Your Thoughts on Greg Oden

[Neurotic Guy]

I'd like to hear your thoughts on Greg Oden in relation to these prompts:

1) Is his upside still huge if healthy?
2) What do you think the odds are that he can stay healthy?
3) Do you think Portland would take a reasonable deal to cut their losses based on the risk factor?


If Oden's injuries aren't permanently debilitating, and if there is a reasonable chance he can become what he was projected to become, I think the C's can/should make a run for him.

It's a swing for the fences with an easy back-up plan.  Oden's deal expires in 2011-12 as does KG's.  C's can be WAY under cap to rebuild if Oden is a bust.  If no bust, he and Rondo spend 10 years together.

Perk and Baby or Perk and Ray (S&T) to Portland.

[dark_lord]

too much risk, so i would pass

[Who]

I think Greg Oden is already a top 15 player and as soon as he able to play 30-35 minutes a night he'll become a top seven player. That is current ability, not potential, and he does have considerable unfulfilled potential.

I do not think there is any chance Portland moves Oden + certainly not on a bargain basement deal.

[dark_lord]

I think Greg Oden is already a top 15 player

how in the world can u rate him this high?  are u only talking about centers?

[Who]

I think Greg Oden is already a top 15 player

how in the world can u rate him this high?  are u only talking about centers?

I consider Greg Oden to be the best rebounder in the league + one of the top interior defenders + a good passer + sets very good screens + requires considerable defensive attention, is an excellent complementary scoring threat and a solid go-to threat (third or fourth option).

All of those positive contributions added up equal to one hell of a total package.

[dark_lord]

I think Greg Oden is already a top 15 player

how in the world can u rate him this high?  are u only talking about centers?

I consider Greg Oden to be the best rebounder in the league + one of the top interior defenders + a good passer + sets very good screens + requires considerable defensive attention, is an excellent complementary scoring threat and a solid go-to threat (third or fourth option).

All of those positive contributions added up equal to one hell of a total package.

is this based on projection or what he has done thus far in his career?

[Who]

I think Greg Oden is already a top 15 player

how in the world can u rate him this high?  are u only talking about centers?

I consider Greg Oden to be the best rebounder in the league + one of the top interior defenders + a good passer + sets very good screens + requires considerable defensive attention, is an excellent complementary scoring threat and a solid go-to threat (third or fourth option).

All of those positive contributions added up equal to one hell of a total package.

is this based on projection or what he has done thus far in his career?

On what Oden achieved this season prior to getting injured.

[EJPLAYA]

My thoughts on Greg Oden… Sam Bowie...

[dark_lord]

My thoughts on Greg Oden… Sam Bowie...

i was thinking the same thing.  ironic how they were/are both trailblazers!

[Donoghus]

I like the kid.....

But, my question is how many professional basketball players have had this many debilitating injuries and then gone on to have a career like mnay expected of him coming out of the draft?

He has a very steep hill to climb.  He may have the talent but his body is failing him, thus far.  History is definitely against him but I wish him the best.

[nickagneta]

In three years and a possible 246 games Oden has played in 82 games.

His stats say he has the ability to be a very productive player, when he can stay on the court. If injuries aren't forcing him to the disabled list his +8.00 personal fouls per 48 minutes, which is a pathetic stat for any player, is limiting him to a marginal role players position.

If he can stay healthy and cut down on his fouls, he can be in time the best center in the league, bar none. If he can't, he's a bust.

It really is that simple. He has all the talent and physical attributes to be a dominating player. But he has to stay healthy and he has to limit his fouls. If he can't, he's the guy the Blazers chose instead of Kevin Durant like Sam Bowie is the guy the Blazers chose instead of Michael Jordan.

[Who]

Oden hasn't been able to regain his once exceptional quickness and athleticism ... so I don't think he'll be able to fulfill the promise he displayed as he entered the league ...

But, I do think that Oden has retained enough athleticism to be still be capable of doing great things in this league. Of becoming an All-NBA talent and possibly an MVP caliber player.

[jr_3421]

Mentally it's tough to come back from all of these injuries so early in a career. The best comparison I can think of is David Carr of the Houston Texans. After being taken 1st overall, Carr was abused as his offensive line was non-existent. After a couple years his presence in the pocket was totally shot and he never was same player. Mentally he just couldn't overcome his earlier career struggles.

I've never thought Oden was the toughest player mentally and I just worry if he is ever going to be able to put his injury-prone past behind him.

[Neurotic Guy]

Thanks for all the responses.  Your reactions leave me wondering about the differences of opinion that may exist in the Portland organization.  Those who feel like Who will not give away Oden for anything less than 100% on the dollar -- however, those taking the views of other posters here may be willing to fill out an already strong Portland roster with bodies more likely to remaing on the court.  I actually think Perk and Baby are a good fit in Portland.  Are there any better young defensive bigs than Perk?  He and Baby (and/or addign Ray Allen) may get Oden if Portland sees him as a 'Bowie' possibility or even a 50/50 proposition as many of you do.

But if Who is correct about Oden, Portland will be foolish to deal.

[bballee]

Perfect kind of high risk/high reward move to begin rebuilding.  If you are writing off next year as rebuilding, you don't need Oden until 2011-1012 and the higher the draft position the better.  I'd try to include Wallace and get back Webster and Fernandez.  Portland may feel they are close enough to go for the gold next year.  I actually supported this kind of move when they were getting Camby from the Clippers at the deadline.