Whether Oden is a rookie or not is talked about so much not only here but on almost every media outlet that talks about the blazers. I just don't understand why people care. Rookie or not, I want every young player just to get better. If he was in the running for rookie of the year I might understand the discussion a little better.
I watched Barkley after the game. It was nice since it proved once and for all I can ignore what he says. Why? It was obvious that he did not do ANY preparation for the show. It was amazing the simple things he did not know. Basically, his opinions are not informed.
Did anyone notice that Barkley said Blazers were not a good team last night? He said that Przybilla would be even better if he was on a good team.
Before last nights game, I believed the same thing as Kenny. We were Phoenix's best chance to get in the playoffs due to our youth. If we would have lost we would have had the same amount of losses as Dallas. So in my mind this statement was accurate and probably still is, although it is much tougher now. Barkley is and always has been a buffoon. What comes out of his mouth is for entertainment purposes only. (Except that he is no longer entertaining, just annoying ) As for his remark about "running", this is not a new debate. it has been a topic of conversation for years. Many teams run more at home. (The Jazz for instance have always taken this approach) Not sure what is the correct answer is but I lean to slowing it down on the road. Less chance of making mistakes and getting blown out ,and a better chance of lulling the other team and their fans to sleep.
You make it sound like Oden was the exception to the rule, which he is not. They're considered rookies until they actually step out on the court. Either way, this is Oden's first year of getting hands on NBA experience.
This is Oden's first playing season so for all intents and puerposes he's a rookie. At least playing wise.
That's a fair point, but that only covers part of the equation. Put it in these terms: Rudy and Oden were drafted the same time. Neither played for the Blazers before this season. Rudy has accumulated 1 year toward free agent eligibility, while Oden gets *2*. If Oden is a "rookie", the team is being cheated out of one season worth of his services!
I guess you could look at it that way, but the Blazers signed Greg to a contract before he hurt himself. Rudy didn't sign until last summer. Thems the breaks. Unless Greg really steps it up next season, I hardly think he'll be worth max money anyway. He hasn't shown enough, and I don't think Greg would expect max money at this point.
