But when he did play, you could see the monster that Oden could be. I watched him destroy a Joakim Noah and the Bulls like he was toying with them. I do believe that he had the kind of talent to get us far.
My friend, remember that Orlando team with Tracy McGrady? Imagine it with a young, healthy Grant Hill that never missed any time due to injury. He'd be way higher on the all time lists sans injury.
You completely misunderstand my post. No one is saying anyone is better or worse. Grant Hill and McGrady could've coexisted since their skillset is different. Scottie Pippen and Grant Hill were LeBron before LeBron was LeBron bro. I'm talking skillset alone... Now, the only difference in their games really is size and strength. All were pretty equally athletic. They all played the same position, Point Forward. LeBron is just the best one ever.
The selective memory of most NBA fans about the Oden hype before the draft is really annoying, honestly.
Remember how fucking insane the hype for oden was especially here? Shaq and bill russel talking him up. Wild times. Then b Roy of course was just so talented. So fundamental. He was amazing.
I keep thinking about that Jon Barry interview, where he keeps saying that "Portland needs to trade out of the pick to BOS at #5...they don't need Oden" as if he had Danny Ainge's forearm up his butt making his mouth move.
Well with 30 teams in the NBA and 3 of the 6 players mentioned for careers ruined by injuries were Blazers, that proves Portland's cursed!
I remember when the Blazers drafted him and Red Auerbach ( who was supplying commentary for the draft) almost choked on his cigar as the Celtics were looking to add him in the second round, after seething for a moment, Red went on to say that he was one of the 3 best centers/players that he had ever seen play emphasizing ever. He also speculated that the USSR would never allow him to play in the US (which he was correct, however it was rumored that Boston had a back channel going that could have expedited Sabas being allowed to play.)
In person, the three best players I have seen run the floor in transition and finish are MJ, Grant Hill and Lebron. Grant Hill could catch the ball at near half court, take a dribble, and float by people. He had a great pull-up J, and could defend. His career was really good - but he honestly could have been considered an all-time great he was that good. Not to mention as good of a guy as you will ever encounter.
I know this sounds stupid because he won chips and has kind of limped a long to have a long career, but what about DWade? In my opinion Dwade would’ve challenged Lebron as the player of this generation had his body not wore down so quick, I think all the rehab made it hard for him to develop a jump shot.