Joel Przybilla’s playing time
Didn’t get to this a while back when people were talking about how Joel Przybilla should be starting ahead of Greg Oden. But Przybilla is now injured and so it’s appropriate again to talk about his playing time. By the way, I love the guy — he’s turned himself, through sheer effort, into a very good NBA center. Man, he’s even done what some great NBA centers couldn’t do — transform himself from a horrible free-throw shooter into a respectable one. Neither Shaquille O’Neal nor Wilt Chamberlain could do that.
But back to the point here. You can debate all you want whether Oden or Przybilla should be in the starting lineup but you really can’t make any kind of statement that Przybilla should be playing longer minutes than he is right now or that Oden should be playing just 10 or 12 minutes a game. Why? Because Przybilla simply can’t play many more minutes than he’s been playing this season.
He’s averaging 23 minutes per game so far this year. In his entire career, the most he’s averaged over a full season is 24.9. Because of foul trouble, performance, injuries — whatever — he just can’t play much more than that. He never has. He’s injured now and how much he can play with a wrist injury remains to be seen and the sad fact is, he’s battled injuries throughout a good portion of his career.
And even when healthy, he hasn’t ever been able to handle starter’s minutes. Last season, for example, he was the Blazers’ starting center for 67 games, but averaged only 23.6 minutes per game. Obviously, I’ve made my feelings clear on all this — Oden is the starter and the more minutes and scoring chances he gets, the better.
And I think it’s obvious that Przybilla’s career profile fits better as a backup than a starter. I think if you tried to extend his minutes, his performance would suffer, he’d foul out more frequently or he’d risk further injury.
NBA, Trail Blazers | Dwight Jaynes | January 1, 2009
It’s clear that Nate wants Greg Oden to play 30 plus minutes per game. He would have been averaging 32-35 mpg if he could stay out of foul trouble. He’s now figuring that out. That means Joel’s minutes will go down unless Nate gives him more minutes at the 4 spot like the last game. I hope we see that again. Joel and Greg avg. roughly the same number of minutes per game yet Oden has more than twice the number of double doubles. Greg has played 26 games and has 10 double doubles where Joel has played 32 games and had 4 double doubles. He averages more pts. and one less rebound than Joel in the same amount of minutes. With these facts stated, there are still people like John Canzano and the clueless tools on the 95.5 morning radio show who say he shouldn’t start. These morons hurt their credibilty every time they open their mouths(radio guys not Canzano). Greg Oden is getting better and better. He gets a double double every time his minutes are extended.He showed against a healthy, rested championship Boston team that he is a force when he gets touches. Dwight, you were right the other night when you stated on “Talkin’ Ball” that he should have got more touches (vs. boston) and that at this time next year, no one will be able to guard him because of his size. I think it will be sooner than that. Nate’s plan for Greg is working and he should not only start, but get more minutes than Joel. Anyone who has watched these games and understands basketball knows that Greg, while he’s had some poor games, has played more than two good games. Tools that think he’s only played to good games just look at stats and that’s it. Greg has an impact EVERY game. You don’t find that in a boxscore. Greg starts over Joel period.
I agree with most of what jwks22 said. If Greg shows that intensity consistently, look out. It is a luxury to have Joel. He is one of my favs of all time. Joel can teach Greg a lot if he will tune in. Greg has some good challenges coming up in the next three games so we will have to wait and see how he performs.
The Peoples Chump and Crapzano are there to sell controversy and drama. Crapzano surprises me, I figured after all of his career exposure to hoops he would have a clue. The Peoples Chump and his sidekick live in a different world than most.
The Vanilla Gorilla is twice the center that Greg (Ryan Leaf) Oden will ever hope to be….
Przybilla’s role has been spot on so far. He’s maxing out what he brings to the table. Don’t mess with a good thing. Oden continues to develop. The 5 spot is not currently a concern.
@ Bob:
In what respect? Greg’s numbers already compare favorably to Joel’s. GO has a better offensive repertoire 30+ games into his career than Joel has developed through a career. Additionally, the upside for Greg is HUGE. The only area where he lags is foul trouble…He’ll learn/get more respect from officials the more he plays. Joel’s been great for this team, don’t get me wrong. Greg is just going to be so much better.
Bob aka Laker Troll,
quit beating me already.
For those who have not been here Bob is an Oden hater. Doesn’t matter what you say or what logic you use. Bob will continue his Sam Bowie, Glass Bones et all comparisons.
Bob is right… Joel is a better center than Ryan Leaf. G.O. is already better than both of them.
Greg Oder is not the “Second Coming”… They should look to trade him in order to get some trade value, before he goes down with another season ending injury.
Ouch Bob stop!!!! By the way troll the spelling for odor not oder. Go flame on o-live
I agree with Joel and his minutes. But saying that allow Nate the choice in how he plays his centers. There are nights that Greg is going to be a rookie and his minutes will need to be minimized. There are nights he will be the monster that he can be and Joel will get about 12. That is why the two headed center the Blazers have now is so good. It also is the epitome of their team. When one guy is down there is enough talent for the others to pick it up. Greg is coming along and will be a very fine NBA center with, hopefully, a long distinguished career. How about we take the Dwight approach. Don’t jump off the ledge if he fouls out in 10 minutes and don’t put him in the HOF when he gets 16-12. I think the more important thing is his smile is back. Basketball is a game and games are supposed to be fun!
How fortunate to have 2 such quality centers on the same team. Joel can teach Greg the tricks and traps of the NBA game…
Bottom line though is championships. Greg Oden will give us the best opportunity and so he should get the most minutes. It is as simple as that