Now, why couldn't GO and his handlers do this?

It's one thing to spend time really learning, but otherwise, just a couple days could end up hurting his game. Oden would obviously respect Hakeem and would try and incorporate the lessons. But that might not be the best thing for Oden. BB and Nate have been working trying to build Oden in a particular way. If Oden then switches to concentrate on a different lesson it could potentially do harm. How many times have you heard about a golfer with an odd but accurate swing being told how to correct his swing, only to add strokes to his game. Same thing with shooting mechanics. There are some NBA players with odd shots that work. But if they try a quick fix, they can lose their shot. That's why coaches hardly ever have players completely change their shooting mechanics mid-season. They wait till the off-season when more time and effort can be spent. I am not sure exactly what could go wrong from a two day stint with Hakeem, but I just don't think it's worth it. As I said, I respect Hakeem and would love to see Oden work out with him for a more extended period of time, just not a short gloss-over.

 

What I find alarming is the number of people here who are coming to the defense of Oden, his agents, and the Blazers for not doing this.

Sure, it is only two sessions. Sure, the likelihood of GO picking up any moves is almost zero. But, how could it have hurt? We heard about how Oden changed his mindset after spending some time with BG. This could have been similar.

 

Working out with the Dream can only help a player. That said, Thabeet will go down a one of the worst picks ever. The guy will be out of the league in 4 years.

 

And again, I ask: Not worth what? There isn't a downside.

You do realize that many players attend big-man camp and others like it, right? Those are only a few days long, but judging by the attendance, they must be getting something out of it.

 

I doubt he'd be able to help a lot in just a couple days, but he might see something that might help Oden. Some vet tip or something. Who knows. I doubt in such a short amount of time he's going to try and teach a particular move, but he might help him with a move he already has to be more effective.

 

Nobody's saying it would hurt to have met and worked out with Hakeem, but I think there's a certain feeling being thrown out there by proponents of GO working out with him, that it was somehow disastrous that he didn't.

 

If we're going to bring in a special big man coach to work with Greg (and LaMarcus), I'd prefer Kevin McHale. Nothing againts Hakeem, but McHale has a better resume as a coach. He has been an NBA head coach, and young big men have flourished under his guidance. I personally think Minnesota was foolish to let him go as a coach. Yes, he deserved to be fired as a GM, but they should have reatined his services as a coach.

In any case, McHale is currently working with the Dallas big men - which isn't a good thing for us.

Again, nothing against Hakeem. He was one of the most sublime players I've ever watched play the game. He had the cat like quickness and grace of a much smaller player and was spectacular at both ends of the court. McHale's game, by contrast was much less graceful, but still extremely effective. What McHale lacked in grace, he more than made up for in execution. Given that Oden isn't nearly the graceful athlete Hakeem was, I think McHale would be a better fit. McHale's game was all about footwork and fakes. He would often combine multiple low post moves in a single play and patiently work the defense until he had a clear advantage. He was also an excellent low post defender. The thought of Oden's size, strength and athleticism combined with McHale's moves and timing is downright scarey.

If McHale is available, we should get him. Unfortunately, it sounds like Mark Cuban may have beat us to the punch.

BNM

 

Actually, there were people saying that. Which is the only reason I responded. There were posts saying "it's not worth it", like there is some downside, or that it could "hurt".

 

I was thinking the same, but it sounds like he's only there for a couple of days.