A little 3rd party KP/ Greg Oden "Inside" info
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 22, 2010 10:01 PM PDT
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PrintSo I was reading the Greg Oden FanPost, and my wife mentioned that she had a client who worked for the Blazers.
Let me note here that my wife doesn't know anything about the Blazers except what she's heard from me.
After asking if he could get us tickets, and her shooting it down (hey- it never hurts to ask), she mentions that KP was fired because of the Oden/ Durant flap.
I responded that Allen has always liked athletic scorers, and it's no shock he wanted Durant.
She then says, no, it was the other way around. KP wanted Durant. Badly. And Allen vetoed him and insisted on Oden. And apparently KP held that over Allen's head any time they disagreed. Allen decided he didn't like that, and KP was gone.
The other thing she shared is that the general feeling around the Blazers is that something is very wrong with Greg from a physiological standpoint. The advanced aging that everyone jokes about is not limited to his face and the way he walks- he actually has advanced aging in his joints and other parts of his body as well.
I know this is sketchy, but let me just say that my wife has a near-photographic memory, and absolutely no cause to BS here. The Blazers employee may have an agenda, but she says he's about the most honest, straightforward guy she's worked with.
The only reason I'm passing this along is that it was really interesting to me, and I thought I would share a little scuttlebutt, even un-sourced. So, grain of salt.
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If KP really wanted Durant, then he's a better actor than folks give him credit for
because he really sold Greg hard as the kind of center who would win championships
I do think that the 2007 draft had something to do with the fallout between Kevin and Paul, but it was just one of many things. LaGare and Penn pulled Pritchard in the wrong direction, and he once he got out of Allen’s favor there wasn’t much hope of a reconciliation
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I always give KP credit for his acting
He was the true master of putting a united face on something and spinning it to the media and public.
Honestly, he may be the best GM at that I’ve ever seen.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 8:08 AM PDT up reply actions
I can buy that...
KP was just about the greatest salesman of all time and an effusive optimist. He really seemed to love Durant. Leading up to the draft, I was certain he was going to take KD until the end when it became pretty clear that Oden was the team’s pick. We know KP loved Durant’s passion for the game and killer instinct.
Others have alluded to the fact that there was some fallout between KP and Allen regarding the 2007 draft. The most unbelievable story is that Allen wanted Durant but KP selected Oden. There’s no way Allen would let someone else make the only #1 pick he would ever have over his objection. The more credible variant of that tale is that KP somehow mislead Allen to get him to accede to KP’s desire to draft Oden. But as I say, that’s only slightly more credible. KP may have been inexperienced, he may have had loose lips, and he may have been guilty of excessive self promotion, but it’s quite a leap to accuse him of lying to his boss. This is perhaps the most credible explanation of a draft related fallout.
But I agree with two4larue, there was more to KPs firing than just the draft. This could have been part of the equation, however.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
killer instinct?
I went to Texas and watched almost all of Durant’s games. He had no killer instinct at all. The only time a player took over for Texas down the stretch was DJ Augustin against LSU. But he has gotten much better in the clutch in the NBA
I love B Edge almost as much as I love B Roy and close to my love for B atum
sorry just wanted to point out durant wasn't much of a go to guy in college
albeit he was a freshman
I love B Edge almost as much as I love B Roy and close to my love for B atum
I was actually reading the Oden post
That’s why my wife brought it up.
Sorry, I’m not making a point here, I have no agenda, I was just passing along a rumor I heard.
As I said, it was interesting to me, so I decided to pass it along. I’m not interested in credibility, or getting an award, I just thought it was eye-opening.
I’ll delete it if you guys think it’s offensive.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 22, 2010 10:41 PM PDT reply actions
don't feel bad
I heard a 2nd-hand report about Greg’s original knee injury occurring at Big Al’s from an unbiased source with no agenda and received the same kind of response. It comes with the territory, don’t let the turkeys get you down, I’d rather know more behind-the-scenes info even if it’s not corroborated elsewhere. Every little bit helps when connecting the dots, because the organization isn’t going to be forthcoming if they don’t have to be
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Sep 23, 2010 12:21 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I must have been drowning my sorrows at the time
What happened at Big Al’s?
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 6:55 AM PDT up reply actions
former employee said Greg hurt himself while dancing
the restaurant told the employees to keep it on the down low, which they’ve done—for the most part
and Big Al’s continues to host the Blazer’s season ticket holder meet-and-greet parties with the players
very cozy, eh?
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Sounds like smart business to me
I wouldn’t want to irritate the Blazers, let alone kill off a prime money-making opportunity.
Why would it matter to the Blazers so much how it happened?
Anything’s better than “DDR injury in his living room”, right?
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Why would it matter to the Blazers so much how it happened?
As long as it wasn’t a contract violation (hurt while riding a motorcyle, or skiing, etc) they shouldn’t care. But the ambiguity/silence re: how Greg hurt his knee (and KP’s comments that his knee was “pristine” before the draft) led to speculation that Oden was easily susceptible to injury. Obviously that has been borne out over time, so there’s not so much controversy re: his initial m/f surgery in ’07, anymore.
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Got it
Must of been some move he busted out on the dance floor.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Sorry to double
Did they ever confirm/ deny that the bone chip from the Maggette-man collision cause the patella bone weakness that led to his last injury?
If so, that would cut down on the injury-proneness a little.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions
the doctors denied there was a connection re: the patella
it’s hard to believe, but they’re the professionals
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
the thing that really troubles me
is when I hear callers who report seeing Oden at clubs dancing while drunk as recently as last year, while he was supposed to be rehabbing.
Hearsay? Sure. But I can only hope Greg’s learned his lesson and made some lifestyle changes. It’s none of my business what he does with his personal time, but I would like to see him play more than 20 games/season for awhile
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I'm split on that
Obviously I would prefer he were either home safe and sound or rehabbing, with nothing else going on.
But I think Greg is the kind of guy who gets depressed when he’s not around other people, so I don’t begrudge him some club time.
Drunk is not good, of course, but is a subjective thing and probably would be embellished on each retelling.
Plus, think about how much he’d have to drink to get smashed. That would take a while.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions
you're right its not any of our business what he does in his free time. they're paying him a lot but that doesn't mean they control every aspect of his life. he's human after all-let him have a drink,he's in his early 20s!
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
on a stage, dancing clumsily, while under the influence
the caller was concerned Greg would reinjure himself
there’s nothing wrong with going out and having a good time, nobody thinks anything bad will happen…until it does
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Thanks for the intel
I think it’s interesting and appreciate your sharing it with us.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
If the Blazers honestly believe Greg has a problem
He will not be a Blazer by years end. We shall see.
That's my thinking as well
And sad, if true. I’m a huge Greg Oden fan.
But what if they’re trying to get that one good year, like with Walton.
Then everything else doesn’t matter, and whatever salary you pay his injured self was worth it.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 22, 2010 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Might be why they're being so cautious with his rehab
They know he’s a time bomb with tons of upside and they’re trying to get lucky.
Of course, they could just as easily be doing what’s necessary for him to heal or trying to protect his future at the expense of some short term performance.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
If it's true
Then yeah, they could be hoping for a glorious, healthy year to make a run.
Or they could be hoping for it so they can get value for him in a trade.
I really hope it’s neither, and that they’re still optimistic about his future here.
Whatever else about him, he’s a decent guy and I really want him to do well wherever he ends up.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions
Yea, I'm an Oden fan too
I feel very sorry for the guy.
I’m pretty confident that Cho won’t bail on him over baseless rumors and fear. He’ll look at the raw data. If Oden does have a serious problem, and he can get value for him, I think he’ll make a trade. If Oden still has a chance to develop I’m sure we’ll see Cho do what it takes to put him in a position to succeed.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
by DC Blazer on Sep 23, 2010 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
If the Oden/Durant flap was really THE reason, PA is an idiot
Every GM in the league, with the exception of one or two GMs, would have taken Oden. The Spurs were ready offer up Tim Duncan to us in exchange for Oden.
Durant became number two by default. Centers of Oden’s calibre/potential simply do not grow on trees. I’m not saying that Kevin Durant is a dime a dozen, but still, elite, athletic scoring forwards are not as rare as a strong defensive center.
That was actually what shocked me
She said it was the other way around, and that KP lorded it over Allen.
I would have bet anything KP wanted Oden and Allen was a Durant guy.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 22, 2010 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions
reminds me of Patterson's comments last spring
that KP was opposed to the 2006 draft day trade for Roy, etc
the truth is elusive, but the legend of KP may suffer the death of a thousand paper cuts
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
that's the part that i don't understand
KP was a smart fellow. Even if he had wanted Durant and Allen wanted Oden, I doubt KP would have been foolish enough to stick it to Allen afterwards.
Although, it would be pretty funny and ironic if KP was actually one of the supposed few GM’s in the league that would’ve taken Durant over Oden.
"Sasha? That's a sissy name." -Mike Rice
It's funny
I actually can see KP using that as leverage to get his way.
He was a genius at “Aw shucks” self- (and team-) promotion, and I don’t think we’ll ever know exactly how the dynamic worked while he was there.
At least until the book of those years comes out, hopefully after our 10th straight championship.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions
One thing I've noticed about the NBA
GM’s don’t gain leverage over the owners. It’s the other way around.
"Sasha? That's a sissy name." -Mike Rice
True, but KP was young, maybe he thought it would work.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Yep
GMs don’t gain leverage on owners, but that doesn’t mean KP knew that.
I could see him trying to pump up his value with Allen, if for no other reason than to get that raise/ extension he so desperately wanted.
Or rather, I could see KP’s shady agent convincing him to do so.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions
I could see KP’s shady agent convincing him to do so.
LaGarie and Penn led KP to place where he had an exaggerated sense of his worth to the Blazers. (Of course, the local fans and media did nothing to dispel this notion…) If KP hadn’t brought in Tom to be his capologist, who knows? He might still be Portland’s up-an-coming GM
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
frankly
I CAN see this happening.. just digging him a little.
OJ Mayo is the Blazers' PG of the Future
by GreatOden'sRaven on Sep 23, 2010 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Actually, just "intuitively" it does make sense to me...
KP has the greater sophistication in evaluating a player, and Alen ultimately has control – he got what he wanted. And, I recall the McMillan stated that he was with the Oden pick all the way. So you have coach and owner out “voting” KP, and KP has to make the best of it (just like I try to do). Add that to the Chris Paul draft, where KP was “right again”, and it could just fuel a, oh say, bit of “attitude”. Not THE reason he is gone, but a possible factor.
As far as “something seriously wrong” with Greg. Well, they did give him a “physical” before the draft, so he is not, like Andre the giant, or something. But all the delays on his comback get harder to brush off.
Bottom line, we just have to wait and see, regardless.
"You be realistic," Oden said. "I’m going to stay happy. All right?"
Yes
"Conan, what is best in life?"
"Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of the women."
by dario argento on Sep 23, 2010 4:22 AM PDT up reply actions
Actually, the Paul Allen-KP part rings true to me
I remember KP’s reaction following KD’s pre-draft workout in Portland. KP’s excitement with KD (calling him “an assassin”) was unmistakable. As an Oden fan, I was dismayed, thinking, “He’s actually considering drafting the gunner!”
As for GO’s supposed premature aging, I think the “diagnosis” itself is a total crock. But the idea that people in the Blazers front office would believe it isn’t far-fetched. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen all too clearly lately, the Blazers’ “braintrust” is less than brainy in some respects—despite Paul Allen’s high I.Q.
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
You too, Przy: everyone knows you're the heart & soul of the Blazers.
Let me put it another way
The general feeling around a lot of teams was that something was very wrong with GRANT HILL from a physiological standpoint. Then the Phoenix Suns’ training staff proved otherwise.
Why does it seem the Blazers brass can’t see where the real problem with Greg Oden’s health lies? Are we doomed to only see him get healthy—and win rings—elsewhere?
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
You too, Przy: everyone knows you're the heart & soul of the Blazers.
As I recently mentioned in another thread
Grant Hill played 65 games (64 starts) his final year in Orlando. He played 70 games his first year in Phoenix. That’s not exactly a miraculous swing.
Much is made of the Phoenix staff in regards to Grant Hill, but I think he was clearly healthy before leaving Orlando. It’s too bad for the Magic. They paid all that money and Hill had two seasons of relative health, 64 games and 67 games played. The other four seasons added up to a TOTAL of 68 games.
I’m not saying they don’t do great things in Phoenix. I’m just saying Grant Hill isn’t necessarily the greatest case study to prove this. Yes, he has played more than 80 games the last two years. He also played 80 games in three of his six years in Detroit (only one season with less than 70). His career is extended IMO due to all those Orlando years where he wasn’t able to play. His body wasn’t broken, it just needed much healing in many ways. That was achieved before Phoenix signed him.
by Rodney Gustafson on Sep 23, 2010 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Hah, that's a good point about Hill already being healed
And something I didn’t know.
I guess mystique is equal parts skill and luck, sometimes.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
detroit was before THE injury. he was nearly out of the league before he went to phoenix. even that year in ORL he was a shell of his former self
although he was likely rusty and unlikely to trust his body at that point..still phoenix has worked wonders on many others; hill is just the poster boy.
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
Not trying to barrage PHO's training staff
But I still think Hill’s first year in Phoenix was very comparable to his final year in Orlando.
Again, I’m not saying their staff doesn’t do great things. I just don’t buy Hill as the greatest example of it. Or Nash for that matter.
In fact… I would actually look harder at Amare’s return from micro-fracture as a better example. How many players that rely on their athleticism have had this procedure and returned to all-star form? I believe that list starts and ends with Amare right now. At least, there’s nobody else that I can think of.
by Rodney Gustafson on Sep 27, 2010 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Did Kidd make an ASG after M-fracture surgery?
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 28, 2010 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Kidd is a SMART player
Like Stockton and Nash. While these players may be quick, they aren’t explosive jumpers. Amare is to date the only player I have seen still be explosive after microfracture. As stated, I could be missing someone.
by Rodney Gustafson on Sep 28, 2010 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions
And yes
Kidd has made the all-star team three times since micro-fracture. 2007, 2008 and 2010.
IMHO, the chances are high that Oden makes an all-star appearance. And he still could be an explosive player post micro-fracture. Just saying that I view Amare as a better example of their training staff than Hill. And the Amare experience is more relevant to Oden than Hill.
by Rodney Gustafson on Sep 28, 2010 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes, I'm sorry I wasn't that clear
The “feeling” is among non-medical/ coaching employees.
Just a general malaise about Greg’s juju, with rumor to drive it (I assume, since someone would have leaked it by now if there was medical evidence to back it up).
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 6:53 AM PDT up reply actions
This is kind of how I remember the event too...
I remember the “assassin” part specifically and that the general impression was the Durant had a far, far superior workout for the Blazers. Up until the announcement, I thought KP was going to w/ Durant.
I’ve always been faintly puzzled by the consensus that KP wanted Oden… not that I disagree with it because generally I don’t have the same dedication to reading every scrap of info (BEdge is pretty much my sole source of all things). Just that I recall the press at the time, recall the term “assassin” and KP’s effusive praise, and would’ve bet money on the fact that KP preferred Durant.
Buck Williams for the hall of fame
KP had high praise for Durant, no question about it, but there were also comments to the effect of “Durant will be a scoring champion; Oden will be a champion…”
I think the one thing we can definitely all agree on is that Nate wanted Oden.
No question there!
Nate is old school, with all the rights and privileges that go with it.
Buck Williams for the hall of fame
yes, yet another source for my "enthusiasm" with McMillan's coaching.....
"You be realistic," Oden said. "I’m going to stay happy. All right?"
I always wondered if maybe there is something to how old he looks. Maybe his joints are bad but look at the way Oden moves.
Does that look like a old man? He covers so much ground around the hoop when he needs to get a block shot. I don’t really buy that.
Thanks for the post though.
I meant walking, and it was my addition, not anything said to me
That he walks like an old man gets almost as much joke time as his face.
And I was wondering if “other parts of his body” meant bones? Would prematurely aging bones be more likely to pull apart from too much muscle?
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 6:49 AM PDT up reply actions
one leg longer than the other
accounts for his gate being off
there are orthotics that can help players with this, at least while they’re playing. If Greg’s wearing flip-flops, I suspect he’ll wobble some while walking
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I think that's it as well
It’s more Bill Simmons saying that he watched Oden walk and thought he was already 80.
Then everyone else picked up on it.
I would imagine your joints would ache all the time anyway, being that tall, so it’s not hard to imagine he shuffles when he’s tired (and wobbles due to the leg length issue).
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions
My gate was off, too, but I fixed it.
I planed some wood and remounted the latch arm, and it was good as new. ;^)
i dont think its that one leg is longer than the other, but that his 3rd leg leans to one side and massively throws off the balance.
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
My buddy was working for the Blazers at the time
and he walked into the draft room about a week before the draft and Durant was No. 1 on the big board. So this myth that everyone was going to take Oden is a bit of a crock in my opinion. I mean the NBA is one big fraternity. No one is going to come out and say I would have taken Durant. So there very well could have been more than 2 people that wanted Durant at the time.
While plausible, this seems to contradict what Jeff Ma said in the interview, which certainly suggested KP intended to go against the numbers and pick Oden.
I got the impression from Ma
That he gave his recommendation and that was it. He didn’t have access to any decision-making meetings.
He said he was disappointed the Blazers took Oden, but did he single out KP?
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions
he talked about his impressions of KP, and it seems like Ma thinks KP was an Oden guy, but its true that he never declares “KP wanted to take Oden.”
No, I got the exact same impression reading it at the time
I was wondering how it would read with the theory that KP wanted Durant.
Looks like I’ll have to go back and re-read.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Of course, by the time Ma was part of the picture, Allen may have already overruled KP
And KP may have just been towing the company line with Ma.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
I remember hearing a rumor a while back
so take it for what it is worth. Than Allen felt like he was misled by KP about Oden’s medical history. Not sure if it has any credibility but I figure this is the place for such a rumor.
this came out of the 2009 summer league
Vance, Jay Allen and JohnStrong said on the air that a an NBA exec showed them actual evidence why Paul Allen was upset that he hadn’t been given all the data to make the best choice in the ’07 draft.
Given Duke’s news from his 3rd party, it’s difficult to say what this evidence could have been. I wonder if Kenny would be willing to expound on this story, now that he’s working as a newspaper editor up in Clark county?
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Yeah, that rumor was actually the reason
I thought KP wanted Oden, not Durant.
Who knows, at this point?
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Thanks!
I think everything you said here seems plausible, and the advanced aging thing is real interesting. Don’t be surprised that about half the people that respond do so with vitriol. They would rather have sunshine blown up their tailpipe than consider the fact that maybe we screwed up on picking Greg.
After one play today, Bayless walked to the sideline, picked up the garbage bucket that collects the extra basketball balls and then slammed it down forcefully while shouting. For no particular reason. - Ben
A friend of a friend that works for the Blazers told me that Oden has Progeria in his balls and that's why he hurt his knee
He also said that Cho is a poor tipper and other GM’s won’t do trades with him because they don’t like talking to him on the phone.
Hearsay is hearsay and whether or not it is positive or negative, it should be disregarded as hearsay.
That's Tight!
The Ohio State University
is infamous for its outbreaks of Progeria of the balls.
It’s kind of what they hang their hat on, so to speak.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions
Jason Quick is disregarded, as well
before we know it, the only news coming out of fortress Blazer will be from Mike Barrett
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
my only trusted source
the oregonlive comments
by 50backflips on Sep 23, 2010 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions
There is no problem
Basketball or otherwise, that OLive commenters can’t solve in 4 or 5 pithy little comments.
They’re like Gandhi with Tourrettes.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Riiight...
… disregard hearsay, because in a court of law, it’s important to make sure that the jury is not influenced by…
Wait, I just remembered! We aren’t in a court of law, it’s a BLOG!!
Even if it’s half true – I, for one, want to hear it, especially since the Blazers have (allegedly) begun filtering information fed to the media a little more closely.
After one play today, Bayless walked to the sideline, picked up the garbage bucket that collects the extra basketball balls and then slammed it down forcefully while shouting. For no particular reason. - Ben
by The Penguin on Sep 23, 2010 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions
That's exactly what is wrong with the blog and the internet
No one cares that they are spreading rumors and lies as long as it fits their agenda.
P.T. Barnum’s famous quote has never been more true.
That's Tight!
by tominhawaii on Sep 23, 2010 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions
"Get that frickin' clown away from me!!!" ???
P.T. Barnum’s famous quote has never been more true.
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Sep 23, 2010 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I guess I don't see the agenda here.
The author called it “scuttlebutt” and said to take it for what it’s worth. I can’t see any motive for him to lie. His story, if true, does not paint a rosy red picture for Blazers fans, so it is being admonished by hopelessly biased Blazers homers who want Greg to be our savior.
I don’t think it’s any more or less credible than the stories about LA bulking up to the size of Dwight Howard, though.
After one play today, Bayless walked to the sideline, picked up the garbage bucket that collects the extra basketball balls and then slammed it down forcefully while shouting. For no particular reason. - Ben
Actually I think I'm the "spreading rumors" part
And of course Tom is right in what he says, it’s just not as fun his way.
Wow, that’s the complete opposite of what I usually say about Tom.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Sadly, I'm a Sunshine Enema preferrer myself
It’s probably time for the season to start, just so I can relax when he steps on the floor again.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 9:47 AM PDT reply actions
Now THIS story makes sense...
KP wanted Durant. Badly. And Allen vetoed him and insisted on Oden. And apparently KP held that over Allen’s head any time they disagreed. Allen decided he didn’t like that, and KP was gone.
KP was drooling all over the floor about the “assassin” Durant, but made the “consensus” first pick. And we all know by now which was the “correct” decision…
KP said something to piss off the boss, had his sidekick tossed overboard immediately, and got whacked himself at what was deemed the appropriate juncture.
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
Penn said he was in favor of picking Oden
Might have been a lie, but he said it
"Listening to the media only increases your odds of failing at whatever you are doing" - Mark Cuban
Advanced aging?
Is there such a condition? I think there is but the consequences of this condition would seem to be more evident than they appear in Oden. To me if some medical condition is present then it seems to me both Oden and the blazers are risking Oden’s long term health (Walton all over again).
I mean didn’t someone see Oden go see specialists somewhere? And this didn’t get reported?
I doubt this report—at least with regards to Oden’s health.
cmon havent you seen the movie Jack?
Oden is really 12 years old
OJ Mayo is the Blazers' PG of the Future
by GreatOden'sRaven on Sep 23, 2010 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions
I know that there are conditions that age parts of your body quicker than normal
Things like old joints and losing skin elasticity in this case.
But as I said above, this opinion was coming from Blazer office staff, not medical or coaching staff.
And so should be taken with a dirigible-sized grain of salt.
The KP part is more believable to me, simply because you know everyone in the office knew something about what was going on.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Look guys. Jordan played seven years with no results until
Jackson brought in a core of big men. Then Jordan won championships. I don’t buy, on reflection, KP going with Durant because being an analytics guy KP would have known this. The contemporary equivalent is Jackson’s Lakers.
2 things
Ma said that KP wasn’t an analytics guy, he was an eyes, ears, numbers guy. Two totally different things. Cho is an analytics guy.
Jordan didn’t win until Krause (not Jackson) brought in a superior SF to team up with Jordan, and then a string of serviceable D and rebounding centers (like say, Przy).
So according to your argument, KP would have gone after Durant if he were emulating the Jordan Bulls.
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 23, 2010 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions
There is. It's called Progeria and most people who have it die by 13. They also grow at the same rate as normal people.
They just go through the aging process super quickly.
Morgan Ensberg for Manager 2011!
AL Scout on Rendon: "I would peg him as a poor man's Jose Lopez."
Blazers employees have strong opinions
I would imagine that every Trailblazers employee has developed some opinion regarding what happened between Allen and KP. I know that if I was an employee I would do my best to decipher the scenario.
However, I doubt that every Blazers employee knows the truth. As with most companies of any size only a select few are privy to information of this nature. While the source in this “report” may be a very honest guy, chances are he is simply stating his own theory — which he probably shares with others within the organization.
I would be curious to know how high up in the organization he is, or if his role with the Blazers would give him access to information of this kind.
On a side note, Escrote, in a post above says that he had a buddy who happened to walk into the Blazers’ “Draft Room” and got a peak at the big board…really? Do you think they just leave the door ajar so folks can stumble on in and see what their plans are in advance of the draft? Maybe, but I doubt it.
Do you think they just leave the door ajar so folks can stumble on in and see what their plans are in advance of the draft?
According to other reporters in years gone by, yes. Apparently, whiteboard security is not all that great at Blazer’s HQ
But then again, maybe they have 2 boards? The real one that’s locked up securely, and the faux one they leave out for reporters to accidentally stumble upon?
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
General "Buck" Turgidson: "Sir, you can't let him in here. He'll see everything. He'll see the big board! "
"You're not too smart, are you? I like that in a man." - Matty Walker in Body Heat (1981)
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Sep 23, 2010 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions
This is no place for wide-ranging discussions that may or may not be based on facts ...
This is the Bedge!
#52
And finally, we know the truth...
…I mean, at first it was funny, but after a while, I’m sure it got old for Paul.
PA: “So, I think we should go with the cheese instead of Hawaiian pizza for lunch today”
KP: “This from the guy that wanted GO over Durant…”
Tom Penn: “We might have to trade Martell or Rudy this off-season…”
PA: “Ok, that’s easy…Martell”
KP: “cough*KEVIN DURANT*cough”
PA: “Did you say something”
KP: “I think Tom said he wished we had a guy like Durant”
PA: “That’s it! Penn, you are so fired! Right now!”
TP: “No, wait, I…”
PA: “YOU’RE FIRED!!!”
PA: “Ok Kevin, things have gotten a little out of hand, but I’m willing to let bygones be bygones…as long as you quit doing these stupid Durant jokes!”
KP: “Hmmm…well…I don’t know…I do love being the GM…but I also love ribbing you on a daily basis about Durant…”
PA: “Look – Blazers’ GM, or Durant joke maker…it’s up to you”
KP: “Well, in that case, Blazers GM!”
PA: “Great, now that that’s over with, I’m wondering what we should do with that pick we got for Martell”
KP: “Oh, like that time you were wondering if we should take Oden or Durant. Zing! Hahahahaaha!”
PA: “That’s it! You’re done!”
by jigglyai on Sep 23, 2010 2:51 PM PDT reply actions 16 recs
this should really be a southpark episode
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
Just imagine if Larry Weinberg had said to Stu Inman
“I know that you and Jack like Bowie, but I think we should take that Jordan kid out of UNC”
What a different world Blazer fans would be livin’ in
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Yeah, a world in which MJ washed-out with injuries in a few years
while Sam Bowie led the Bulls to six titles.
by MiledAnimal on Sep 23, 2010 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
LOL
"You're not too smart, are you? I like that in a man." - Matty Walker in Body Heat (1981)
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Sep 23, 2010 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Old rumor... (see, this Visionary thing isn't just a handle ;-)
Don’t like to quote myself, but:
It was the Durant pick, but not the way you think… The real story is that KP and Penn were leading the charge for Durant, but PA and the scouts who still have jobs favored Oden. Penn made the mistake of saying once in a contentious meeting with PA "well, if we had just grabbed Durant like I wanted to…", and that got him fired. KP got fired for sticking up for Penn in a later 1:1 with PA. Or any of a thousand other reasons…
by Visionary2 on Jul 19, 2010 11:01 PM PDT
Cool, thanks
Sorry I missed that the first time around.
What was the source of your rumor?
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 24, 2010 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Absolutely no source whatsoever....
unless you count IPA…
IPA is always a source
Also Scotch and Sake.
I would have bet anything back then that you were wrong.
Now… a little crow tastes good now and then, I suppose.
Nicely done (assuming there’s any truth to what I was told).
by TheThinWhiteDuke on Sep 24, 2010 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Hey, 2 unsubstantiated claims are in the hand... are worth... a bush?
I dunno…
I do enjoy making some “creative” statements, and propose (on the surface insane) ideas; I’m often told I am crazy… which, I admit, does make it fun when some of the crazy #$%^ I say (no longer disallowed, it’s a TV show name now) is repeated, or comes true.
Then again, I only picked 5 games right out of 10 last weekend in the NFL, so whaddoino…
Sure this is a "he said, she said"
but it rings pretty true. The only question is whether you or your wife are liars. Doubt that is the case— whats the motivation?
I do believe the Blazers know there is more going on with Greg than what they are telling us. I have thought this for years. With all the hype about “physical alignment” you’d think they would at least mention they have looked into it. To be this far into the game with this many injuries and not release a statement saying they had him looked at by this kind of therapist tells you that they are either stubborn and stupid……or…….that he has some crazy stuff going on that they don’t want to talk about until they find a fix, if there is one.
Blazer Pride.
Another thing........
At 21 years old other teams are saying he is the “strongest C they have ever faced”, yet he is brittle as all heck.
This has “special case” written all over it.
Blazer Pride.
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