Pickup Games

by Ben. on Mar 28, 2008 9:14 AM PDT in News Comment 48 comments

Full disclosure: I blew my knee out - badly - playing in a pickup game. So this is a topic near and dear to my heart. Rehab is agonizingly boring so I understand where Greg Oden is coming from and my first inclination is to defend him.

That said, here's where the Blazers are coming from:

Michael Jordan
TJ Ford
Daniel Hackett (courtesy of OJ Mayo)
David Padgett

Freak things happen in pickup games, period.

--Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com)

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I feel your pain...

I blew my ACL in 1995 during a pickup game - went up for a rebound and came down awkwardly on someone's foot, hyperextended my left knee and <snap!>.

Rehab's a PITA, but it is worth it in the end.

by DonkeyShins on Mar 28, 2008 9:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I also

blew my ACL during a pickup game.
Never played basketball again.

by Bruno on Mar 28, 2008 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I understand

but I was very interested in the hard copy Oregonian's juxtaposition of the pick-up game and Canzano's column lauding Roy's playing through his injuries and the team's allowing him to judge when his body is ready to play.

Does the team trust Roy's judgment more than it does Oden's? If so, why? Age? Maturity? Or is it simply the difference of playing for real and a pick-up game?

I'm sure Greg is bored silly with his rehab and feels like he could be doing more. Which is why I'm throwing out - why haven't we seen Darius testing his limits this way? Is it because he really can't play or is smart enough not to risk a pick-up game?

I think it was bad judgement on Oden's part, but unless the Blazers had forbidden this specific activity I can understand a just-out-of-his-teens player making that choice.

"Aldridge is LaMonster, as anyone can see..." - ClipperSteve, 03/24/08

by jorga on Mar 28, 2008 9:29 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

i am biased but...

i think knees are a different breed.

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by Ben. on Mar 28, 2008 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think...

...Brandon Roy defined the difference inadvertently the other day in an interview. Someone asked him about his injury and he said (I'm paraphrasing) that there was a difference between playing "hurt" which connected more to simple personal toughness and playing "injured" which means you simply can't go.

Oden is in a process. He's rehabbing from surgery, very serious surgery to a very crucial part of a basketball players body. You must let the process play out.

That's the difference between allowing a Brandon Roy to play with a degree of discomfort that he wants to try to overcome VS. Letting Oden who is engaged in a healing process, put the recovery at risk.

If the Doctors say Brandon shouldn't play? Then my advice to Brandon would actually be the same, I'd follow the Doctors advice. If they say, no difference, go ahead...then if Brandon wants to go ahead.

My understanding is Oden simply has not been cleared for "pick-up" games of Basketball. He should not be engaged in that level of activity despite how much he personally might want to do it or feels he can.

"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"

by Krang on Mar 28, 2008 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And Oden may be in that REALLY odd spot right now:

"Injured (but not hurt)".

That seems to be the case--still ininjury-rehab mode, but no longer hurting much, at least not enough to not play.
How does one deal with "injured (but not hurt)"? That'd be just maddening!

Did you really put stuff on top of the eggs? Like, for real? He put . . . HE PUT THE LIGHT BULBS ON THE BOTTOM!

by QualityPie on Mar 28, 2008 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

GREAT timing. THIS just hit the ESPN wire:

"Blazers admonish Oden after hearing he played in pick-up games"

Did you really put stuff on top of the eggs? Like, for real? He put . . . HE PUT THE LIGHT BULBS ON THE BOTTOM!

by QualityPie on Mar 28, 2008 9:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Why make it public?

This is one of those times where the matter should have been kept between coach and player. When asked about it, Nate should have simply said that he'd discussed it with Greg, period. GO has worked hard and more than exceeded expectations and requirements during his long and boring rehab. Why embarrass the guy for one minor transgression?

Sure GO shouldn't have played in a pickup game, but after the JailBlazer years, I'm thrilled that this is the worst offense we can find with anyone on this team.

Who do you want in charge when it's 3 a.m. and someone needs a diary?

by MiledAnimal on Mar 28, 2008 10:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Embarrass him?

Well, Nate said, "I understand it, I've done it." So I don't think they are being overly hard on him, or blasting him in public.

But by saying it in public, it strengthens in Greg's mind that he won't do it. AND it decreases the chances of his friends asking him to do it.

How did this happen? I'll bet anything, being such a nice guy, he got pressured into it by someone.

I'm frequently right, but always certain

by jscot on Mar 28, 2008 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And by making it public . . .

. . . they're putting pressure on US to not play a pick-up game with Oden if the chance presents itself,
or at the very least, for playground ballers out amongst us to not invite Oden in if we see him.

Totally smart on their part.
I bet Terrell Brandon got an email on this.

Did you really put stuff on top of the eggs? Like, for real? He put . . . HE PUT THE LIGHT BULBS ON THE BOTTOM!

by QualityPie on Mar 28, 2008 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was Terrell the guilty party?

He's lucky he didn't get a visit from some guys with a sledgehammer to perform surgery on HIS knee. :)

I'm frequently right, but always certain

by jscot on Mar 28, 2008 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heh--not that I know of . . .

. . . but with his connections to the Portland area basketball scene, if he were to put out word,
"Don't NOBODY play pickup games with Oden!", then a lot of non-pro local talent would get the memo, pronto.

I guarantee, whoever DID play in that pickup game, Terrell would reach.
Same goes for anyone who potentially COULD play pickup ball with Oden.
I mean, gotta be quite good to get THAT honor.

Did you really put stuff on top of the eggs? Like, for real? He put . . . HE PUT THE LIGHT BULBS ON THE BOTTOM!

by QualityPie on Mar 28, 2008 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

As far as being made public..

...24hr Fitness locations are public and once it hit the internet it was public.

The Blazers had to respond to Oden privately and to the fans publicly. I thought McMillans comments were perfect. He clearly outlined that it was a mistake, that he communicated this to Oden and also that he understood that a young player is going to be tempted into a situation like Oden. It was a perfect response by McMillan.

"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"

by Krang on Mar 28, 2008 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah Brah

This dude made it public.

http://www.basketballforum.com/portland-trail-blazers/398185-greg-oden-pickup-game.html

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by tominhawaii on Mar 28, 2008 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's another point

What's with this guy, Nate Bishop, who doesn't think GO should be playing in the game but goes ahead and plays with him, then rats him out to the world? GO's brother should pay him a visit...

Who do you want in charge when it's 3 a.m. and someone needs a diary?

by MiledAnimal on Mar 28, 2008 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

he used to write for HoopsWorld

or so google tells me.

For more pictures and videos, check out the BlazersEdge Facebook group and www.youtube.com/blazersedgeben

by Ben. on Mar 28, 2008 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have a feeling

That GO didn't do it behind anyones back, it probably just happened. He would have slipped up and told a trainer or coach that he played the game sooner or later.

Blazer's Edge #1 Trusted Relationship Site, Move Beyond "Traditional" Online Dating and Blogging

by tominhawaii on Mar 28, 2008 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's a simple matter

Why risk injury playing trivial games. If the organization wanted to take the risk, they'd have had him ready to play here at the end of the season.

Personally, I don't think it's that big of a deal and think it's getting blown way out of proportion. Just reading through some of the comments on ESPN makes me realize some people take things way to far and create details to fit their opinions.

by iDea on Mar 28, 2008 10:22 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Ben...

I'm actually a little frustrated at the amount of fans that aren't concerned about this, or IMO blindly defend Oden with "It's no big deal".

I have already become a huge Oden fan, I love the kid, but a mistake is a mistake. I'm not saying send him to Siberia, but if he was 3 years younger, I'd ask his mother to ground him.

As McMillan said, "It's Stupid". The Kid has to realize it was a mistake. Fans supporting his participation are missing the point. It's not a slam against Oden, it's because the entire Blazer Basketball community and world wants to see him play in the big show, we don't want anything to happen that in any way, shape or form jeopardizes that outcome unnecessarily.

Reportedly when Oden emerged from surgery he told KP repeatedly "I'm Sorry". My feeling when I heard that Oden had said that was that Oden was apologizing for no reason. It was nice, endearing, but Oden had no real reason to be apologizing.

Now I sort of feel like Oden owes us fans an apology for this, his knee needing surgery wasn't his fault...his choice to put his recovery at risk was. I just don't want a situation where Oden is apologizing because he landed funny at 24hr fitness, or some yahoo falls into him.

So a kid being a kid? Love the idea that he is dying to get back on the court? Even happy that he feels he can be on the court, but Oden, PLEASE follow the experts advice, use the considerable resources being made available to you. There's plenty of basketball ahead of you and hopefully it's going to be much, much more than a pick up game at 24hr fitness.

"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"

by Krang on Mar 28, 2008 10:31 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Blindly defend him?

Come on now, he's already been working out with the team, he's running vigorous hills and if the team really wanted to, he could play these last couple weeks.

Life in general is dangerous.

by iDea on Mar 28, 2008 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes...

..blindly defend him. That's the exactly the reaction I'm talking about.

Yes, existence has it's risks. Of course Oden could get hurt by random tragedy or even under carefully controlled rehab conditions. I'm not arguing that at all. Hey, we all remember last summer when McRoberts messed himself up tripping on "the floor" and that happened in the practice facility running simple drills. That isn't the point.

The point is, we should not support Oden taking unnecessary risk. The random ones we can't control. But bottom line, at this point in his recovery if a group of people in a 24hr fitness say "Hey Oden, how about a pick-up game or two?" The correct response by Oden is "No Thanks, I'm not cleared by doctors for that yet".

"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"

by Krang on Mar 28, 2008 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're confused

Don't get me wrong, it was stupid, but it's just not that big of a deal. That's all I'm saying......it doesn't need to be all over the place and dissected and discussed like he was caught with a hooker down on Sandy BLVD. So he played some hoops with a bunch of scrubs. Big deal. Hope he had fun and doesn't do it again.......

by iDea on Mar 28, 2008 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Defense is my first inclination too

How cool would it be to defend Greg Oden in a pick-up game?

by robrun2 on Mar 28, 2008 10:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

He'd be in a wheelchair

if he had played with some of the hack-men I've seen in pickup games. I'd have probably tripped into his knee.

Who do you want in charge when it's 3 a.m. and someone needs a diary?

by MiledAnimal on Mar 28, 2008 10:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

There you go

That was my thought also. I don't know who he played with in this pick up game but it is a lot different than playing with your peers. NBA ballers play pick up games in the off season but again they play with their peers. I expect NBA player pick up games are played with respect for each other, their careers and focus on learning.

I don't expect Greg to play with anyone but Profesional ballers again during his career. This instance is over and done, apparently without affect on Oden's health. He has grown into his chosen career a step further without ny harm. I hope the journey continues to his becoming the consummate professional I hope for.

"The Team with Caricature!"

by Lizzy Lowblow on Mar 28, 2008 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What really matters....

Did'nt anybody get any video?!?

2-4 the who

by 24thewho on Mar 28, 2008 10:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

Did everyone there swallow their cell phones or sumthin'? What's the point of living in a world with annoying cell phones if they aren't gonna record dictators being executed or Oden playing pick up baskieball.

I'm excited Oden felt confident enough to do this, disappointed that he didn't exercise the common sense NOT to do this, and I hope it doesn't happen again. Oden is cool.

Mortimer

by Mortimer on Mar 28, 2008 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Note to Nike

We need cell phone pockets in our gym shorts.

I can't wait for one of the last bastions of cellular silence to be eliminated.

"The Team with Caricature!"

by Lizzy Lowblow on Mar 28, 2008 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like that they have coin pockets now.

Tony Luftman... A sportscaster's role model

by JTDuck22 on Mar 29, 2008 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ya, I gots coin pockets...

...in all my swim wear.

I use it like ballast.

"The Team with Caricature!"

by Lizzy Lowblow on Mar 29, 2008 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Meh

I still don't think it is a big deal. I would be singing a different tune if hurt himself. But since he did not hurt himself, it's all water under the bridge.

How come no one is concerned about him moving downtown over the summer? Detroit Tigers relief pitcher, Joel Zumaya hurt his shoulder while trying to help his parents move during the California wildfires. Heck I think a Japanese pitcher for the Mariners hurt himself moving luggage. Maybe we should take away Oden's TV too, an NFL player just put his hand through one, after slipping on a McDonald's bag.

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by tominhawaii on Mar 28, 2008 12:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Pick-up games aren't the issue

It's been my understanding that NBA players play in pick-up games all the time--especially during the off-season. Generally the level of competition is higher than that found at your local health club, but not always. I once played in a pick-up game with Phil Smith, the NBA all-star. (This was just before he was drafted.) No one else in that game was anywhere near pro level--including, alas, me.

The issue in this case is that Oden is still rehabing following microfracture surgery, and he's been repeatedly told--not only by the Blazers, but by players who have gone thru it--that you have to guard against coming back too soon. One can understand Greg's frustration: he's probably been perfectly capable of playing NBA games for some time now. He's being held out due to an abundance of caution on the Blazers' part.

Imagine owning a Formula One race car but not being allowed to drive it; that must be what it's like to be Greg Oden right now. He couldn't resist taking those wheels out for a spin. He IS just 20 years old, remember (even if he looks 40).

The good news is that Greg didn't get hurt by some out-of-shape, clumsy bozo. Also, it's nice to hear it confirmed that he's ahead of schedule in his rehab.

"Ime caught the guy in mid-air with a fist and calmly continued his dispatching of oncoming people." -Gabe Muoneke

by hurryup09 on Mar 28, 2008 2:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

The level of competition is not necessarily the issue. I mean, come on, he's going to be playing the Timberwolves. How different can it be? But if you're not allowed to do something under the supervision of professionals who are paying you a ton of money it's a pretty sure bet you're not allowed to do that same thing on your own in a completely uncontrolled environment. Anyone from the Blazer staff scrimmaging with Greg right now would be told that he's wearing a red shirt and to have caution with him. On the other hand if you're Danny Schmuckola from Hillsboro and this is your one and only chance EVER to play with THE Greg Oden it's a decent bet that you're going to want to throw yourself into it and go all out. I suspect that's what concerns the Blazers.

--Dave

by Dave on Mar 28, 2008 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

pickup games

kevin durant has been playing in pickup games for the sonics all year and nothing's happened to him yet...

zing!

For more pictures and videos, check out the BlazersEdge Facebook group and www.youtube.com/blazersedgeben

by Ben. on Mar 28, 2008 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

But the only injury he's trying to recover from is multiple blows to his pride.

I'm frequently right, but always certain

by jscot on Mar 29, 2008 12:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Makes me wonder how the initial injury occured

by jayjaylbh on Mar 28, 2008 2:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It's a Secret, but I'll Tell You

I met him in Waikiki while he was visiting Hawaii last summer. I bought him and his girlfriend some alcohol and they came to my apartment to watch movies. After a few beers, we decided it would be fun to play twister and when I had to put left hand on green, I slipped and landed on Greg's knee. He said he was fine, but after he got home, turned out he wasn't fine. It's all my fault he missed this season.

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by tominhawaii on Mar 28, 2008 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Damnit Tom

Pickup Twister is a big no no.....

by iDea on Mar 28, 2008 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you check some of my previous comments this

has been a concern of mine ever since I saw him dunk during warm ups during the Knick game. It takes incredible restraint to hold yourself back when you feel good. With his age I am sure he feels immortal. Why do young people pay more for insurance? Lack of judgement is a big part of it.

Look a Amare, he felt good and tried to come back early, only to hurt his other knee. Greg needs to have a Blazer trainer with him at all tmes this summer. Greg needs to be fully aware that the short term sacrifice will be worth it.

by jferg on Mar 28, 2008 3:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Maybe we should organize a Blazersedge Save Our Greg group. We can all be on the lookout for Oden and if we see him doing anything potentially hazardous--like playing a pick-up game or slipping on a sno-cone--we can report in. Now all we need are 5,000 or so walkie-talkies.

--Dave

by Dave on Mar 28, 2008 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That reminds me...

Of when the Warriors drafted Chris Washburn many years ago. Not that GO is a Chris Washburn--not by ANY stretch. But here's the parallel: the Warriors hired Nate (the Great) Thurmond to babysit Washburn during his rookie season to protect him from Oakland's considerable bad influences. Yet within a few months, Washburn was a poster child for out-of-control NBA rookies. He was out of the league by the next season, as I recall.

My point is that in the end you can't control what NBA players do. They're grown men and will do what they want. You just do the best you can to draft quality people (i.e., no Chris Washburns) and give them sound guidance. The rest is out of your hands. A blazersedge vigilante squad wouldn't accomplish any more with Greg than Nate Thurmond did with the ill-fated Chris W.

"Ime caught the guy in mid-air with a fist and calmly continued his dispatching of oncoming people." -Gabe Muoneke

by hurryup09 on Mar 28, 2008 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm typing this from behind the bushes in Greg's

driveway right now. I am sure glad he has wirless internet. Got night vision goggles. Nothing too exciting yet. Just he and CB McLovin spooning on the couch.

I am a little cold. I wrote him a parable in the snow about patience. Too bad it melted, it was a gem. Perhaps I can sneek some more nuggets of wisdom into his fortune cookies as well.

Over and out.

by jferg on Mar 29, 2008 1:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs