What if Oden comes back in January; and if no one gives him more than our QO ; yet somehow puts up numbers like 12 points, 15 boards and 3.5 blocks a game. What would you think he's worth? Obviously he would be unrestricted... This seems to be the problem, IMO. Looking back at his track record; he's done well when healthy. Unfortunately, he just doesn't stay healthy. Could we be suckered into signing another terrible contract?
I've been saying it for a while that if he takes the QO he's good as gone. Even with the injuries letting him become an UFA at 24 is too big of a risk. Larry Miller and Paul Allen are running things, be afraid...
He hasn't played a basketball game for how long, 2 years? Those numbers just aren't going to happen ... hell, even when he was healthy and starting to put something together that one December (2009 I guess?) he wasn't putting those kind of stats. Really the statistical numbers don't even matter, In free agency the only number that counts for his new contract will be "games played" and even then nobody is going to go crazy breaking the bank for him; he's just too much of a risk. My guess is that next July either the Blazers or some team will try to offer him about 3 years 8-9 million or 4 years and less money (6.5-8 million). The real interesting thing will be to see if wants a fresh start somewhere else.
That's kinda my point. I would almost rather him have a mediocre year this season and settle for a contract worthy of that play; then play much better the next. I would hate for the "fool's gold" scenario of him coming in and putting up 10-15 games of stellar performance and base our decision on that.
