It depends on the treatment. If every player gets the treatment of having a comfortable place to rest on the plane, and if Oden (being one of the two biggest guys on the team) can only be comfortable in the back, while the rest of the team can find comfort elsewhere... is it "special treatment"? I would argue that it certainly is not. And I agree with Mook and the others about introversion. I'm borderline I/E, but even I get worn out being around people after a short while. Ed O.
I don't know Ed, being the only player allowed to sleep in PA's bed . . . it may be the only comfortable place that Oden can find, but symbolically, I can see that not "sitting" well with other players. But maybe the players are all cool with it and that is really the only thing that matters in this situation (I'm sure PA doesn't mind). I wonder if Ha got to sleep in Allen's private bed?
Come on HCP, how would you know? Because my sources tell me not only does Oden sleep in his bed, he does his own mile high club in his bed . . . and Allen doesn't care.
I tend to agree that the point is not about whether Oden is an introvert or not - it has to do with whether the double-standard he appears to be treated with is OK, or if it's detrimental to team chemistry. I think Canzano actually raised a good point, and I don't always agree with the guy, by any stretch. I think the use of Paul Allen's "back room" is probably not that big a deal. But it is an indicator of how he's treated, and it appears, treated differently from other players. The bigger question is whether Oden is being "given" playing time, when other players have to "earn" it. That's a bigger deal, but it's one that Oden can clear up quickly, by playing better (more games like the Raptors' game would do it...).
My guess (and this is only a guess, from the comments I've read and their reactions to Oden's play during games) is that if one were to ask the players for their honest opinion on whether they think Oden should be starting, they'd say he should. I think they all have a tremendous amount of respect for his abilities and don't see his on-and-off struggles/successes as "failing to earn playing time." A big part of it is probably whether he works hard in practice. All reports are that he's a very hard worker, so I would guess that the other players don't begrudge him starting and getting the time that he does. I don't get the sense that there's resentment brewing from Oden starting.
BTW- Canzano's story made it's way to "Ball Don't Lie" http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ba...t=Ao4CC94XsfU2h50Myxb3jiW8vLYF?urn=nba,131438
My point is that we wouldn't be having doubts at all, we wouldn't be taking guesses or trying to get a "sense" of the situation (not to mention, Canzano wouldn't be writing the column that he did), if Oden played better. I know he should get better with experience - but I also think he should be displaying more consistent focus and effort, even with his lack of experience. Ultimately, I agree that the long-term future of this team rests in part on Oden's development. But a lot of it rests on good team chemistry, as well. And that could be jeopardized long-term, if favoritism toward Oden (over the more consistent player backing him up) costs the Blazers playoff position, or worse, a playoff berth.
Well, yes, but that's a bit obvious. There are many positives to Oden playing better...I'd rank our confidence in team chemistry near the bottom of the list of positives stemming from Oden playing better. I don't think we really have any idea whether he's lacking in focus and effort. As I said, all reports are that he works hard. I doubt he's a hard worker in practice and then drops the effort in games. Fans get frustrated with him at times for looking lethargic or out of sorts, but I'd be pretty surprised if that was due to lack of effort or focus, rather than due to still being in the process of acclimatizing himself. Well, I don't think Oden has been playing significantly worse than Pryzbilla. Przybilla fouls less, so can play more minutes...but that doesn't make him a better starter. It means he can, should and does play more minutes. Oden's PER is a bit less than Przybilla's (16.3 vs. 18.0), but that's not a significant enough difference that I'd say playing Oden over Przybilla is going to cost the team anything much. Both are above-average starter quality in the time that they're on the court. Of course, the players and team evaluate players differently, but to my observation and according to what, in my opinion, is the best publicly available metric, Oden is playing well enough to deserve the start and playing time. As a fan, that's all I can say. I'd love for him to play so well that there's simply no question at all, but that may not happen this year.
Greg needs a facelift lmfao. You could make a blanket with all the extra skin they would remove. Ewww.. that kinda even grossed me out.
You're welcome in advance, HCP! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrRtCF6mfv0 One of the funniest fucking songs I think I've ever heard. I'm definitely putting it into a mix one of these days.