Oden out again?

[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!