Raise expectations for Greg?

My point wasn't his stats. You can see it in his eyes that he's playing like he A) knows what's he's doing. B) playing with confidence.

Last season he looked like he hated the game of basketball. One reason why I bashed him all of last season. But I always maintained that I hoped he'd prove me wrong.

 

It means that, if he continues to play this way, he won't foul out until 44.6 minutes into the game.

After 35 minutes, he would have, on the average 4.7 fouls. This is about how long I expect him to play. So, in a substantial number of games he would not finish in foul trouble. It is a little over a foul worse/game than Dwight and Nene last year. However, it is considerably better than his 6.25 fouls/35 min. last year.

 

Check this gem by Berger:

 

I'll add: Who cares if he could "only" play 44 min/game?

If it allows Oden to play intense and intimidating defense for the entire time he is in the game, then he should use his fouls. It's not like he gets to accumulate them and save them for the next game.

 

Well, by 44 minutes he would only be averaging a disappointing 32.1 pts / 17.7 rbs, which would be short of his potential 35.1 pts / 19.3 rbs he'd be getting with Wilt Chamberlain minutes (48).

 

With Shaq not in the west, and Yao out with injury, I think there's a legit chance that Greg could make the All-Star team this season (if he continues to play this well.)

 

With Greg at this point it isn't the stats that show the improvement because he will have bad games still; the improvement is in his footwork and not overthinking things anymore. The statistics will come in time.