All this over a bone chip? As most have said, if he's not going to make it any worse, there's no sense in shutting him down, which would have all sorts of confidence repercussions on Oden himself but also his team and the fanbase. They have an opportunity to be a Cinderella team this year, to be the upset in a series against, say, a healthy Jazz or Spurs. Building that cohesiveness, even if they inevitably lose the West, doesn't make a bit of difference if they get far. A very young team like the Blazers absolutely needs some semi-deep playoff exposure. If they get to the 2nd round consider that a great success, especially if beat a good team like the Jazz in the 1st round and remain competitive in the Semis. I think it's clear they know they aren't the best team in the league, but I also think it's clear they know they have all the tools to be the best, every ingredient to do it. Internal growth and maturity is the final missing piece. That is, Roy at least knows that. Oden, I'm not so sure what his psychological makeup is yet. Roy is clearly a special kind of player, stud in the making, be very thankful for that guy.
