Subscribe Feed (RSS)Here is what I would do when Greg Oden is ready to play again:
I would do EVERYTHING in my power to keep it a secret, if I were the Blazers. I would try to bring him back by surprise in a game that’s not against a big-time center and definitely not on national television.
Why not try to keep the pressure off him as long as possible? It’s not as if he’s still not going to be under a microscope. But at least they can try to keep the hype level turned down.
It has been a very quiet rehab for him. We haven’t seen or heard much of him. I hope it’s getting better. And I hope he’s not suffocating from the pressure of high expectations, magnified by this latest injury.
He’s on the road with the team. There was some speculation that he would not travel. I think you are right, DJ, spring it on someone during the trip. Maybe the 15th against Minn or the 18th against the Warriors. Two good matchups away from national TV spotlite. He just needs to get out and p-l-a-y.
Well lets see he couldnt even play a pick up game at 24 hour fitness without being found out. But your probably right.
DJ – I couldn’t agree more. What’s more – keep him out of the starting lineup. It baffles me to think that he should start, yet I’ve been in far too many arguments that he should. I just don’t get it. Like you said, the lower the pressure, the better. It’s amazing what a bit of confidence can do for someone’s game…but that confidence has gotta be next to nothin’ for the big fella right now.
In this talent-laden league, I think there’s a lot to be said for attitude. I know it’s much more entertaining to see guys with double-doubles than it is to see them putting forth their best effort…but at this point, I’d much rather see the latter from Greg. I think it would yield better results, too.
It looks like they listened to you, all except the nationally televised portion. I guess they figured NO CENTER is better than NOT A BIG TIME CENTER.
Good prediction.