Btw, it seems like Oden can't get a call on the offensive end when he's hammered by 3 guys, yet on the defensive end he can tap the player he's guarding and boom, foul. I'm sure he's a little pissed about that.
Unfortunately, this will soon become his reputation if Nate doesn't stand up and fight for Oden's foul rep. I just don't see Nate doing it, however.
I'm beginning to think the other players aren't so keen on him as well. It's sad, but it looks like Oden will become high maintenance.
I have also considered the possibility that Greg Oden may not really enjoy playing basketball. I first thought of this when he kept getting injured and sick. Is it possible his body is trying to send a message? Obviously we don't know at this point, but I don't think it hurts to speculate. For Oden himself it might help to explore this possibility; he might be able to accept that maybe he doesn't enjoy basketball that much but that it is a very good paying job, and that he could also develop other interests. But to suppress his conflicted feelings could be dangerous (more injuries?) and I don't think it's healthy to try to suppress doubts on this board also.
I went to the game and was watching that tonight. Oden does talk to his teammates. When they gather, I'm close enough to see Oden talking to players and players talking to him. He was acknowledging player's good plays and cheering on the bench (couldn't see much of him on the bench). Given that, there is a strange chemistry going on. Oden isn't ostracized, but he doesn't get into it as much as the other players or communicate with others as much. Even during introduction he doesn't do the jumping back bump or anything close to it, he just half walks and jogs out. If I was a fly on the wall I want to hear what Roy is saying to Oden. After a couple of those fouls, Brandon would go over to him and start talking to him. It looks like he is almost yelling at Greg (doesn't look happy and mouth moving quite a bit) . . . but maybe Roy is just into the heat of the game while talking to Oden. I saw this exchange at least three times. I can't place it, but Oden doesn't look right. Right before tip off, players are jumping up and down, getting pumped, Howard is playing mind games as he stands at the free throw line . . . but everyone seems ready to go except the big guy. Last note: Howard is one cool cat. While the Blazers are being introduced, Howard is playing around with three kids on the base line. He smiles up to the crowd all game and plays around with his teammates alot. He comes across as a big kid having a blast . . . kind of the opposite of Oden.
Yeah, Howard is great on and off the court. Howard is the type of Center that would be awesome on our team. Oh well.
Nice post . . . I appreciate how we can discuss this without being "haters." You are right, it is all speculation and I don't claim to have any inside knowledge . . . but this board is about discussing and analyzing the Blazers and observations about GO are part of it. Maybe GO is being over scrtinzed compare to other players . . . but it goes with the teritory when the franchise put so much into GO (welcoming at pioneer place, selling record amount of season tickets based on Oden, ect.) I hope GO is alright in the head or gets alright, because I've seen another side to GO that likes to have fun and joke around and it is that attitude that will help his game and more importantly help him fit in with the team.
I did not know this about Howard till last night. After watching him all night, on the court and off, I have developed a strong impression of him. He is nice, appreciates fans, has fun with himself and the game . . . but does all this while remaining an intense competitor on the court. You are right, his attitude would fit perfect with the Blazers , IMO. But not everyone can have a Howard . . . and who knows, maybe when GO gets confidence in his game he will come out of his shell.
He has a great family and a strong faith in God. He has been awesome since his rookie year. He IS acting more like a super star with much more complaining and getting into his teammates, but I think the latter NEEDS to be done. He is a great person.
Hey, let's stop the whining. We had the best center on the court last night - and with Joel and Greg alternating good games - we will have the best center on the court most nights. It is a rare night when a team goes on a 3 shooting performance like the one that Orlando had last night - so I am still pretty happy with where we are at.
7.5 pts, 7.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks in 21.5 minutes per game is not a bust. One loss at home and everybody starts jumping off bridges. Whatever.
Yeah - like that David Robinson guy who put off coming to the NBA for two years because he didn't really want to do it. Or that Jordan guy - he quit to play Baseball! Where's the love of the game? And I hear John Havlicek never picked up a basketball the entire off-season. Bum! But I like your theory of your body sending you messages. But I need help in interpreting my body's signals. Right now, for instance, my right knee is aching. Does that mean I should go knee someone in the groin? Is it telling me a career as a professional cycling is out of the question? Or perhaps it has something to do with the fact I banged it on the corner of the desk 20 seconds ago. Nah - that would be too literal for my sneaky body.
Does anyone remember how Oden was when we first drafted him? Since then he's had micro surgery, out a year, and struggling this year. Does anyone think that might have a little to do with his serious nature right now? Naw, that can't be it. Rookies are inconsistent, especially rookies that have been out over a year,,,,etc.
He's still coming back from that injury but what's very concerning is his lack of fire. He has none. It's almost like he hates the game now.
I don't see that at all. I see him struggling to find his groove, but not a lack of fire. I think he might hate how he's performing, but I doubt he's hating the game itself. I think that's a stretch.
regular stretching has a cumulative effect and allows for some amazing cirque de soleil-esk pretzel logic. STOMP
Amazing. So the guys isn't always smiling and joking around, doesn't mean he's a "downer". He keeps to himself. He's quiet. Let it be.
