Chad Ford's Chat Wrap: Oden tidbit

Like I said above. Presti torpedoed the Chandler trade when it became apparent that he wasn't confident about Tyson's long-term prospects for health. I'm not saying it's 100% certain that Presti won't chase Oden or offer him a boat load of cash on the hopes that he'll be healthy, but I do think it's still unlikely given his history. And it becomes even more unlikely when you consider that Portland is likely to match any reasonable offer and even an offer that is somewhat unreasonable.

 

Maybe it was Cho that torpedoed Chandler.

Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo (twilight zone music, please)

 

They did not extend an offer to him, so maybe. It may come down to if they WANT to go with Oden or Gasol.

 

Agreed.

I will also add that I see Gasol being targeted by OKC before Oden.

 

Huge different in potential impact of a Greg Oden versus Marc Gasol or Tyson Chandler. Oden is still a once in a gen level talent. He's just injured.

 

That Oden existed in a state of raw potential 4 years ago, his ceiling is no longer in this supposed once in a gen category.

 

His ceiling is still higher than Marc Gasol or Tyson Chandler, neither of whom will ever play a primary role on a championship team, IMO.

 

What are the other center prospects for OKC or Memphis? Memphis is likely to offer Oden a contract due to his relationship with Conley who upped long term there AND the fact they did not extend Gasol. OKC needs a center pretty badly and Gasol or Oden would be good. Oden would be a more marquee pickup for them and they look like bandits for getting Durant AND Oden while making Portland their bitch.

 

Oden is not a marquee name any more; he's damaged goods.

 

Memphis is struggling. What makes more sense for them? Overpay for Marc Gasol, a plodder who doesn't sell tickets, or overpay for Greg Oden, who when he plays, is one of the best centers in the league, and who will sell some tickets just for the "wow" factor. Throw in Conley being there, and Wallace's tradition of fucking over Portland, and I'll be surprised if Memphis doesn't make a play at Greg if he plays well this season and stays healthy.

I'm guessing they would rather have Zach and Oden than Zach and Gasol at the same money.

 

If he plays well this season, he'll be a marquee name again.

 

There's the whole "new start" story with Oden. Resurrection.

 

Like I said, Zach Randolph's Expiring Contract makes getting Oden fiscally possibly. KP's failure will be complete from that draft-day trade.

something something something darkside.

 

And if that happens the Blazers will match ... this isn't rocket science here people

 

Bird. Rights.

Hence the term "restricted" free agent.

 

You're talking to a brick wall

 

Your entire point seems to be that Oden won't receive a large offer. Are you deviating from that now? Of course Portland can match; the question is, how much money is Paul Allen willing to spend? The Blazers are already struggling to sell-out some games this year, and the talk last year was that the Vulcans were charged with the task to make the team profitable.

Batum or Oden? It could come down to that based on how this season plays out. Would you match a max deal for what you call "damaged goods", if one surfaces?

 

Are you insinuating that I don't know about Bird rights? I'm posting about the possibility of Oden receiving a large RFA offer. You seemed to be mocking that earlier in the thread, but now, you seem to have changed your opinion.

I understand that Portland can match any offer. I've posted that numerous times in other threads. What I wonder is how much money Paul Allen is willing to spend on what you call "damaged goods" (your words, not mine).

 

My whole point is absolutely NOT that he won't be receiving a large offer. My point is that if he has another injury plagued or disappointing year he won't be receiving those large offers. If he's able to play and stay reasonably healthy from December onward and play dominantly then he will establish his worth and the Blazers will have enough information to make an informed decision ... just like the rest of the league.

 

You're not the brick wall I'm referring to.