Me too. 7' C running a one man fast break: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XY1pAYxuqU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAglVkIIy0Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FbzLQHgOUA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br3AaISFc-A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvvAMDrMcO0 Man, I'm so giddy.
In that second video of Shaq running the fast break, it looks like it was an up and down since he came down on his right leg before the shot went up. Whatever, it was entertaining.
It's all great and glowing stuff, but I've learned a long time ago that just about everything you read and hear in training camp is pure bollocks -- at this point of the season even Kings fans are excited about the potential some of their young guys have shown. I really want to believe, but I really want to stop hearing about all of it and just see it before getting too giddy.
Yeah, we almost have to take things with a block of salt in order to cut through all the bullshit that gets spewed during TC.
So far the only thing I've latched on to with a slightly raised eyebrow and a modicum of interest is the comments from Dwight Jaynes -- Portland media's resident curmudgeon -- that guy has been around forever, has seen just about everything and usually aims for the truth (what most fans would call a pessimistic take). If Dwight thinks he looks in better shape and is moving more fluidly then I'll take that and move along. Mike Barrett on the other hand could probably make Hitler look sympathetic if he'd ever donned the black and red.
Dwights a good guy. I had a few good talks with him in the media room at the Rose Garden. He's a no-bullshit kind of guy.
Ya, I remember sending him emails back when he was with the Journal. Hmmm, I didn't have a puter until 94, when did the Journal bite the dust? Anyway, Oden didn't look to bad last nite!
I'm cautiously optimistic, but reserving judgement. A practice session during training camp is simply not the same as an NBA regular season game, when there's a lot more riding on the outcome, and the guy defending you is not your best buddy on the team. I'll be cheering like mad for Oden this year, but I still want to see him "bring it" in a real game.
You got a great point. I think we all in Portland want him to have a breakout year this season, but I want to be real about this. I was a little let down last season. I don't want to make excuses. I would rather see with my own eyes that Oden has arrived. Don't get me wrong, the dude should be much better this season, since he's been able to work out this off season fully healed. I'm just worried about his NBA quickness. The game is much faster at the "pro level" so I am really suspect on his timing. If Oden can be consistent on the defensive end and have a group of 25-30 point games, I think that's perfect. We just need the other teams to prepare for him, or he may drop 30 on them.
Having seen him last night in person - I think that nothing short of an injury (knock on wood) is going to stop him from delivering. He just looks like an NBA player instead of slow and deliberate. There will be bad games - and he is not going to be the next center in the league this year - but he is going to be a lot better. I have no doubts about it.
12 points on 50% shooting (missed some short hooks, but was at least decisive) and 12 boards in something like 25 minutes ... also had a monster block on Nic when he tried to 'Gasol' him, and only picked up 2 fouls (but it didn't look like guys were really trying all that hard on defense). In short he looked good, considering what the fanfest is.
