i just thought your third "point" was an unneccessary jab at the guy. we all "think" we know what we are talking about but in the end none of us really do.
Statistically speaking he really isn't going out on a limb with his HCA comment. I bet in the first round about 75% of teams with the HCA win their series. Occasionally you get the big upset and the 4-5 matchup is always close., but the top three teams seldom lose. As far as Oden, I was very excited about his progress before he got hurt. He had moments where he looked very very good. So I am not too cercerned.
Just for the record, I wasn't taking a jab at Kamla. I don't know squat about him except, that in this case, I think his comments on Oden are off base. I've heard reports from NBA scouts who think Oden was coming along just fine before his latest injury. I'll take their assessment over some guy hired by NBC because he can write entertaining pieces about fantasy basketball. In general, after listening to the so-called expert commentators give their opinions about such things as the Blazers blowing the 2006 draft by taking Roy, I've come to the basic conclusion that many of these guys really don't know as much as they imply that they do.
Looking at purely Fantasy Basketball stats, it would be hard to disagree with Rick Kamla. Luckily for all concerned, the NBA isn't like Fantasy Basketball in the slightest. Brook Lopez is the third leading scorer on a crappy team that isn't going to make the playoffs in the East. He is averaging nearly 11 shots a game in 30 minutes of play. Does anyone really believe that if Oden averaged 11 shots a game he wouldn't average 12 points? He manages only 6 shots in 21 minutes and has a scoring average of 9. Further, Lopez has shot 140 free throws this season to Oden's 164. Keep in mind that Lopez hasn't missed a game. More then likely, he has played twice as much as Oden. I would say the better player is Oden in a landslide.
I don't recall many critical comments regarding the pick/trade for Roy. I recall a couple saying we should have taken the higher upside of Rudy Gay, but most seemed fine with the Roy pick. Other than SAS on the ESPN draft broadcast.
How you feel about Oden vs Lopez really comes down to one point: whether you believe Oden's injuries are an excuse - or part of the problem. Is a "healthy" Oden better than Lopez? How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? Oden sitting on the end of the bench in a suit is less valuable than Lopez out on the floor playing.
Do these analysts even watch games? Or do they just catch the box score and watch the crappy ESPN highlights? Oden is already better than Lopez. And in 3 years, he'll be 3x better than Lopez.
Unless Kalma qualified his statement (ie, "because I don't think Oden will ever be 100% healthy, Lopez will be a better player 3 years from now"), then your snipe about injuries is NOT part of the equation. You have to presume health for BOTH players 3 years from now.
The way I (thought I) heard it was that Kamla feels Oden hasn't "proven" himself to be an impact player (other than his last college game).......and isn't so sure he ever will. Hence, his bet with Wheels. To be honest, though, I don't think he honestly believes that inside of himself. Nonetheless, I'm gonna e-mail Wheels and see if I can get a better idea regarding Kamla's full thoughts.....and the bet itself. I'll get back on this thread..........................
I didn't hear the original statement, but I can't imagine anybody would enter into this debate unless health was part of the equation. Oden hasn't played enough to prove whether he is an impact player or not. That is the crux of the problem! Edit: OK, after reading ABM's post, maybe I was wrong and gave Kamla too much credit.
of course, oden has played enough to show that. he has also played enough to show that when he is on the court, he is a better player than brook lopez.
Out of curiosity, how long have you posted on an INTERNET MESSAGE BOARD? Your complaints aren't exactly revolutionary.
How many Nets games have you guys actually watched this season which give you the "knowledge" you have about Lopez? He's showing no signs of "reaching his ceiling". He has improved a LOT since the beginning of the season. He's a good defender and a good, very efficient scorer. He has a long range jumpshot which is MONEY, something Oden will never have. He's also dominant under the basket...go check how many players he has viciously dunked on this season. Oden is not better than Lopez at this point. I have no idea how good either of them will be in 3 years, but saying that Oden is better than Lopez at this point is ridiculous. Hollinger just picked Lopez as his ROY. He's having a stellar season. The fact that he's playing in the weaker conference doesn't make a difference when it comes to how well he's been playing. He does very well against the best of big men, including his idol, Tim Duncan, and he gets less touches than any other ROY candidate.
