Oden Update - Tuesday, March 3rd

[PapaG]

I really, really don't want to give their site hits nor listen to them - would you mind giving like a two sentence summary of what Channing said in regards to this mindset of the teammates if it isn't too much trouble, please?

He said that everybody on the team is questioning why Greg isn't playing and why he gets Paul Allen's bedroom on the plane.

What do you think he said?

 

[toutlaw25]

He said that everybody on the team is questioning why Greg isn't playing and why he gets Paul Allen's bedroom on the plane.

What do you think he said?

Nice paraphrase.

 

[RW#30]

Classic ...Thanks for the link. I have not listen to 1080 since the game came on.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I really, really don't want to give their site hits nor listen to them - would you mind giving like a two sentence summary of what Channing said in regards to this mindset of the teammates if it isn't too much trouble, please?

Basically Channing said Greg is damned if he plays, damned if he doesn't -- especially if he's out there at only 75% to 80% and not able to keep up with his teammates. He also mentioned that it would be a disservice to the team to have to try and play with a guy who is not at 100% and they'd rather get him back fully healthy and ready to close out the season than have him hobbled and limping through the stretch run.

He also implied that the way that some fans and local media are turning on Greg probably only contributes to his depressed confidence level and shows other players on the team that Portland's so-called "great fans" are fickle and maybe not so great after all (this might be Channing projecting his own experience with the fans this year as much as anything).

His main point was that if this was a finger, a shoulder or any other part of the body that wasn't related to his legs then Greg would almost certainly be out there, but messing around with injuries to the lower extremities is a big no-no in the NBA.

There's a ton more in the interview and I'm only relaying a few of the points that stuck out to me without re-listening to the it.

 

[julius]

The fans who have 'turned' on Greg, are a very small group. Who just happen to be very loud and think their numbers are inflated.

 

[Boise Blazer]

The fans who have 'turned' on Greg, are a very small group. Who just happen to be very loud and think their numbers are inflated.

I cant help but think this is where a veteran(s) on the team really need to step and make sure they are in Greg's ear constantly to make sure he understand this.

 

[tlongII]

The fans who have 'turned' on Greg, are a very small group. Who just happen to be very loud and think their numbers are inflated.

I agree with this. The problem is that you have media people like Canzano that project these negative points. I think Oden deserves our support.

 

[Boise Blazer]

Just noticed this posted on OLive:

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090305/SPORTS04/903050414/1004/rss02

I thought this part was interesting:

Q: Do you feel the city of Portland still wants you?

A: I know this team does, the organization does. Everybody else, I don't worry about that. We worry about our family right here (in the locker room). I know I got their back and I know they're behind me.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Just noticed this posted on OLive:

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090305/SPORTS04/903050414/1004/rss02

I thought this part was interesting:

Q: Do you feel the city of Portland still wants you?

A: I know this team does, the organization does. Everybody else, I don't worry about that. We worry about our family right here (in the locker room). I know I got their back and I know they're behind me.

I'll admit I've had doubts about his frame of mind at times this year, and the latest injury and the drama surrounding it hasn't helped much, but I more or less just feel bad for the kid; you can tell Greg is a pretty sensitive guy with a modest ego ... or at least a somewhat fragile one, and the way a certain segment of the media and fans have lashed out at him doesn't seem to be doing much to help him get through this setback.

It would probably be much better for GO if he avoided local newspapers and blogs and mesage boards, but you get the impression that he's far more plugged in to this shit than is healthy. Hopefully he gets through this rough patch stronger for it. Tough couple of years for Greg.

 

[MAS RipCity]

If this keeps up, theres no way he re-signs with us..can the O just fire canzano now?

 

[PapaG]

If this keeps up, theres no way he re-signs with us..can the O just fire canzano now?

Poor Oden, cheered at every game, treated with kid gloves by the team, and making millions of dollars living in one of the worst job markets in the country. If he leaves because of a newspaper writer, I suggest that he's as soft as some people suspect he is. Good riddance in that case.

 

[The Sebastian Express]

Basically Channing said Greg is damned if he plays, damned if he doesn't -- especially if he's out there at only 75% to 80% and not able to keep up with his teammates. He also mentioned that it would be a disservice to the team to have to try and play with a guy who is not at 100% and they'd rather get him back fully healthy and ready to close out the season than have him hobbled and limping through the stretch run.

He also implied that the way that some fans and local media are turning on Greg probably only contributes to his depressed confidence level and shows other players on the team that Portland's so-called "great fans" are fickle and maybe not so great after all (this might be Channing projecting his own experience with the fans this year as much as anything).

His main point was that if this was a finger, a shoulder or any other part of the body that wasn't related to his legs then Greg would almost certainly be out there, but messing around with injuries to the lower extremities is a big no-no in the NBA.

There's a ton more in the interview and I'm only relaying a few of the points that stuck out to me without re-listening to the it.

Thank you very much. I hope the fickle line got to some people because it is true.

 

[PapaG]

Originally Posted by Nikolokolus

He also implied that the way that some fans and local media are turning on Greg probably only contributes to his depressed confidence level and shows other players on the team that Portland's so-called "great fans" are fickle and maybe not so great after all (this might be Channing projecting his own experience with the fans this year as much as anything).

Fans everywhere are fickle. I'd say the players not realizing it until now is probably the biggest compliment that can be paid to the fanbase.