"One is going to win scoring titles and one is going to win championships." Well, clearly, the first part of that prediction is going to come true. But the second part? I hope so, we all do. But Greg's year certainly has been underwhelming. I know all the reasons and arguments; I'm just saying. And his grumpy personality was very unexpected. Tonight's Rookie - Sophomore game just brings the choice to light quite clearly. We won't know if KP was right for two years, but I would wager that we all, the Blazers included, reasonably expected more this year.
there's nothing clear about the first part coming true. it's no sure thing that he passes guys like kobe, lebron, and wade in scoring.
Comeon Ed, he most certainly is not the same sweet, goofy kid we all met 18 months ago. You don't think he is distant, grumpy, whatever? I certainly am not the first to notice it. All I am saying is that the choice between the two players does not seem like the slam dunk it was, if even it was.
With his good shooting from inside and outside, there's no doubt that he'll be in contention every year.
It frustrates me to hear people disappointed in Oden. It's the first year back from microfracture surgery and his first year as a professional. His stats are actually pretty good, adjusted per minute- especially for rebounding. He doesn't have his old speed and mobility this year. Give him time. In glimpses, he's shown that he will become a dominant player- other first pick busts never showed what he's shown so far. I think he's close to the top rookie in PER and in the top ten league-wide in rebounding rate per minute.
I got to go with Ed on this one. What are you talking about? Grumpy? What did I miss? Did he not kiss some media guy's ass tonight?
there is doubt. i mean, is he seriously in contention this year? i'd say no. i'd say there are 3 serious contenders. and if the thunder get some more talented guys around him so that durant doesn't have to take as many shots, who knows if he ever improves on his scoring averages this season. i'm just saying don't immediately assume he's going to win scoring titles in the future.
I watched the interview with Oden and he wasn't grumpy. I thought he was pretty upbeat considering he was injured again and not playing in the game.
Maybe its me then. Greg sure seems different to me. Withdrawn, unenthusiastic, etc. I think it actually has been fairly well documented and commented upon long before this thread. I am not talking about one interview. I am talking about his entire demeanor this year.
I'm not trying to pick a fight... I guess I just don't pay attention to that kind of thing. I know (to whatever level of certainty I can have) that he's a smart guy who's going to work hard on improving his game. THAT is what matters to me in terms of when I look at a player's personality. I also know that I, personally, am not goofy or outgoing for most people. Inside? Very goofy. And angry. But mostly goofy. Ed O.
I agree he has been earlier a lot different then he was before the MF injury. I think lately he has been more enthusiastic and a lot like he was before and not playing. I'm saying I didn't notice Oden being grumpy with this interview.
Durant is certainly making KP look like a fool. We just have to wait a few years, maybe longer, to see how Greg turns out.
It wasn't a slam dunk, but it certainly seemed like the correct choice, to me. Then and now. I always expected Durant to be a fantastic wing, so Durant flourishing this year isn't a surprise to me at all. You say Oden's rookie season is a disappointment as though that is universally-held opinion, but it's not. I don't think his season has been disappointing at all, and I don't think I'm the only one who feels that way, from having read a lot of the opinions on this forum. It would have been great to see him have a Shaq-like rookie season, but for his age and experience, I think he's having a very good rookie season. His main problems is fouls holding down his minutes. If not for that, his raw stats would look more like the numbers Dwight Howard, Yao Ming and Amare Stoudemire put up as rookies.
Minstrel, I actually agree with what you are saying. Maybe expectations of Greg were too high. I see that mine were for sure. He's having a fine year, but certainly nothing special, and nothing like what one would expect from a "once in a generation center." And again, we all know the reasons, but that does not mean it is not disappointing. And it is also true that Durant is quite amazing.
Look like a fool? Really? How long have you been watching the NBA? Because I can think of a lot of high scorers that didn't win shit. What is the Thunder's record? You are right on one thing.....we just have to wait a few years.
Durant would improve our team. He would be a legit second option after Roy. What would OKC's record be with Greg?
Durant didn't win a scoring title his rookie year, and Oden isn't going to win a title in his rookie year, possibly. Doesn't look like Durant will win a scoring title in his second year. Jury's still out for what Greg does next year.
For a rookie with only one year of high-level basketball prior, I think it's consistent with a great talent. If this is how he's playing in a couple of years, then yes...I'd say it's nothing special. But for a rookie center, his per-minute efficiency is very good. The moment he learns to play without fouling a lot, I think his numbers and defense will shoot up. Durant wasn't remarkable in his rookie year, he's only flourished in his soph year. And I think that it's a shorter learning curve for a wing than a center. I think centers and point guards have the most to learn from the start.
