Don't measure Oden by what Durant does

[noknobs]

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/or...f/2009/02/dont_measure_oden_by_what_dura.html

Outsiders looking in are going to pick up box scores, and see hiccups in Oden's consistency this season. They're going to see injuries. They're going to see a guy who is soft-spoken, and in foul trouble some nights as he learns the league's officials (and they learn him). Then, they'll look over at Durant who is Dali-creative with a basketball in his hands, and they're going to make a snap judgment about the Blazers' decision-making.

Let them talk.

Let them giggle.

Let them shake their heads.

Over the next 18 months it's going to take great restraint by team executives, players and Blazers fans to not lose faith. Because Durant is going to keep doing what he's doing. And Oden is going to continue to have off nights followed by spectacular nights.

 

[Rozza5]

Dead on.

Was telling my panic stricken brother the same thing yesterday.

Everyone needs to chill. I'm proud of you Oden panic machines for not pimping Durant's Horse win yesterday.

Thought for sure that was next.

Rookie game > HORSE


by about 1 inch.

 

[Nikolokolus]

And what JC really means is, "In case you didn't know already, Durant is setting the league on fire, and Oden has been 'underwhelming' to say the least."

 

[Rozza5]

And what JC really means is, "In case you didn't know already, Durant is setting the league on fire, and Oden has been 'underwhelming' to say the least."

I agree. I was underwhelmed by his 9 blocks over 2 games last week.

Oden is NEVER and was never going to put up the numbers Durant was... he wasn't brought here to do that.

Having said that, I have no idea what the point of your post was.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I agree. I was underwhelmed by his 9 blocks over 2 games last week.

Oden is NEVER and was never going to put up the numbers Durant was... he wasn't brought here to do that.

Having said that, I have no idea what the point of your post was.

My point is that JC loves to stir the pot -- not that I think Oden has been particularly underwhelming -- he writes his columns with a single intent and that is to generate a little controversy, by picking at subject matter that is most likely to get a reaction.

 

[Sug]

I was in his office to observe and write a column about how fried he was, and on that day it was late afternoon and he hadn't had a thing to eat all day. But he was dishing the dirt.

Said Pritchard: "We think Durant is so good he's going to be a 10-time All-Star."

Then, he rubbed his temples.

"But we think Oden might win 10 championships."

It was as simple as that.

I have to say I agree 100% If Durant stays on OKC he will be a great player, an all-star, but they will maybe be a first round playoff team for the next decade. This is where someone says, if Durant was in Portland then they would be playing for a ring this season. Well Durant is a feature player, and we have that in Brandon Roy. Could they play together? Sure. Would they pretty good? Sure. Would they win a ring? I don't know. I honestly feel that once this roster comes together, we will be heading to the finals multiple times.

I also agree that the Blazers can find a scoring SF easier than a defensive big man with power offense potential.

 

[Rozza5]

My point is that JC loves to stir the pot -- not that I think Oden has been particularly underwhelming -- he writes his columns with a single intent and that is to generate a little controversy, by picking at subject matter that is most likely to get a reaction.

I'm not a fan of Canzano And think he's one of the worst most disingenuous sports columnists I've ever read.

But he's got a point and he's correct in todays piece...

Broken clocks

 

[Nikolokolus]

I'm not a fan of Canzano And think he's one of the worst most disingenuous sports columnists I've ever read.

But he's got a point and he's correct in todays piece...

Broken clocks

No, I do agree with his premise. I'm just not a fan of his, so it makes it hard for me to read his stuff without looking for a sub-text.

 

[craigehlo]

There's no lamenting the pick since no team outside maybe the Magic that would have taken Durant with the #1 pick. The Blazers made the right choice and we now see that he's going to take time to fulfill his potential.

I'm 10X more annoyed at the Martell Webster draft where we passed on Paul and DWill. If there was a bungled draft in the post-Jordan era, that's the brutal one.

 

[oldmangrouch]

I seriously doubt that "Oden over Durant" will go down in history with "Bowie over Jordan."

It might, however, wind up being "Hakeem over Jordan."

 

[Minstrel]

It might, however, wind up being "Hakeem over Jordan."

Which would certainly be no tragedy. Jordan was a bit better, but not much. Swap Jordan and Olajuwon on those Rockets and Bulls teams and it's entirely possible Olajuwon wins more titles.

 

[alex42083]

I seriously doubt that "Oden over Durant" will go down in history with "Bowie over Jordan."

It might, however, wind up being "Hakeem over Jordan."

If it brings us that glory of winning a championship multiple times in my lifetime... I'll take it! I just want to be living when we celebrate being on top...