I really am not qualified to say if it is a good or bad idea. Unfortunately, neither is the Blazer medical staff. Hopefully, he will have some outside doctors that can give him good advise. I would love to have him in the playoffs, but only if it does not harm his long term outlook. Also, I think it could be good for him mentally and physically before the long summer to actually play and not have that hanging over his head. It will hopefully inspire a productive offseason.
I'm sure the 8 years they went to college is enough to ensure they know when to bring a player back from an injury like that. You can't prevent freak injuries from happening. If Greg's knee was indeed still injured from the GS game last year it's not like he complained about and pain and they ignored him. To think that they aren't paying attention or that they aren't capable of caring for these guys is pretty ridiculous. They are extremely cautious. The only injury I am pissed about that could have potentially been avoided is Batum's shoulder. He should not have been allowed to play this summer. I'm sure he gained a lot of knowledge and improved his game but he is also missing half the season. Greg, Pendy, Joel, Travis, Rudy and Mills all had freak injuries that could not be avoided. When you're big and strong like these guys and you beat the hell out of your body for 9 months out of the year, injuries will happen.
I would love to have him back this season. If he can get well and come back, it would be a boost for him mentally, I think. Hopping right back up, refusing to end another season because of injury. Provided the doctor says it's okay, it would be awesome to have him back. Go Greg! I like your attitude.
As much as I'd love to see him as well, I don't think it's a good idea. This feels like something that will need as much time as he can get so that he doesn't re-injure himself. However, I too like the attitude.
Here's my 2 cents - KP is humoring GO (and maybe us fans too) Oden has been saying since Day 1 that he is going to try and come back this season. Call it armchair psychology, but I think KP sees that this "goal" may be what's keeping the kid from having a breakdown. Why burst his bubble now? Let him rehab and keep working hard with a positive attitude. Greg has been known to get down on himself in the past - if KP & the Blazers take a firm "No, he's not going to play" stance right now, what good can that do? It could hurt his confidence if he perceives this as a sign that the Blazers really are scared to put him back out there - or that they believe he really IS fragile & injury prone. Greg already feels like he's let people down - perhaps the idea of vindicating himself later in the season is pushing him. Who knows? But I just don't see how telling everybody right now they are shutting him down no matter what helps anything. BTW - I DO BELIEVE they are shutting him down no matter what! If he comes back and gets hurt again and has to rehab all summer (doesn't get to stay in shape/work on his game) it's a disaster. It also gives the "Sam Bowie" jokesters more ammo. And his confidence will plummet. The odds are this is a non-issue. Greg most likely won't heal fast enough. But I like/admire the fact that he's really trying. Another side benefit to this is that if the fans/media are under the impression Greg may be coming back this season, it may take some pressure off the team to go get another Big. Not that they aren't trying to make a move, but when everybody knows you HAVE to make a move - good luck.
That's two weeks earlier than previously reported. Interesting. Initial diagnosis was 8 weeks to heal, 8 weeks to get the strength back into it.
Interesting thought, and I think you could be correct. However, think about what will happen if Greg gets the OK by the docs and then KP does not allow him to return. That could cause a big problem when it comes time to resigning Oden. If the docs give the thumbs up, KP may have to let the kid play.
http://www.nba.com/blazers/contact/front_office.html Dr. Don Roberts who did the surgery is on the Blazers payroll.
It seems a better idea to wait till next season. But it was a bone fracture, and if the powers at be, and Greag feel he is healed to play then I coudl certianly love it. BUT, I only have one words to say KNEEPADS Hakeem wore them, Sampson wore them... GREG should wear them from now on.... Greg I love your heart.... but think long term I hope you prove all the real Bowie comparators wrong BIG time
I'd worry less about the fracture itself than the strength of the muscles around the knee. Weaker muscles = less stability = greater likelihood of another more severe knee injury. If he does some back this season it would be fun, though!
Stuck in the Past Eh? See a therapist. I'd say, Bring Oden back only for the playoffs! Four months is plenty of time to gain the strength back
I don't know why Greg bothers to go to a doctor when apparently he can get all of the medical advice he needs for free right here on this board.
