Finally, there was Brian Grant.
Grant, a former Blazer who still makes his home in Portland, was asked by the team if he’d be willing to work with Oden. Grant jumped at the chance, and flew out to Ohio several times over the summer.
It was hoped that Grant would evolve into something of a mentor for Oden.
Grant, a dreadlocked 6-foot-9 forward who played 12 seasons in the league and built a reputation for hard-nosed play after a ferocious battle against Karl Malone in the 1999 playoffs, was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
As a result, Grant has been transforming himself into a vocal advocate for fellow sufferers.
“I was telling him it’s OK to feel that way (about last season), but what are we going to do about it now?” Grant said. “Now you’re healthy, now you’ve got an opportunity to do something about it. What is it you want to do?’
“He’s a warrior. He’s somebody who wants to work, he wants to get better.”
Oden said Grant’s help was invaluable.
“He was somebody I could talk to,” Oden said.
