Oden in the House

[e_blazer]

As most of you probably saw, Greg was in attendance at the game again last night. Since he didn't come to the games last year, instead watching from the training room and giving the excuse that his knee wouldn't bear sitting with it bent for a full game, you have to wonder what's changed. My bet is it's Cho setting a stronger set of guidelines than KP did.

 

[RipCityInsider]

As most of you probably saw, Greg was in attendance at the game again last night. Since he didn't come to the games last year, instead watching from the training room and giving the excuse that his knee wouldn't bear sitting with it bent for a full game, you have to wonder what's changed. My bet is it's Cho setting a stronger set of guidelines than KP did.

Or it could be that Oden wants to be there. Even though he is injured, this is a crucial year for Oden's future when you think about his next contract.

 

[THE HCP]

Great to hear the applause for him!

 

[illmatic99]

I distinctly remember a pic of GO sitting with Roy and DMiles on the bench after his first MF. I don't there is a Cho/KP rules issue.

 

[Nikolokolus]

As most of you probably saw, Greg was in attendance at the game again last night. Since he didn't come to the games last year, instead watching from the training room and giving the excuse that his knee wouldn't bear sitting with it bent for a full game, you have to wonder what's changed. My bet is it's Cho setting a stronger set of guidelines than KP did.

That's my guess.

 

[BlazerBeav]

This wasn't the first game either - he was at both games last week.

 

[MIXUM]

who cares hes gonna be gone in 3 months for good

 

[BoBoBREWSKI]

He doesnt sit on the bench, he sits on a tall chair/stool in the isle that goes back towards the locker room. I'm assuming thats so he doesnt have to bend his knee as much as he would if he sat in a regular bench seat.

The crowd gave him a nice round of applause last night.

I've seen him at several games this season.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Oden expression when he is shown on the big screen doesn't seem to change from year to year.

The feeling I get when I see him on the big screen has defintely changed from year to year.

 

[Rodolfo]

Is Greg still using crutches?

 

[RR7]

I heard a few boos in my section, which was annoying. I can understand being bummed about the situation. But it's not like he plays like shit and hurts himself riding a moped or something off the court. He can't help the circumstances of what has happened so far. Unfortunate that some people have let their expectations piss them off about the kid.

 

[BBert]

I heard a few boos in my section, which was annoying. I can understand being bummed about the situation. But it's not like he plays like shit and hurts himself riding a moped or something off the court. He can't help the circumstances of what has happened so far. Unfortunate that some people have let their expectations piss them off about the kid.

Yeah, that's really bullshit if people are booing him. That's amazingly classless, clueless, compationless, and pointless. There are ignorant jerks everywhere, I suppose. Except on RipCityTwo! Everyone here is a model citizen, thank goodness.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

I heard a few boos in my section, which was annoying. I can understand being bummed about the situation. But it's not like he plays like shit and hurts himself riding a moped or something off the court. He can't help the circumstances of what has happened so far. Unfortunate that some people have let their expectations piss them off about the kid.

The boos were very clear on TV. I wonder if Cho is making him attend games. The first two major injuries it was rare to see him behind the bench.

 

[Masbee]

As most of you probably saw, Greg was in attendance at the game again last night. Since he didn't come to the games last year, instead watching from the training room and giving the excuse that his knee wouldn't bear sitting with it bent for a full game, you have to wonder what's changed. My bet is it's Cho setting a stronger set of guidelines than KP did.

The cynical answer is that this year he is a player without a contract for next season.

Cho doesn't have to set any explicit "guidelines". The guidelines were set in letters TEN FEET TALL when the Blazers refused to give Oden an extension offer - Status Quo = Not good enough.

It would be disappointing if his contract status made such a difference in his behavior towards the team and basketball more generally.

But, unless some evidence is provided to counter, this should stand as the simpliest, and therefore, most likely explanation.

 

[PapaG]

Exactly what "guidelines" could Cho set for Oden under the CBA? Oden went to a game. Big deal. I don't think there is anything that Cho could do, even if he wanted to, to "make" Oden attend a game.

 

[RR7]

Uhm, pretty sure if you are under contract, they can make you attend a game.

 

[PapaG]

Uhm, pretty sure if you are under contract, they can make you attend a game.

Are you suggesting that Cho made Oden attend the game? I've seen no proof at all for these allegations.

 

[RR7]

Not at all. I said he COULD if he wanted to.

 

[Kaydow]

Or it could be that Oden wants to be there. Even though he is injured, this is a crucial year for Oden's future when you think about his next contract.

Have you seen the expression on his face during the games he's attended recently? It looks to me like Greg would prefer to be anywhere BUT the RG these days.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Have you seen the expression on his face during the games he's attended recently? It looks to me like Greg would prefer to be anywhere BUT the RG these days.

The look on his face said (to me) "I want to get the fuck out of this town." I personally don't blame him... I blame the Oregonian, mostly.

 

[RipCityInsider]

Have you seen the expression on his face during the games he's attended recently? It looks to me like Greg would prefer to be anywhere BUT the RG these days.

He has had that same expression since day 1 as a Blazer. To me, it is an emotionless facial expression. Even when he is was dominating in a game healthy, he had the same expression. Look at his facial structure, of course he is going to look depress, but it doesn't mean he doesn't want to be there.

Didn't he recently come out and say how much appreciation he has for the organization and fans because he hasn't been able to play, yet everyone still embraces him? Listen to his interviews, there is no enthusiasm in them. It is easy to make assumptions because of his past, but I think this is a little overreaction from the Blazer fans, which is not uncommon.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

The look on his face said (to me) "I want to get the fuck out of this town." I personally don't blame him... I blame the Oregonian, mostly.

I personally think the national press has been more harsh on Oden.

But yeah, a lot of negative memories with his time with the Blazers, so I could see him wanting a fresh start somewhere else.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

He doesnt sit on the bench, he sits on a tall chair/stool in the isle that goes back towards the locker room. I'm assuming thats so he doesnt have to bend his knee as much as he would if he sat in a regular bench seat.

Sounds like the different chair and different place to sit is the reason he's out there this year. Good move by whoever came up with the solution.

 

[mgb]

Sounds like the different chair and different place to sit is the reason he's out there this year. Good move by whoever came up with the solution.

Ya, he complained about sitting in the second row and it bothering his knee last year.

 

[maxiep]

I'm just happy he's in Portland and with the team. I don't really care why.

 

[jlprk]

theories...

1) Unlike Pritchard, Cho told him to get his ass to some games.
2) Contract year, gotta look good.
3) They finally provided a chair with legroom.

 

[chris_in_pdx]

I'm just happy he's in Portland and with the team. I don't really care why.

My sentiments exactly. Some day, some how, that kid is going to break out and have a great career. And I use "kid" purposefully because HE'S ONLY 22 YEARS OLD!!!!

I just hope his eventual all-star play happens in a Blazer uniform.