You know why? Because this team's fans overwhelmingly hate him. I have never seen such vitriol directed against a player for being injured or a bit disappointing. Every article on OregonLive, no matter what the subject, it seems, is followed by a "Oden has no heart" comment. Even if Oden was the strongest-willed player in the world, I can't imagine that not affecting him. Players need to be believed in, unless they're sociopaths. Maybe Portland is just too much of a small town. I remember Shaq getting fed up with the constant scrutiny in Orlando (calling it a "dried up mud puddle" as he left) and he's somebody who's naturally gregarious. If I was Oden, I would be begging for a new start away from the constant whining and grousing. And it's starting to get to the point that I can't stand reading about the team in any forum because of the relentless negativity. I believe that Greg Oden should have been the #1 pick. I'd pick him there again. But maybe he needs to get out of here. Maybe Portland is too bush league to have patience with him. Trade him to a team that has a coach who can handle smart introspective players (like, y'know, Phil Jackson [see Williams, Brian/Dele, Bison]) and release everybody from the poison that just keeps building up.
Do you really believe that people who post on message boards are good sample for extrapolating the thoughts and feelings of the fan base at large?
The team should not operate by Mob Rule. Believe it or not, but the "fans" don't usually know what's best or see the big picture. Doesn't mean you or I can't have an opinion or can't be right, but it's no way to operate a team.
I wouldn't trade Oden because of a silly segment of the fanbase that's overreacting to (rather minor) disappointment. Hopefully, Oden doesn't read message boards...they tend to have the most reactionary fans.
I assume KP reiterates over and over (Much like collges coaches do) NOT to read the message boards. I also assume it does not work. They do read them. Or their friends read them and tell them about it. To me its like a comparing all Americans to those who are seen on Jerry Springer. The stupid ones always stand out.
Nice strawman. I didn't read the rest because the bolded part was so ridiculously off the mark. Who "hates" Oden?
Way to extrapolate the loudest people to "overwhelmingly". There's no shortage of people who are not overreacting to the Oden injury. It's just that overreacting is a lot louder. You are managing to overreact to overreaction. I'm contemplating overreacting to your overreacting to the overreaction, just because I've found I like typing overreact. Overreact.
Well, when you're greeted as a savior upon your arrival, where else is there to go but down in peoples minds? Oden was treated as if he was a champion before he even played a game, so this kind of reaction really isn't that surprising. The man isn't a god, he can't turn water into wine, and he definitely can't walk on water. He's a young big man, still adapting to the NBA.
It would be okay if it was just internet message boards. It isn't. It's the "mainstream media" right down to people who are supposed to be "experts" like David Thorpe. There is no way in hell to avoid it. Canzano is just another example. Media drives players away, or at the very least can sap their ability to enjoy their lives (unless they seal themselves off from the public hermetically, and I hope that's not what we would want for Oden). Oden is also only just 21. That's not an age where you're particularly settled in your view of yourself. It can't help. I'm willing to bet that players like Kwame Brown could've ended up a lot more productive if they'd've been second round picks just because they wouldn't be hounded the whole time. Incidentally, I will hunt down and dismember anyone who accuses me of overreacting. And their relatives, yea unto the fifth generation.
I believe Oden aka Benjimen Buttons, fits the Team okay, ya gotta lower expectations 4 this guy. He's a rebounder / shot blocker. You already have quality scorers such as Aldridge, & Roy to carry the scoring burden.
Your not overreacting, your just not patient like all the other crazed fans. While Oden is struggling he is also bonding with his team mates. Did you see Roy fucking with Oden on the bench during the minny game and them both laughing? I think Oden will be fine as long as he continues to stay tight with his team. Furthermore, give Oden a summer off to hone his skills so he can finally let his game do the talking! Never thought I'd say this but I'm much more sick and tired of all the whining from Canzano and the impatient fans than I am of Oden not playing. Thanks to B-Roy ofcourse!
In the minds of some of us unreasonable fans, being THE #1 pick in the draft carries with it certain expectations. Some of us more reactionary old coots might even say it carries obligations. I'm sorry that our existence annoys the pollyanna/drink-the-kool-aid fans. Maybe you are right. If Wall Street millionaires aren't held accountable for their actions, why should basketball players?
I don't know if it's necessary to trade him, but my observation about this phenomenon in general is that die hard guys who post on message boards are actually less reactionary than casual fans. Casual fans who don't follow things as closely and only hear the "big stories" have received dose after dose of uniformly negative info on Oden.
