Oden is under a lot of pressure. All the pre-draft info on him, his rehab video clips and blogs, the press when he was at the practice facility just starting to play. I am thinking that he is worried about all the hype surrounding him about what he can do and that he hasn't settled down into a comfortable mindset. Think about it. Rudy Fernandez has already played under pressure. Hes been in the European league for several years, won some MVP honors and has international game play especially in the Olympics. He already understands his role, his abilities and the basics of game. Hes made a smoother transition because hes not under stress by the press anymore. Oden has the jitters. He's nervous. Give him time and he will be fine.
Unfucking believable. He sprained an ankle and people are ready to dump him and think we couldn't get crap for him. Are you guys serious, pleaaaaaaaaaaaase this is the most ridiculous thread ever. This kid is coming off surgery played three plays and then rolled an ankle. It isn't chronic, it wasn't a knee, he's not out half the year hes out maybe 6-12 games big flipping deal. He is a championship caliber big man. You win titles with big men (Jordan is the exception). Sorry I mean no disrespect for Xerix, just this type of shit pisses me off. We can't jump off the ledge every time something goes wrong. These same things were said about Roy and LMA a year ago. Give him time, there still isn't a team in the league that wouldn't love to have him and give up premier talent to get him.
Laker fan thoughts on trading Oden? Is this not the craziest shit you have ever read? You guys should trade Bynum he's started off slow and is coming off major surgery, oh wait you just signed him to a near max contract.
Well the situation is different. No matter how many of your guys want to belittle Bynum he still has shown he can produce at the NBA level....but yes anyone who even has a notion of jumping off the ship right now with Oden is ridculous for two reasons. 1. Give him a fucking chance 2. As already said, his trade value would be relatively low at this moment in time
Some harsh comments about Oden today from David Thorpe (as quoted on TrueHoops). The gist: first, he no longer believes Oden has superstar potential. Second, he wouldn't let Oden back on the court until he drops around 50 (!) lbs. While I think the 2nd point is hyperbole - I'm not sure he is totally wrong. Maybe a lighter Greg would be both healthier and more effective.
No, I'm not serious, but I also think it is foolish to assume that GO has the same trade value right now that he did before the summer of '07. He is damaged goods at this point and hasn't yet proved any tangiible value as a player. I'm not saying he won't, hell, I am hoping he's a Hall of Famer, but at this point, let's stop treating him as some sort of superstar.
