Greg Oden the next Sam Bowie? (drafted, draft, playoffs, win)

[LaoTzuMindFu]

I am beginning to think that Greg Oden will be a complete bust as an NBA player. Like Sam Bowie, all that talent and just too fragile to make it a career. He's the NBA version of Ryan Leaf.

If I were Portland, I'd strongly consider trading that damaged goods away for someone.

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by DaBeez

I am beginning to think that Greg Oden will be a complete bust as an NBA player. Like Sam Bowie, all that talent and just too fragile to make it a career. He's the NBA version of Ryan Leaf.

If I were Portland, I'd strongly consider trading that damaged goods away for someone.

Sadly, his body is just not holding up and it appears he's going to be injury prone all the time a la Bill Walton. I do think it's unfair to call a guy a complete bust though when's he's played all of one half in an NBA game. I say give him a chance to come back from this injury, see how he does and how long he stays healthy before jumping to that conclusion.

[JonathanLB]

I'm from Portland, a big Blazers fan. But I have to agree. My dad called this last season even. Just because he is big enough and has the potential to be a great NBA player doesn't mean his body is meant to withstand the rigors of the game. So far, you have to conclude he just isn't going to be able to remain healthy. Obviously I hope I am wrong, but it's not looking great so far.

That being said, the Blazers are a very good young team and tons of fun to watch. It's just a shame because if they had a better big man, an inside presence, they could be one of the best 3 teams in the league. Without that, they're going to be about a 7th or 8th seed in the playoffs. They have the talent to win quite a few games, but if you can't create an inside presence and drive to the basket you won't beat the elite teams. No chance.

[Pug Life]

Originally Posted by DaBeez

I am beginning to think that Greg Oden will be a complete bust as an NBA player. Like Sam Bowie, all that talent and just too fragile to make it a career. He's the NBA version of Ryan Leaf.

If I were Portland, I'd strongly consider trading that damaged goods away for someone.

He's going to be like Sam Bowie for sure, but he'll play even less. But don't compare him to Ryan Leaf, Oden will never be as much of a jerk/moron as Leaf. Portland has a good team, but Oden will never be a major part of it. But I can't imagine anyone will take the cap hit just to have him sit injured for two years.

[Canes2006Champs]

well for what it's worth, Oden says he will play tonight against the Heat. Hopefully, he can stay healthy this time so we can all see what he has.

[NewToCA]

My view of him when at Ohio State is that he looked and moved like a much older person.

My prediction about him when drafted is that he might have a very good career, especially with defense and rebounds, but be done by 30. He just moves like a lot older fellow, and I don't see him aging well at all.

[LongArm]

I think it's a little early to write him off as a Sam Bowie. Sure, knee surgery isn't a great start to a career, but would we be having this conversation if he hadn't stepped on someone's foot and sprained his ankle (something that happens ALL the time in basketball and which I've done myself 2,534,892 times)? Also, as someone on the boob tube pointed out, there have been other players who appeared injury-prone early-on in their careers but weren't later on.

[magnasty]

I have watched Oden play since he was a 6'8" 8th grader in Indiana. He is very strong and a great defensive player. He will never be a 30ppg player, but his inside presence will make a difference in the paint.

He is only 20 years old (21 in January) and has added a great deal of muscle since his high school playing days. He is not in game shape yet and that was obvious against the Heat. One thing that has caught my attention over the years is that it seems that one of his legs is a slightly longer than the other. I hope I am wrong, but this can add to the knee problems if this is the case.

One thing for sure, Blazer fans will not have to worry about him getting in trouble off of the court. He is a excellent kid and if he does screw up, Stern better get to him before his mother does.

[Lucario]

Originally Posted by DaBeez

I am beginning to think that Greg Oden will be a complete bust as an NBA player. Like Sam Bowie, all that talent and just too fragile to make it a career. He's the NBA version of Ryan Leaf.

If I were Portland, I'd strongly consider trading that damaged goods away for someone.

The Ryan Leaf comparison is flawed; Leaf did not have serious injuries that derailed his career like Oden has. He was just a stupid, immature a$$hole. Oden is a smart, nice kid whose body just isn't up to the game.

[bluegrassgirl]

I too think it's too early to be critical of Oden. I was a fan and followed him while playing at OSU. I think he's got tremendous talent and opportunity before him. Hopefully, he'll make use of all of that and stay healthy. Time will tell!