 2008 2:49 PM PST reply actions 0 recs