I agree that if there were genuine news it would just be reported. So I'm guessing it will probably be along the lines of Oden got another dog, or somesuch. Something of no real importance, but they want to sell newspapers.
And here it is... http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2009/03/blazers_greg_oden_is_fed_up_an.html
Quick finally gets one right. It is about time one of our local writers acctually bothered to sit down with Oden and clear the air, so we actually know what is going on. Novel concept.
That was an excellent article. It told be 50 times more than I knew before about Oden's knee, the various opinions they've gotten, when they go them, and how they were used. It looks to me like the Blazers were being overly optimistic about how injured Oden was. That, in turn, made it seem as though there was something wrong with how hard Oden was working to get back. Bad move on the Blazers' part. If Oden is truly a cornerstone of this team's future - and I have little doubt that he is - then give the guy the time he needs to get right, and lay off on the pressure. Anyone who's played competitive sports knows there is a big difference between being banged up and being truly injured. Banged up guys can still play if they push themselves. Injured guys will make their injuries worse in a hurry, if they try to compete. Oden is injured and needs time, and yes, possibly surgery, to get right. Good article. Not great news.
They ought to come out, like they did with Webster, and publicly shut Oden down for the season. It's painfully obvious the guy wont be ready any time soon. If only the NBA had a lemon law....
Quick sat down with Oden a few weeks ago, when he quoted Oden as saying he was cleared and it was up to him when that would happen. In other words, the team appears to have misled Greg about the severity of his injury, and KP allegedly saying it would be another 7-10 days last week really does make me question the team's motive behind comminicating this injury to both Greg and the public.
According to the article, it sounds to me like the team completely mishandled the injury. If the doctor tells you 1 to 6 weeks, you shouldn't assume one. Honestly, having a bone chip floating around in your knee sounds pretty fucking uncomfortable. Perhaps those folks questioning Oden's injury should smash their own knees a couple of times with a bat, then run wind sprints for 20 minutes. This may give them some clarity.
What's up with the medical staff? They mishandled Blake's injury and Martell's injury. And now this....
If he doesn't play the rest of the season, I'm not sure I want him in the playoffs. First of all, he would be out of sorts and set back from where he had been. And second of all, he could destroy the chemistry that the team will form over the next several weeks.
The good news? He isn't a basket case. The not-so-good news? He appears to be injury prone. Get the dude some milk to strengthen those bones.
Exactly. Why would you want to risk his long-term health for this years playoffs? If he plays on a less than 100% knee the risk factor is huge.
