There has been nothing about Oden off the court that would make me think he is a downer. He has a funny blog, a goofy sense of humor, and is involved with some really cool youth mentoring things around the state. Nothing about him screams "head case" or "withdrawn." I think people get confused by his expression and his body language on the court. He has a face that looks just kinda... sad. But that's just how he looks. Doesn't mean he's actually sad. And don't confuse the ungainliness of a very young 7-foot body with pouting or being withdrawn. If anything, having tools like Quick (and about 100 people on this message board) playing armchair shrink is what would make me depressed.
Happy or glum, I really don't think Greg Oden wants Mike Conley to be his PG on this team. They had fun in college and are close friends, but they're not lovers. Can you happily go about performing your job even though your best friend isn't your work partner? Most people actually prefer it that way.
I am reminded of an Addams Family episode when Gomez and Morticia try to get Lurch to smile. Some people just LOOK unhappy.
YEah, my normal look makes me look like I'm pissed off. My wife still doesn't get it. I'll be sitting there with my normal face and she'll go: "What's wrong?" "What? Nothing's wrong." "No really, what's wrong? You look like something is bothering you." "I don't know what you are talking about. Nothing is wrong." "You have that look on your face." "What look? I'm just sitting here." "Well if you're gonna be like that." "Like what? What the hell are you talking about?" "Don't yell at me!" "I'm not yelling! I don't know what the hell you're talking about!" "Whatever!" "So uh, does this mean no sex after the kids fall asleep?" "Well if you would have just told me what was bothering you!" "I don't know what you are talking about." "There you go again! If guys would just talk about their feelings they wouldn't be so mad all the time." "I give up. I'll just go to xvideos when you fall asleep." That last part I just think inside my head.
The thing with Oden is last year while rehabbing, I found him to be a funny, joking kind of guy who showed a sense of humor with players and the press. This year it is different. I don't think this is his normal personality or normal expressions, I think the dude is not having much fun (although the last game against Toronto was the most animated I had seem him. Watch his reaction when Blake makes the shot.) I wonder if Oden had a choice (got paid the same for basketball as for some other job), if he would play basketball (that's right I said it). I wondered it before he was drafted and I wonder it now . . . hopefully he sees the light and realizes how much more fun life is being an NBA player than it is pulling teeth out of people's mouths.
No doubt. A lot of people on this board don't give Greg credit for the things he does already. One thing he does better than anybody else on the team, is affect shots on the inside. It is no surprise the Blazers are ranked so much higher defensivly now, then they were last year. Also his rebounding is great, just remember last year we had Channing Frye playing out of position at center, and his rebounding leaves a lot to be desired even at it's best. Lastly, I would like to point out that the guards have missed Greg for opportunities about a bazillion times now. When he is running down the lane, and his hand is up, throw it to the big fella. He might surprise you.
As long as Oden stays healthy he's going to be a special center. My only fears has been his health not his ability. I think it's tough on him because he wants to do so much, but the Blazers are limiting what they want him to do right now for the teams good as well for him in the long run. So he has a conflict with what he wants and what the team wants at this time which might account for part of his mental state. I don't blame him, he wants to show he's worth being the #1 pick, but he is doing what's ask of him.
I'm not worried about Greg being a bust, but I guess my definition of bust might be a little different. I think some people would be disappointed if Greg never turns into the hall of fame center that some scouts labeled him. Hall of famers don't grow on trees. I would be happy if Greg does his job to the best of his ability and we win Championships.
Wondering how this fits into the TOS of the board that was explained to me via PM by Ed O and Minstrel. EDIT - Ed O addressed the issue and I hadn't read that far ahead in the thread.
Perfectly true - but also beside the point. Quick wasn't talking basketball, he was whining that he doesn't *like* Oden.
Greg is playing with zero confidence and lacks heart. The guy jogs up and down the court for fuck sakes. It's only a matter of time until he goes to where he belongs - the bench.
