That's exactly what I was thinking. It's either his teammates aren't looking for him, or he just isn't in the right spots on the court to get the ball. Right now, Greg just sets picks up top, he rolls to the hoop and is routinely wide open for a second but never gets the ball. Part of it is he's still uncomfortable 10 feet away from the hoop with the ball and part he just needs to be more aggressive. I'd like to see Brandon take the ball to the hoop off a Greg screen and have the defense choose between Brandon laying it up or passing it off to Oden right at the hoop. Either way, it'll come with time and as the players still learn how to play with him.
I am a believer in Oden, but missing 2 dunks is pretty bad. I still think he'll be a beast and this year is a learning year for him, as most players with MF take a year to gain full strength, trust, and mobility of their knee. What I am worried about is how long does it take to get into game shape? He still seems to take forever to get up and down the court, hopefully the conditioning will be done in time. Thank God we are winning, otherwise the media would be on his ass, poor guy. And yes, I think he prolly should look into a shrink ala Marty.
Clearly Greg is feeling the pressure a bit. We have something of an ideal situation for that not to be the case. Mainly the team is playing well and second, there are lots other guys who are capable of being the main guy, particularly Roy. It wouldn't hurt to make a concerted effort to not focus on Greg. He's in a great situation, even as a highly touted #1 pick in that he can come along slowly and the national media probably won't devote too much attention. Obviously, the injuries hurt that perception but as long as he's healthy and having some nights like the 13/13 there is nothing to be concerned about. This team does not need him to be a superstar or even an all star now or in the immediate future. Lets hope most of the fans don't get to ornery about it.
Oden is in terrible shape. He needs to stop killing the Big Mac's. Once he regains his lift he'll be fine. It might not be until next season.
Greg Oden had 22 & 10 versus the real thing- Nellie ball, that is, in Golden State. There's just no excuse for Greg playing as badly as he is. Even before the surgery, he looked weak in summer league. I'll be patient but I'm worried.
He likes to overreact - this thread is a great place for people to overreact and you thought he wouldn't like it? psh.
If Oden isn't careful with those dunks he will end up busts just like the players in the two videos below. [video=youtube;5_r4AGX3Qmo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_r4AGX3Qmo[/video] [video=youtube;4AicEsGj63g]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AicEsGj63g&feature=related[/video]
this might just be me, but i think oden would flourish with MORE responsibility. if he was on the wizards, he would be getting 15 shot attempts per game, and have a better chance of working through any confidence issues.
I think one of the main reasons Bynum has flourished is that he has been getting one on one coaching from the captain, Kareem. That's what Greg needs - I agree we should hire Hakeem, or Ewing, or some other major center to tutor the kid. What say you, DaRizzle?
I'm not saying it's a horrible idea, but great players don't always make great teachers, but if Nate and KP think there is somebody out there that can fill the role, then I guess they should go out and get them. It's a damn shame Mo Lucas hasn't been healthy, I think he could teach Greg a thing or two.
A week ago we had a thread about what a bust LaMarcus was because his shots were not falling - while he was running the floor, playing defense, being active and passing well. Take that thread, replace shots with dunks, replace LaMarcus with Greg - and presto. I predict 27 points against the Pistons. (and by 27 I mean 14 and by Pistons I mean Wizards).
Fuck people. Oden is averaging 8/8 in just over 20 minutes a game. If he played 30ish minuteshe would be at 12/12 with about 3 block per game. This is a player that hasn't played in over a year, and is still not in game shape yet. Last night he missed two dunks and had trouble defending the pick and roll. Keep in mind that EVERY team runs this for a reason.....IT IS HARD TO DEFEND. He also had 7 rebounds and 2 blocks in only 19 minutes. He also changes the way teams attack us inside. 3 times I counted players bringing the ball back out because oden was standing there. He has also had 5 double doubles this year so far.
No, you're wrong! Greg's a bust, he's the next Kwame Brown, Micheal Olowokandi, and Sam Bowie all rolled into one, he's got no fire, he doesn't chest bump during introductions, he doesn't sprint up and down the floor like a gazelle, he's not dominating the league like the next Bill Russell would, he's terrible, he doesn't smile enough, he kicked my dog, he doesn't want to win, he's too nervous, too uncoordinated. He's only had a lousy five double-doubles in 13 games. He sucks, we suck, we're never going to go anywhere with him, let's trade the bum. Did I miss anything?
