11/11/4

[Boob-No-More]

Oden scored 11 points taking only 3 shots and not yet capable of having an offense run through him. Once he refines his post game and starts taking shots within the offense, I think 20 PPG is guaranteed and I'd be extremely surprised if he doesn't average 25 PPG, on one of the best shooting efficiencies in the game, through his prime.

Yep, I've been saying it since we drafted him: people, in general, are seriously underestimating Greg Oden's offensive game. Shaq had ten consecutive seasons of averaging 26 - 29 PPG. And, other than bowling over the defender and dunking, he never developed a go-to low post move - and he would have averaged another 2 - 3 PPG if he could have made 75% of his FTs.

I've also said repeatedly that by the time this team is contending for, and winning, championships Greg Oden will be their leading scorer. He's not close to ready to have the offense run through him, but he'll get there - and when he does he'll be an absolute BEAST on both ends of the floor. Teams will have to double him on the low blocks, he'll draw tons of fouls as defenders hack him in desperation to keep him from dunking on them, and he'll make his FTs. He probably won't average as many PPG as Shaq, because he'll be playing with three other top notch offensive players (Roy, Aldridge and Rudy), unlike Shaq who usually played with one other great offensive player (Penny, Kobe and Wade) and a bunch of role players with limited offensive games. But 25 - 26 PPG in his prime is certainly possible.

BNM

 

[maxiep]

We played against one of the best teams in the NBA on their home floor.

That we lost shouldn't really shock anyone nor be counted against Oden's performance.

Ed O.

And IIRC, we were blown out by 20+ last year in NO early last season. And tonight, that was our game to win. It was a couple of bad shots by us and a couple of nice shots by Posey. There was no shame in last night.

 

[alex42083]

Wow.. I didn't see the game (bc of stupid Comcast) but that block was amazing.
It goes to show that Greg simply wanted to get through his first game in Miami in one piece, didn't want to take any big risks. He got up there big time for the block, and you'd never know he could at this ponit the way he played against the Heat.

And he did that in the fourth quarter.. It's still a process though, and learning how to play with Greg down the stretch in a close game. I don't feel bad about the loss, and only a matter of time before Greg is tearing it up and we're winning games.

 

[Nate Dogg]

It was a thing of beauty but even seeing that youtube clip in real time it was "goaltending" by my first reaction. Thats okay, G.O will only get better at his timing and will really swat those balls. Awesome to see that hustle.

 

[Elton]

Just great to see Greg learning to "trust his feelings" again. That block, goaltending or otherwise, is a HUGE athletic statement.

 

[bodyman5001]

Just great to see Greg learning to "trust his feelings" again. That block, goaltending or otherwise, is a HUGE athletic statement.

The reason it was a goaltend was that he was too far away. Not that he couldn't get up high enough, that and his quickness hasn't returned........yet.

 

[Elton]

Right, all I'm sayin' is that the explosiveness is returning, which is very very encouraging.

 

[bodyman5001]

Right, all I'm sayin' is that the explosiveness is returning, which is very very encouraging.

Preaching to the choir brother.