Greg Oden is Playing Again
I think it is great that Greg Oden could actually win the rookie of the year this year. In baseball they have clear guidlines as to what qualifies for a rookie and what doesn’t but in basketball we don’t see this very much. Is Greg Oden in his 1st year or 2nd year as a player? Oden was paid last year but will still be considered a rookie after not playing for one minute last season and remaining inactive on the roster. It is the same as when David Robinson was drafted out of Navy in 1987 but never played until 1990 as a rookie. Oden is the front runner for rookie of the year along with Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley.
Would the Bulls have taken Oden with the top pick? of course they would’ve. Oden would’ve gone number 1 in nearly every draft for the past 10 years. He’s a gifted defender and evolving offensive player. He’s strong, athletic and physical and will be a great pro. I look forward to the Dwight Howard matchups a few years down the road when Oden is seasoned and his offensive game has developed.
In a preseason game yesterday, Oden scored 13 points and looked decent at times. He’s not in game shape and clearly didn’t have his legs. He got a nice ovation after he left the court having played 20 minutes but he shows signs that he’ll be a player. Big men win championships and Oden is just what they need in Portland. That is a team that has assembled some talent and getting Rudy Fernandez is looking to be an amazing pickup for them. I really expect the Blazers to improve on last season and be a tough team in the West, especially in Portland. They are still a few years away but the sun is going to shine in Portland very quickly.
