From Rookie to MVP

In his rookie year, he scored 10.4 ppg, grabbed 6.3 rpg, and shot 49.1% from the field in 28.7 mpg. In 2004, he won the NBA's MVP Award.

In his rookie year, he scored 7.6 ppg, grabbed 1.9 rpg, and shot 41.7% from the field in 15.5 mpg. In 2008, he won the NBA's MVP Award.

In his rookie year, he scored 8.9 ppg, grabbed 7.1 rpg, and shot 56.3% from the field in 21.9 mpg. In 2012, 2013, 2014 etc........

 

I'll hazard a guess and say the first one is Dirk?

 

The world ended according to the Mayan calendar.

 

Hell no. Dirk won in 2006.

 

KG man....

 

Alright let's try again...Stevie Nash? No it can't be. The rookie supposedly averaged 6.3 rebounds in 15 minutes so it can't be a point guard like Nash. With the high rebound number it has to be a Forward or Center. I think Duncan had way better numbers than that. Hrmph. Without cheating, I'm stumped.

Edit - posted after B-Roy. Oh yeah, forgot about that guy...

 

You guys can see my point though, right? Puts things in perspective.

 

Which point is that? That a guy doesn't need a spectacular rookie season to become an All-Star/MVP in the NBA or that all three of the aforementioned players have won/will win championships...?

 

I had to edit. My bad. KG played 28.7 mpg and Kobe played 15.5 mpg. Pretty impressive, eh? Our guy averages about a rebound more than KG did his rookie year and does it in 7 less minutes.

 

Both. The point is that Oden compares very favorably to two MVPs/Champions. I'd say Oden is having a better rookie season than both of them. In other words, Oden is not a dud.

 

I expect this summer will be the breakout time for Greg Oden's game. He'll have had a full summer of not worrying about his knees, some time to reflect on this year's experiences and how to use them to improve, and working with the Blazer's staff on his post game and defense. Next year, the man will be a beast.

 

next year is the year to judge greg oden's potential by. he should be fully recovered from the microfracture surgery and should have a healthy offseason to just work on his game.

 

I would just really like to see Greg in shape and healthy. THAT Greg could really open some eyes. Right now he still looks like he's huffing and puffing.

 

While we're at it....

In his rookie year, he scored 3.3 ppg, dished 2.1 apg, and shot 42.3% from the field in 10.5 mpg. In 2005 & 2006, he won the NBA's MVP Award.

In his rookie year, he scored 8.2 ppg, grabbed 3.4 rpg, and shot 40.5% from the field, including 20.5% from the three point line in 20.4 mpg. In 2007, he won the NBA's MVP Award.

Oden stacks up pretty well, doesn't he?

 

True, but thing that Oden is facing that none of those other people had is hype. None of them were #1 draft picks.

Kobe Bryant - picked 13th in 1996.

Kevin Garnett - picked 5th in 1995.

Steve Nash - picked 15th in 1996.

Dirk Nowitzki - picked 9th in 1998,

 

That's true, but it still goes to show that you don't have to fly out of the gate to develop into a legit superstar in this league.

 

Good point, and I hope it holds true for Oden as well.

 

Yes you do! Trade Oden for a conditional 2nd round draft pick. :

 

And none of them started with a tough (but non-chronic) injury that set their schedule behind.

Oden is delivering a high level of play, he's just not delivering the minutes to turn in big per-game stats. That matters, but I'd say his high level of play matters more for judging his potential.

 

Great point.

Remember Kobe's two airballs in the playoffs against the Jazz? Let's see how Oden does in his first playoffs.

EDIT- I looked it up. Kobe shot THREE airballs in that game.

EDIT- It was 4. My bad. One to potentially win the game and then three in overtime. Ah. Good memories. I loved watching the Jazz kill the Lakers. Maybe again this year in the first round?

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695231964,00.html