I think we need to chill out on all the shit talking on Oden and just let him play. http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/play...&playerRankingType=1&period=1&set=0&blogSet=0
I think it's the lack of consistancy that has a lot of people upset or whatever. I am a big Oden fan, but even I'd like to see his low games be 6/5 rather than 2/1. He has no offense, and he doesn't really know how to play defense yet. He has good timing on blocks, and is a beast on the boards. His attitude/personality on the floor could use an upgrade....at least the superficial one we all see. I really think Oden is closed off because he feels he is letting people down. I think he truly cares about how people think of him.....(Duckworth part deux as it were) Once he starts playing consistantly I think he will be ok. I think he is also waiting for that one breakout game to ease the pressure a bit
As long as the team keeps winning I think I'll just lay off Oden. No point in trying to find something to whine about.
His production, and at times lack thereof don't really concern me. It's to be expected to a certain extent. His on/off court demeanor is a little more perplexing, simply because of his reputation for being easy-going, out-going, etc. I think it's a mix of anxiety, feeling like you're letting people down, a lack of confidence, and maybe he's at times a little in over his head. All of that adds up and makes people appear stoic, uncomfortable, and hesitant. I really think it goes hand in hand with his production on the court, and will probably improve with time, just like his game will. Fans love to talk about patience before the fact, then whenever they're actually confronted with the growing pains associated with rookies, patience is quickly replaced with anger and disappointment. If we want him to lighten up, how about we do too...
But think of it this way. He is still averaging 7\7 with nearly 2 blocks a game, even though it seems every other game he gets only 2\2. Once he figures out the NBA and cheers up a bit... he will be fine. Maybe we should sign D-Studd back and have him hang out with Oden to ... "Cheer" him up. haha
some crappy Horford games from december his rookie season. Looks like he struggled because of foul trouble. That first link is a game against the Magic, what a terrible player, he'll never make it...... http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=271210019 http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=271215001 http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=271219001 Nice find BatumKaboom, do you have the link?
Yeah I will find it. It was on the ESPN Rookie Rankings thing under Greg. http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/play...&playerRankingType=1&period=1&set=0&blogSet=0
