Oden out again?

[dalakhani]

Originally Posted by somerfrost

No, I'm sane and every bit as intelligent as the next guy....I guess it's my bad for not typing my statement clearly enough for those who like to analyse posts....lets try this....he seems like he will be an underachiever at the pro level. Give me some credit...obviously I'm not saying his first few moments on the court have damn him just that he may end up such!!!
I'll make that determination after his career is over!

Sorry if insulted you. It was more hyberpole than anything else.

Im just curious how you can make that assessment after 13 minutes?

Was it the way he ran? Did his jersey hang out? Was it the brand of shoes he endorses?

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by dalakhani

Sorry if insulted you. It was more hyberpole than anything else.

Im just curious how you can make that assessment after 13 minutes?

Was it the way he ran? Did his jersey hang out? Was it the brand of shoes he endorses?

No...it comes from over 40 years of watching guys come to the NBA (god, I admitted that), many dominate in college but are a bust in the pros. The physicality of the pro game is important to note, this kid has a history of injury (obvious but true). Big guys (ie: 7 footers especially) often incur foot problems. Sam Bowie is an excellent example of what I fear, he was great in HS in Pa...followed his career, then he excelled in college but never healthy in pros. He will always be remembered as the guy picked before MJ but, in truth, he appeared to be a "can't miss" center. This kid is very raw...size and athletic ability allowed him to dominate in college (still, the injury bug struck) but the NBA is a whole new game. He can't shoot...no touch whatsoever and commits silly fouls (this was evident in college as well). Can he develop over time? Of course, but the pressure is huge for him to excel NOW. In a way, if this is a minor injury it could benefit him cause the Blazers upcoming schedule features the likes of Duncan, Shaq and (Gulp) the man-monster Howard! Bynum is still rather raw himself...against the likes of Howard and Shaq, this kid will be way over his head! Long term, my main issue is that I honestly don't think he will stay healthy given his past and the physical nature of the game...I hope I am proven wrong but...to me...I think we'll see many repeats of last night!

[dalakhani]

Originally Posted by somerfrost

No...it comes from over 40 years of watching guys come to the NBA (god, I admitted that), many dominate in college but are a bust in the pros. The physicality of the pro game is important to note, this kid has a history of injury (obvious but true). Big guys (ie: 7 footers especially) often incur foot problems. Sam Bowie is an excellent example of what I fear, he was great in HS in Pa...followed his career, then he excelled in college but never healthy in pros. He will always be remembered as the guy picked before MJ but, in truth, he appeared to be a "can't miss" center. This kid is very raw...size and athletic ability allowed him to dominate in college (still, the injury bug struck) but the NBA is a whole new game. He can't shoot...no touch whatsoever and commits silly fouls (this was evident in college as well). Can he develop over time? Of course, but the pressure is huge for him to excel NOW. In a way, if this is a minor injury it could benefit him cause the Blazers upcoming schedule features the likes of Duncan, Shaq and (Gulp) the man-monster Howard! Bynum is still rather raw himself...against the likes of Howard and Shaq, this kid will be way over his head! Long term, my main issue is that I honestly don't think he will stay healthy given his past and the physical nature of the game...I hope I am proven wrong but...to me...I think we'll see many repeats of last night!

When one calls someone an "underachiever" it implies someone that doesnt work hard. If you meant he will underachieve based on the fact that he will stay injured, that is impossible to predict but i understand your point.

Silly fouls? Freshman commit silly fouls in college...even the great ones. Rookies do too.

Rookies get schooled by older players early in their careers. Its part of the rites of passage in the NBA. Playing against Shaq, Howard or whoever else will only make him better.

I just think labeling this kid after 13 minutes is ridiculous.

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by dalakhani

When one calls someone an "underachiever" it implies someone that doesnt work hard. If you meant he will underachieve based on the fact that he will stay injured, that is impossible to predict but i understand your point.

Silly fouls? Freshman commit silly fouls in college...even the great ones. Rookies do too.

Rookies get schooled by older players early in their careers. Its part of the rites of passage in the NBA. Playing against Shaq, Howard or whoever else will only make him better.

I just think labeling this kid after 13 minutes is ridiculous.

1) underachiever means someone/thing that underachieves, it doesn't imply anything else to me...could be any number of reasons why.
2) the nature of this kid's game results (so far) in silly fouls, of course he can learn to play "smarter", whether he will be able to do so without sacrificing the physical/aggressive nature needed only time will tell. Some guys do and some don't!
3) again, how often do I have to say it...I wasn't labeling the kid merely expressing my thoughts that he may not meet expectations...leave it go!

[dalakhani]

Originally Posted by somerfrost

1) underachiever means someone/thing that underachieves, it doesn't imply anything else to me...could be any number of reasons why.
2) the nature of this kid's game results (so far) in silly fouls, of course he can learn to play "smarter", whether he will be able to do so without sacrificing the physical/aggressive nature needed only time will tell. Some guys do and some don't!
3) again, how often do I have to say it...I wasn't labeling the kid merely expressing my thoughts that he may not meet expectations...leave it go!

underachiever has connotations of underworker. Not the case here.

2. So far is THIRTEEN MINUTES. And 20 games in college. Tell me one big man that didnt commit silly fouls his freshman year in college?

Craziness.

They guy is a shot blocker, rebounder extraordinare.
That is enough for Portland right now. His injury is one
of the more severe. If he gets in NBA shape, with time,
he will get the offense down.

He will be a force this year if he gets minutes and stays
injury free. Without any offense he is a force.

I have a sick feeling he will be one of those that is
constantly limping around. Sad. And those wrinkle free
ointments are a must.

[dalakhani]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

Rebounding and shot blocking extraordinaire? If I'm nuts for basing my opinion of him on 1 college season, how can he be called a shot blocker and rebounding extraordinaire off 1 college season?

Hey i didnt say it.

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

Rebounding and shot blocking extraordinaire? If I'm nuts for basing my opinion of him on 1 college season, how can he be called a shot blocker and rebounding extraordinaire off 1 college season?

Ok. You are nuts.
Look at the man play.

Why was Lebron James drafted #1 without playing a single college season/game?