Original Post (4:22PM)...
More reaction and analysis regarding Greg Oden's knee injury to come tomorrow.
Today's news is somewhat good news: less than 24 hours after suffering a fractured left patella, Greg Oden underwent successful surgery to repair the knee. After the surgery, the Portland Trail Blazers have confirmed that Oden will miss the rest of the 2009-2010 season. Last night, team officials were only willing to say that Oden would "likely" miss the season.
Here's the full release from the team...
GREG ODEN UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL SURGERY ON LEFT KNEE
Oden to miss remainder of 2009-10 season
PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden will miss the remainder of the 2009-10 season after undergoing successful surgery Sunday to repair a fracture in his left patella, it was announced by General Manager Kevin Pritchard.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Don Roberts at Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, Wash.
The injury occurred at the 7:45 mark of the first quarter in Saturday's 90-89 win vs. Houston. Oden, 21, underwent an MRI Saturday, confirming the fracture.
"We are thankful today that Greg's surgery went well and Dr. Roberts projects a full recovery," said Pritchard. "Greg is an important member of our Trail Blazers family, and we look forward to getting him healed and eventually back on the floor. Greg has overcome adversity before, and I am confident he will do so again."
In 20 games prior to the injury, Oden averaged 11.7 points (60.5% FG), and team highs of 8.8 rebounds and 2.40 blocks. Entering Saturday, Oden ranked second in the NBA in blocked shots and fourth in field goal percentage.
Oden's 15.6 points per game in the seven contests before the injury (Nov. 20-Dec. 1) marked the best seven-game stretch of his career. The second-year center out of Ohio State improved his averages in every major statistical category from last season, seeing marked increases in points, rebounds, assists, blocked shots, field goal percentage and free throw percentage.
Blazers General Manager Kevin Pritchard conducted a conference call with media members this afternoon. Here are some notes from that call.
Joe Freeman of The Oregonian reports via his twitter...
Had 2 screws inserted to reattach his patella. The bone has to repair and bond itself; should take 2 months.
After so much inactivity, Oden will then experience muscle atrophy. That will take another two months of recovery.
Kevin Pritchard said surgery went "very well" and Oden was "very positive." KP expects Oden to return healthy & in time for training camp.
Doctors do not think Oden's injury is related to the chipped kneecap he suffered last season at Golden State.
Joe Freeman's update on Oregonlive.com can be read here.
Here are some more notes from Brian T. Smith of The Columbian's twitter...
No ligament damage
Oden will be re-evaluated after bones have bonded; about 4 months.
Oden will wear a brace during recovery.
Brian T. Smith's update on The Columbian can be read here.
And somehow I missed this great post from Mike Barrett last night. Here's a link.
As Oden was taken down the tunnel to the locker room he asked team chaplain Al Egg to pray with him. And, as Oden was wheeled up for x-rays, he demanded they turn the game on the TV because he didn't want to miss a minute.
We can sit here and feel sorry for ourselves as Blazer fans, but all I could think about at that moment the injury happened was how badly I felt for Greg.
-- Ben Golliver | (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com) | Twitter