I realize that no one has seen Oden play enough to make a long term estimation, but did the Blazers forgo an opportunity to lock up Oden for reasonable money by not taking their option?  Surely Oden and his agent would take mid level money at this stage given the risk on Oden is high.  Is this action just an indication that Cho has decided that Oden is a bust?  It seems to me that if Oden were considered a bust, one would take the option, talk up his recovery and trade him for a first round pick.

Would a more knowledgeable fan please educate me on the merits of not taking Oden's option and the message behind this decision that I may be missing?

Lovin' 3 - 0 by the way.  Go Blazers, from the Valley of the Sun!