So we've had 36 hours to process "The Oden News". Is everybody still alive? We didn't lose anybody after Saturday Night's Dissaster, did we? Well, other than the few that said they were offically done with the team. I'm sure there were some scary moments for some of us. I know my wife had to talk me off the ledge - I was pretty depressed on Saturday Night. My mood is better - how's yours? No way this team is doing squat this year, but maybe we'll get some answers. Bayless? Here's your shot Buddy. With 9 Healthy bodies, your number will be called early and often. Webster? You are going to get more minutes and more shots. Can you take that next step we've been waiting for? Or are you destined for mediocrity? Dante? Are you T.O. Lite? Are you T.O. + BB IQ? Rudy? Assuming your Sciatic Nerve doesn't ruin your season, can you show some consistency? Can you show us you can help the team when your 3's aren't falling? Nate? Will you finally let this team run? With no post pressence, we have to find a way to get some points in the paint. Fast break points will help us from having to rely on jump shots every night. You don't have to worry about getting Oden touches, so let's run the ball. For several seasons the back half of our roster was filled with question marks. Let's find out if these guys are Ancillary pieces, or key components, or trade bait (hard to sell the value of a guy who sits on the end of your bench) If we can answer some of those questions, the season isn't a total loss even if we don't improve on last years end result.
Not really, the loss of Oden was a total kick in the nutsack. While all the things you mention sound great, I don't trust the coaching staff to get it done.
I am feeling fine! Ish happens! Gotta roll with the cards you are dealt!!! Greg will be back! He is still young. I am not worried.
It seemed like a foregone conclusion to me that Oden would get hurt again at some point and miss a significant amount of time. The manner in which it happened, however, did surprise me, as did the fact that it happened this season instead of sometime over the next few years. The worst part for me is knowing that the team is now worse than it was Saturday morning. Oden's defense, rebounding, and easy baskets are going to be impossible to replace.
I've been a fan of the Cleveland Indians for 55 years. I don't think a little thing like this is gonna shake me up much.
Sports is entertainment. When it stops being entertaining, I'll stop watching. I am saddened by this event, but my sadness is reserved for GO. That poor guy has to feel like Sisyphus. Just when he's done with one rehab, he has to start another.
This has definitely taken a fair amount of wind out of my sails. I find myself fairly less excited about the game tonight.
I feel the same way. I still plan to follow the team as closely, but the wins will feel less...significant. I've lost hope for contention for this season, though I'd still be excited to see players like Rudy and Bayless play well, to give greater hope for next year.
The thing that depresses me the most is this year is basically a hybrid of the last two years...first we're going to have the guys develop more AND wait for Oden again. Then next year will be what this year was supposed to be....except Oden will probably be in the form he was LAST year as he is more cautious on the floor. Then the year AFTER that is when he (hopefully) gets more comfortable and THEN that's when he will learn to play within the system and with the players on the team, whomever they may be.
I had the exact same thought - that basically the knee injury sets us back 2-3 years. The only thing I could come up with is that you move forward assuming Greg isn't available. Even if he starts the season next year 100%, let there be no business about how many touches he gets and working him into the offense. After all, there is no guarantee he doesn't go down with another injury 10, 20, 30, ? games into next year. Sure, he'll be in a contract year but I don't think he'll complain after what his injuries have put the team through (not saying it's his fault) This is Brandon & Lamarcus' team, and Greg basically starts next year as if he were a rookie. Offensively, you use him like you do Pryzbilla. Until he shows he can finish a season, and that these injuries are a fluke . . . you don't call many plays for him - at least not at the expense of watching the rest of the offense sputter. It's just not fair for anybody to build around him if he's not going to be healthy and productive.
I'm okay, but will probably take the rest of the year off. Even though the Blazers are my only team, I am very busy right now and will probably cancel my league pass as I just don't want to take the time to watch the team without two of my favorite players (Batum and Oden). It is probably best that way. I'll track box scores, but likely won't spend much time watching games or obsessing about the team.
I've still got my season tickets and will be sitting on my couch watching our boys tonight just like always. We're still better than half the league even with the decimation of our roster. Our two best players are still suiting up tonight for the red and black. Let's get a W!
