Warren2ThaG Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 http://blog.oregonlive.com/blazers/2008/10/medium_blazers-greg-oden.jpgOden eager to prove his value to Blazers"Greg Oden doesn't need to be reminded. He knows. He is aware of how critical this season is to his career. He knows how he's viewed. And he knows he has yet to perform like a No. 1 NBA draft pick. The 7-foot center from Lawrence North High School is heading into his third year in the NBA, one that could be the most important basketball season in his life. After sitting out what would have been his rookie year following knee surgery, Oden endured another injury last season. He performed well at times for the Portland Trail Blazers, but did not dominate consistently as a top pick is expected to do. "This is going to be a big year," he said earlier this week before heading back to Portland to prepare for training camp. "Everybody comes in and has that first year, that get-used-to-the-league year. But you have to break out in your second year. You have to, and that's what I'm looking forward to." Oden played in 61 games last season. He averaged 22 minutes, 8.9 points and 7.0 rebounds a game. This is the third year of his contract, and under NBA rules, teams have an option for a fourth before a first-round pick becomes a free agent. Normally with star players, an extension will be negotiated before the fourth year if a team wants to keep the player. Without a breakout year during the rookie contract, a player's future becomes a question. "I definitely have to show them that I'm here, and that I am the guy you guys drafted," Oden said."---http://www.indystar.com/article/20090827/SPORTS04/908270460/1088/SPORTS04/Oden%20eager%20to%20prove%20his%20value%20to%20Blazers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Check my Stats Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 Most improved player this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChosenOne Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 Most improved player this year. Definately dont know about that but he will play better because he will be on the court alot more. I wish that he does not get injured again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Feelgood Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 For 22mpg, he put up some pretty good stats for a rookie year behind Joel. I expect Oden will have a fantastic year this season and could very well be most improved player of the year. I'm very eager for this damn season to start already....jeez. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManOnTheMoon Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 I can see him putting up 16ppg 9rpg this season bearing no injury. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingfish Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 I put Oden and Bynum in the same boat. Their both good but havent proven it consistently yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
La Bomba Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 Bynum is twice as skilled offensively compared to Oden. Oden still struggles with simple post up moves. Defensively both are improving but they do get into a lot of foul trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenneral Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 He really needs to avoid injury this year. That's his biggest problem. If he can stay 100% healthy all year I see him averaging something close to 15 ppg and 8.5 rpg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moeroadkill Posted August 30, 2009 Report Share Posted August 30, 2009 he played like 60 something games so last season, its not like was a complete waste..he needs to work on not getting silly fouls, thats what was stopping him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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