One thing that really hurts about the Oden disappointment

Damnit, we should have held on to Foye!

 

This report about his difference in leg sizes is simply untrue. I know what happened. They measured one leg and then accidentially measured his penis instead of his other leg. His legs are the same length; his penis is 1 1/2" longer.

Mystery solved.

 

Why am I not shocked that one of the most 'detrimental' outcomes of Oden's injury plagued first 3 years in KS's eyes is the lack of attention.

If I squint really hard I can almost see the twisted logic:
Attention=validation
validation=credibility
credibility=championship

Am I close?

 

No Bones about it.

 

You can add fouls to the list of hurt. Having his time when he is healthy limited because of deserved and ticky tack calls is very frustrating. And watching Durant do so good so fast is hard also. I hate feeling like I have to root agains Durant because I like watching him play. I am an Oden believer also though, but with each year he misses injured is another year of development out the window.

 

but the Admiral was a 24 year old rookie. Not to take anything away from his rookie #'s, but he was very mature for his first season.

 

And Batum.

 

And Aldridge had a minor heart issue. Wonder if that scared the Bulls just a teeny, tiny bit (Eddy Curry memories) that they we so willing to trade him for Thomas?

 

I don't agree with that. I think he was similarly quick, agile and coordinated. In fact, in terms of how he looked, I felt he reminded me most of David Robinson (not Shaq or Duncan or Russell).

The difference is that he was rawer in his skills. Robinson had marvelous footwork and his skills on offense were superbly polished. But Robinson had 4 years of college and then 2 more years of physical maturity beyond that. Oden as a freshman compared quite favourably with players like Duncan, Robinson, Ewing, Mourning and Shaq as freshmen. Oden's problem is that two major (in terms of time missed) injuries haven't allowed him to progress in his skills at normal speed.

I think Oden's mix of size, athleticism and instinct stack up well with any big man I've seen play. I think this is shown by how incredibly productive he's been without refined skills already in his limited NBA exposure. He's been a defensive difference-maker and his offensive production (as measured by PER) is validated by how many opposing coaches choose to double-team him.

All he needs is some extended health in order to refine his skills. If he were playing his third healthy season right now, I think he'd be at least neck-and-neck with Howard and Yao (when healthy) as the best center in the league. So, it all depends on health with Oden.