Oden is not Shaq, but they do have some similarities. Here are some interesting rookie numbers for Shaq: FGA/game = 16 FTA/game = 9 Min/gane = 38 How do you think Oden will compare? It was nice to see that Shaq figured out how to stay in games for at least 38 minutes without fouling out. 9 free throws a game would give GO at least 6 pts no counting FGs, which should put him at least in the teens. I don't see GO taking 16 shots a game this year though. Any thoughts?
Assuming he's on the floor, he's going to get FG attempts just on put backs, dunks, etc. From a baseline perspective it might be useful to look at Dwight Howard in his first year or two. If you project upward from there given Oden's superior offensive skills, it might be a better proxy than Shaq. 1st year numbers for D-Ho: 32 8FGA 5FTA 2nd year numbers for D-Ho: 37min 11FGA 7FTA
I think we'll be pleasantly surprised how much star treatment Oden gets. If Oden stays healthy he'll help revive the popularity of the NBA the same way Shaq did. The Blazer's will be a big draw even in away games.
I think that Oden's numbers will be lower across the board with those three stats... 38 minutes a game is a LOT, and given (a) Joel's presence, (b) Oden's knee, and (c) potential foul trouble because of Oden's aggressive defense (something Shaq never really had to worry about), I think he'll be closer to 28 than 38 mpg. With those fewer minutes, and the (relatively) establish offensive threats of Roy and Aldridge, I don't see him getting 16 shots a game, either. At least not as a rookie... Ed O.
