I think the reason he does not like being around Portland during his rehab are the constant repetitive questions he gets all day long from Fans and Media. He sees the disappointment in everyone's eyes. It has to wear on him. People need to mix up their dialogue with the dude. I am sure the blazers probably suggested he do this one interview to satisfy the media. I doubt we will hear much from him for a couple of months. What else can he say?
I like Oden, and regardless of if it's with the Blazers or some other team, I really hope one day his body gets all the kinks worked out and he can crush the NBA.
Agreed. It would be monumentally stupid for the Blazers not to retain the rights to match whatever offer the guy gets. You just don't see teams in the NBA get the chance to have a player of that size and ability very often. He says he's pain-free now and he's on target with his rehab. His other knee that had the earlier MF surgery is said to be stronger now than it was before the injury. It's likely that there's extra time before the next season starts due to the probability of a lockout. I think there's every reason to be optimistic that Greg will be able to play effectively next season, whenever it occurs.
For a while I felt the same way, but now I just want him to heal and play. Of course not for the fucking Lakers, that would be evil. But if he played for a team on the East Coast I would be happy for him. Of course, I am not giving up all hope that one day he aids the Blazers.
This is a bit disheartening to hear. I'm not blaming him for his injuries either, but he could've been a little bit more empathetic for the Portland fans who have gone crazy for him since day one and supported him through all of his injuries. Even this one, you'll hear seldom booing. Honestly, it might sound selfish to say, but he does owe us a bit. The city has embraced him and been patiently waiting for his arrival while suffering heartbreak after heartbreak. He can't control his past injuries but he can definitely control his future with us.
Greg Oden does NOT owe the city a god-damned thing! This is the last position in the world he wants to be in. Great guy, shitty luck and I hope we keep supporting him as long as he is on our roster.
The only thing I hope for is that if the Blazers offer him a contract similar to what some other team is willing to offer him - he will sign it. That's all he "owes" the organization, imho.
Empathetic? This is his life and profession, it's just our hobby and entertainment. I think it's taking things well out of perspective to suggest that players need "empathy" for fans in a situation like this (where injuries outside his control have essentially wrecked his early career). I don't think he owes the team anything. Yes, they paid him a lot of money and didn't get a lot of production in return, but rookie deals are a gamble for both sides. If Oden had stayed healthy and dominated each season, the Blazers wouldn't have paid him anything near his market value. I hope he chooses to stay with Portland when push comes to shove, but I don't think he has an obligation to.
You probably know this, but just in case you'd forgotten: Assuming the Blazers make the qualifying offer, as Miller has said they will, then Greg will be a restricted free agent. Unless he just signs the qualifying offer and plays out one year on that contract, the Blazers have the right to match any offer he gets.
I cant wait to see GO come back and play 8 healthy and dominate seasons in a Trail Blazers uniform! It will happen! At least I keep telling myself that, hoping it will come true!
I wonder what kind of negative things he hears from fans? I find that very hard to believe, unless he himself is somewhat pessimistic and assumes the worst in any comment from the fans. I won't be surprised if he takes the Q.O. and decides to be a UFA after the next season. He had a chance last night on national TV to at the very least insinuate he was open to returning to the Blazers; instead, when offered the opportunity, he seems insulted that the question should even be asked. I think he's gonzo.
Again, what negative things is he hearing from people? I think he just found an opportunity to put some distance between himself and the Portland fanbase, so he took it.
Yes, I am aware of it. This was more in the - if he decides to take the qualifying offer for one year and this happens the year after. That's all I think he "owes" to the franchise. Nothing more.
I really can't see that happening given his injury history. The Blazers and many other teams would offer him at least full MLE money and they could choose to front-load it like they did with Matthews. Take the QO at something like $8.5M or a guaranteed $37M and probably more than that? Doesn't seem like much of a choice when you're not sure how your knees are going to hold up. Unless he's really, really PO'd at the Blazers for some reason, I just can't see it happening.
I agree with that, and in reality, taking the Q.O. may be his best option. It's for ~$9.2 million, and after that, he goes to the highest bidder. Injuries are always going to be a concern for any team that employs him. May as well make some cash next year, then see if a team where you want to play makes an attractive offer. The only advantage Portland would have is the option for a 6th year of max money (if that is still in the CBA), but I don't see any possible way that Allen/Miller/Cho would sign him to that contract. I just don't see how this ends well for the Blazers if Oden accepts the Q.O., unless he then is traded next year in a deadline deal.
He did suggest he was open to returning in the interview with Freeman, linked above. Q: Do you want to be with the Blazers next year and going forward? A: You know what, that’s out of my hands. I can’t control that. I want to be where I can play and be healthy. Hopefully that can be here. I’m here now. But that’s definitely out of my hands. ... Q: But if it does, will you? Do you want to come back? A: When the time comes, most likely. But that has to happen down the line. That is actually more positive on a return than I expected him to be in his answer. I expected him to be 100% non-committal.
