It's not realistic to expect him to suddenly be in shape and playing as well as he had been playing. Especially since his role will be different when he returns. His role was actually never defined. When Oden comes back, they won't be looking to involve him on offense because they'll be used to play with Joel.
And some posters said the season was over after the 2nd game... I guess there are a lot of idiotic opinions floating around. I'll still watch the games and cheer...but for me this injury changes my expectations for the season. I've been pleasantly surprised the last couple of seasons so I hope to be surprised again.
Yes, at this point go for John Wall. Fuck this season, and even though this goes without saying...Fuck the Lakers may they burn in hell if not in a plane wreck in front of DaRizzle's house.
Realistically, the season looks grim. It's not just the injury to Oden...also losing Batum and Outlaw makes the team very thin, in terms of forwards and centers. Portland has Aldridge, Przybilla and Webster up front and then after that will be praying for contributions from Cunningham. I think the team could still squeeze into the playoffs if Roy, Aldridge and Miller play very well and if Fernandez and Bayless provide some impact. Really, though, contention this year seems out unless a few players play out of their minds the rest of the way. I'm obviously still a big fan of the team, and I think Oden will be back at full strength and explosiveness next season. Hopefully, Batum will, too, and Outlaw (yes, I'd like to see him re-signed at a reasonable salary). It's definitely a huge disappointment to have one season nominally "in the window of contention" get ruined, but hopefully this means some time given to guys like Bayless and Fernandez. I think next season, Portland will be a title contender. This year, I thought they were a contender to reach the WCF, but that's largely out now. Tough night.
I am here and I am still a fan! It was a freak injury, that said I am still amazed how much bad luck Greg has had. I do think the trade market just opened for Rudy & Bayless.
At the end of his 3rd season, Oden will have played 81 games. At the end of his 3rd season, Sam Bowie had played 119. People need to step away from the kool-aid.
