Oden Shines Again
posted: 10/07/2009 at 10:28 PM
"This is going to be my time. Time to taste the fruits and let the juices drip down my chin. I proclaim this the preseason of Greg!"
-
Okay, the quote was lifted from George Costanza, as he was proclaiming the "summer of George," but work with me here (and, I'm sure this will turn out better than the "summer of George.").
And, yes, this is just the exhibition season, and both games have been against the Sacramento Kings, who aren't exactly big and talented in the middle. But, it's certainly okay to be a little excited with what we saw Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
After going for 18 points and 9 rebounds against the Kings on Tuesday at home, Oden scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in Portland's 89-86 victory at Arco. It took him just 26 minutes to compile the numbers this time, and he did it in a starting role. He got 10 of his points from the foul line on Tuesday (going 10 for 12), and Wednesday he went 6 for 7 at the line.
Nate McMillan is clearly using this time, early in the exhibition schedule, to see exactly what he's got in this new-and-improved Oden. Perhaps no one player is more important to Portland's long-term plans. We know what we're going to get from Roy and Aldridge, and even newcomer Andre Miller will be his old steady self. It's Oden we've watched so closely since day one of camp.
I've tried to temper what exactly I've seen from Greg since camp opened, but now that you're seeing it as well, it's at least justifying the excitement I've been feeling for the last 9 days.
Blazer assistant Bill Bayno, who acted as Oden's shadow over the summer, has put it best on a number of occasions, saying simply "if you've put in the work, and you're ready, you come with a whole new level of confidence." We've seen the confidence, and we've seen a player who is comfortable, and decisive.
Time will tell just how dominant he'll be when the regular season rolls around, but this is clearly a big step in the right direction, and exactly what we needed to see in the first two games.
I spoke about Portland's depth following Tuesday night's game, and on Wednesday the Blazers played without Rudy Fernandez, Travis Outlaw, Nicolas Batum, and Joel Przybilla. This is not to take anything away from those guys, but you hardly missed them. That's the depth we're talking about.
Five Blazers scored in double figures in this game. Oden had his 20, and Juwan Howard had a very efficient 14 points, on 7 of 8 shooting. The 15-year vet came to camp in great shape, and knew he was signed for his leadership ability, and that he would basically be an insurance policy for the front line. Since day one, he's shown he can be more than that. Trouble is... how in the world will you find him minutes if everyone stays healthy?
Brandon Roy played 24 minutes on Wednesday, and ended with 13 points. Jerryd Bayless, who's looked good in these first two games, had 11 points, and Andre Miller had 10.
The one negative from Tuesday was that Portland was out rebounded by the Kings. In the second game, the Blazers bounced back from that, and out rebounded Sacramento 37-31. The only negative this time was 22 turnovers. But, that's what the preseason is for, and who is really worried about that?
It's on to Los Angeles now, as the exhibition schedule continues for the Blazers. They'll go through a light practice on Thursday, and Friday night take on the Clippers. This will be a much better test for Oden, who will go up against Chris Kaman, who's a better center than anyone the Kings have.
The 2 and 0 record is fairly meaningless at this point. It's clear though that there several reasons for Blazer fans to love what they've seen so far.
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Mike, so sad the Die Hard Blazer fans can't even watch the new and improved Greg Oden.
ya oden sounded like a beast on the radio. Its hard to say if i can't see it for my self.
you can get a little look here:
http://www.nba.com/video/games/kings/2009/10/07/0010900020_por_sac_recap.nba/index.html?ls=gt1hp0010900020
from the box score and look of things, the kings tried to win this one. evans and martin played over 35min each. not smart in the pre-season.
The Oden haters I getting very quiet right about now. I always supported Oden, and always will. His confidence is through the roof and I couldn't be happier for him. I only wish we could see more of him during the preseason. When Greg is out there I'm glued to the action. That's something I can't even say about Roy or Aldrige.
I was at the Rosegarden on Tuesday and all I can say Oden was jumping higher and moving faster then he did all of last season. It was sweet to watch.
Speaking of sweet...it's soooo Miller time!! ;-)
I was at the Rosegarden on Tuesday and all I can say Oden was jumping higher and moving faster then he did all of last season. It was sweet to watch.
Speaking of sweet...it's soooo Miller time!! ;-)
You're wrong Mike, we don't get to see this new and improved Greg Oden - we still just hear from him from the radio! It kind of bugs me I don't get to watch the Blazers this pre-season, I was quite excited for it. But the re-caps on NBA.com look great. Once Oden gains all the confidence in the world, he'll be a great center, and he's starting to get that confidence.
I played some basketball today with a group of guys and my father finally showed up. He kept passing the ball and complaining about other people taking shots. I told him to shoot, and he claimed he didn't think he'd make it. The first time, I let him have a shot - and it's a good thing he didn't think he'd make it lol, I've never seen a ball fly in the air like that. Second try was a perfect swoosh, and he gained confidence and I had to play some real defense to stop him from making them.
Confidence is key in a player to do well on the court. If the player didn't believe in themselves, or didn't believe they could do what they want, than they aren't going to perform their best. Now with Greg being more aggressive and wanting to do well - and believing he can, he will be unstoppable.
When I read your blog and saw that the team was going to LA I was like "CRAP! I want to watch the game against the Lakers". I forgot about the clippers, but it still should be a great game. The Clippers have been a good team the past 2 years, they just need to stay healthy and work better together. Now they have what's his face, who I heard is doing good.
It should be an interesting game and I'm excited to watch... oh wait nevermind. Oh well, even though a popular 80s song claims, video still hasn't killed the radio (star).
Glad you're doing blogs during the pre-season Mike, hope to hear again from you on Friday night after the game, and hope to hear more positive things about this wonderful team.
Go Blazers!
Thanks Mike. I was able to watch some highlights on NBA.com and its great to see G.O is good form and I'm sure he's going to improve each game and throughout the season. Can't wait to see what the rest of the league thinks - especially the doubters! I know you said its still early as Greg will have plenty of challenges ahead with stiffer comeption, but I'm just glad what most of us "true" fans always believed that this is the real GO and that last year was just the rust from teh injury and of course some jitters. Either way, he is a stud, on and off the court. If I don't have a chance to say it later - have a great season Mike as well as the entire broadcast team. Peace from Prague :-)
Hey MB: great update again for the "east coast" crowd....LOL! Like i have always said - wait till year 3 for Greg (we are now in year 2).....GO BLAZERS!
And some of us can't even listen on our local radio station which is supposed to carry the Blazers or on NBA League Pass. I turned on KPNW in Eugene (wish they would let 95.3 FM The Score take over) and they are playing their stupid talk shows still. They evidently did not get the word that the Blazers are relevant again. Is there anyway someone can get word to them to play the games? What's the next closest station to the Eugene/Springfield area. I want to hear the Blazers even in the pre-season. Go Blazers none-the-less!!!
I'll be sampling the hops of all that is Budweiser, letting the foam drool from my chin. I dub this year, "The Year of the Rabid Fan", so let the games begin.
It's great to see Greg showing what we all knew was there. Still it is concerning to see the team struggle against a rebuilding team that won 17 games last year. Yes, I know it is preseason and some players were sat out to look at others, we should be blowing these guys out.
wouldn't you prefer Howards efficient, heady play and leadership as the backup 4 rather than Travis' erratic play?
All I have seen of Greg Oden is the highlights on NBA.com.
Mike, can you tell us why the preseason games are not on TV?
c'mon people! Quit all the whining about the PRESEASON games not being televised! Get over it already. I'm excited that all the games are going to be on tv and in hd. Thats pretty cool huh? Quit whining Portland fans....you.ve got a lot to look forward to.
acienton don't make that post a habbit we have not even started the season and the glass is half full.
ITs all toilet paper rolls and hot knifes from here.start the stove!!!
blazers
Dear Oden,Portland Trail Blazers and Friends,
I cannot express in words how much this city loves you and is behind you 100%. We are so excited about this upcoming season! Your fans are in it all the way!
i think everybody is way to excited with whats happening with oden yeah he has had 2 good preseason games agains a horrible team that will win 30 games this year his footwork and ball handling look better but i would wait to judge till he plays someone at least close to his size
i think everybody is way to excited with whats happening with oden yeah he has had 2 good preseason games against a horrible team. His footwork and ball handling look better and he is shootin free throws like he did in college but i would wait to judge till he plays someone at least close to his size. As mike said in the blog finding minutes for juwan howard and what about rotating udoka webster roy outlaw and rudy a trade needs to happen
Hey MB,
Alright! Greg is having fun out there and showing some moves...I look forward to seeing him make a season and a career out of this no doubt...a glimpse of glory is finally showing itself and I couldn't be more proud of Greg and the team.
About the playing time issues...even if an Outlaw or Fernandez gets frustrated...I hope KP and Nate thoroughly look at things before making a deal. We are in the championship caliber of basketball team right now... I really don't think there is a team that we couldn't stop or figure out in a 7 game series, especially if Greg's level of confidence is contagious which it should be. And Brandon is willing to take on a smaller role with open arms if it means winning...so hopefully that is a golden rule for all to follow. I love our team. let's keep 'em together if all possible. Who could we need? What do we need? By the mid way point we are going to be so finely blended and hopefully have great chemistry.
By the way let's get LA signed on the dotted line...
And I like Miller a lot but let's lay off Blake, he's exceeded expectations and is still getting it done, he deserves more credit and less criticism...I just think we have a lot to be proud of...
Alright...LA Clippers tomorrow night. Blake Griffin looks nice but in this case we are now the holders of playoff experience so I think Greg and LA can handle him.
Peace,
fathom
I think Greg will be fine against other NBA centers. It doesn't matter whether they play better then him. He can make it tough on them to stop him and tough on them to score against him. Get rebounds and play D. for now that is enough.
hg
Hey MB--
Column idea. I realize that this is an area in which you must tread lightly, but a discussion of the economic problem facing the Blazers with respect to broadcasting the preseason games would be very interesting and topical. In round numbers, how much does it cost to do one game? Is it a problem of insufficient advertising revenue? Is it a question of contractual obligations to production staff? Is it a question of the broadcast team needing to pace themselves for the long season ahead? (and not just talking about you and Rice here, but the dozens of others behind the cameras, in the truck, in the studio, etc.)
What are the precise issues, as you see them? And what would it take, in your opinion, for the TV drought to be changed next year?
The point has been made elsewhere that there are already cameras on site being operated for the instant replay film (material which shows up on the highlights). So what exactly are the obstacles? Do ticket sales come into play?
Etc. Etc. Etc.
It would be interesting.
it's time to get excited! last year i was an oden doubter but i did hold hope that it was just a rough first year shaking off an injury while trying to live off high expectations. glad my brother forced me to keep the faith cause oden is the man and once again pritchard comes away smelling like roses.
oden's dominance will be felt in this league. we will reap the benifits. shaq daddy will get his up comin's ... however that expression goes. i can't wait.
still pryz is my man but it if oden continues to play like he is the only fair thing we can do is let him start. the better guy should start. that's how basketball is normally played. especially if that better player really wants to start.
again, we have the best one two punch at center in the league. i'd take this duo over the shaq illgoskus combo any day. we got two tough dudes at center.
on a negative note. aldridge wake up and grab a board. hopefully it doesn't take him until mid season to start destroying the boards. he frustrates me because i know what he is capable of. he can clean up house if he puts his mind to it.
lets go blazers!
oden has to play well tonight against blake griffen or the critics with have a hayday. I wanna hear oden dominate the paint. key word hear.smash the clipps
can't wait for those nba.com highlights to see greg dunking on kaman & camby, and maybe a block or two by joel on griffin.
also, i really feel that the slight lack of rebounds by lamarcus has only to do with the difference in intensity between pre-season and regular season. when it really counts, he'll get his 8rebs a game.
is it wednesday yet!?!
Who besides Go andPryz will rebound for us?If LMA wants the big contract ,He should rebound like it.With his talent and offensive ability he should be getting 10 plus.If nothin else he should get more put backs just from being the first big man down on the break.We need that at the PF position.Do we have to go back to that whole desire conversation.That who wants ths the ball More conversation.It'll be intersting how we play against what could be a dangerous Clipper team.
jess we should kick some time blazers fans and all :)
miller time 1:19
my attempt is usually to stay fact based. if i were trying to set an ambitious yet realistic goal for lamarcus, i'd shoot for an average of 9 rebounds a game. he averaged 7.5 last year, so this would be a significant bump.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/statistics?stat=nbarebound&league=nba&sort=totreb&season=2009
according to another friend of mine, greg should be getting 16 boards a game. the only person to do that in the last 25 years or so is dennis rodman.
there are no well founded substantive doubts about lamarcus' desire to be a great player.
LMA-2 rebounds............ outrebounded by Dre with 5. I know it's only preseason and we did outrebound the Clips by 4.But 38%shooting,61% from the line is a little ugly, but we've had cold nights before.Maybe even Nate is struggling with juggling.I said way earlier that the Clips could be dangerous this year with their athletes,especially if they caught us on a cold night .5 more games to figure it out.4 most consistent players so far........... Oden,Dre,no suprise, but also Udoka and Howard.I somehow thought I would be talkin about different people.No worries .we will have a learning curve I'm sure. BLAZERSROCK
preseason is basically practice against other teams. wins and losses mean squat.
go blazers!
Dear Blazer Nation, This is year 2 of the Oz experience on Blazer Nation with the adoption of our Portland Trailblazers after the Sonics Leaving Seattle! So the nba leauge pass is amazing watched most the games last year and let the blogging begin. I have been juiced for this season since rip city lost to htown however I am all geeked up and ready to roll! With the additon of Andre Miller who I wanted since day one of the off season that's the guy I targeted and they got him and i'm a happy camper. With Stevey Blakey running the point making those deep deep 3's and dishing and diming like he was the pastry chef and the bank teller! You got your boy BROY the new daddy warbucks in RIP CITY! With his amazign versatilty to play the point and play the two gaurd with all his skills driving making contact the HARM and the FOUL! The guy is ruthless and his clutch 3's make him a top 10 player in the Association! Chants of MVP will be chanted in the rose garden this season! You gotta love the return of Martell Webster the guy is freakishly athletic havent' seen him much but from what I've seen so far this could be a real upgrade from last year this team is deep and loving the explosivness from webster! The Big Texan LA baby he post ya up and takes you to school he's got range he's got sick lenght the guys freakishly talented get that outta here! Finally Greg Oden welcome back with the hard work looks like is paying off looks promising and this is his conract year so look for big things from the big man to swat shots rebound his arse off and score big this guy is the key to the success in the playoffs. The backups are also solid but gotta give props to Smiling mike Barret keep up the great calls and to Mike Rice Not so much. This has been the 2009 edition of the blazer blog reaction more to come this season stay tuned Ozzie in Spokane Washington USA Zag Country!
funny
http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2009/10/at_dodger_stadium_blazers_cunn.html
DowntownVinnie:
Hey I already knew they played horrible and I never looked up one stat.
I think Rudy and Batuum would be in the constistant players list if they were playing more.
Hang tough, you will be able to watch games pretty soon and figure out who is bad and who is good without looking for the stats.
What was the numbers on free throw %? I forgot.{:>)
Focus, execution, hustle. Lack of the above and embarasment. Bythe way Millertime I'm old and my grandson the young punk that he is gave me the appelation, O' ye Ancientone in his e-mails to me and it has stuck in the family
Travis:
On Blazers Edge there is an article: Marc Spears: Miller and McMillan On Different Pages;
Would you please read the article and analyze it for me. It gives me an awful feeling and I hope I am wrong. Maybe it is because of to many great players in the jail blazer era that turned sour and it has me scared.
Thank you:
hg
Preseason games don't mean squat but this team still has a lot to figue out in the next week or so.If we are going to this so called next level we are going to have to play at this level.I really think more than a few players are maybe forcin it a bit.We're still young and learning.I'm sure they feel the pressure,too.There are great signs of defihite improvement from GO which is a big plus towards getting to the next level. I like the RAMBO lineup still,but Broy will have the most to learn there .But I trust my boy BRoy. BLAZERSROCK
hg..Not to butt in but I read the same article,too and got the same feeling. But today theres a different article today ,check it out if you want .It has Nates perspective. http://www.blazersedge.com/
Vinnie: I thank you and will check out Nate's rebutal now. I was hoping we would get one. and BTW, I do not put to much credibility to Yahoo sports.
hg
this is a great follow-up in addition to the Blazers Edge stuff that d-town vinnie is pointing out:
http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2009/10/trail_blazers_andre_miller_and.html
it sounds like jason quick is the one who's not on the same page. he really made me mad last year by calling lamarcus soft, and seeming so smug about it. it was almost like he thought himself clever for pissing lamarcus off. he even bragged about it on kenny & suke's radio show (that they air on comcast as well). i wanted to throw something at the tv even though quick was only calling in. quick and canzano make me want to puke sometimes. criticizing guys in their young 20s as having no heart (when the truth is exactly the opposite) is shameless. even if those young guys make $5mil a year, they deserve better than to be called out by a couple of grown men who never sniffed an nba court. you can't hide behind the good things that you do so that you can get away with a few bad ones.
as for miller, he's getting it. i have a b.a. in psychology, and studied group process a fair amount. the models usually go: beginning, standards, conflict, execution, ending. this group in relation to howard, cunningham, miller etc. are exploring the group standards & having some minor conflicts. they will all be better off for it, and when it comes time for performance/execution of the game, they will do it the right way.
put another way, miller could sit the rest of the next two years and we would still win big. you know andre isn't going out like that, and he wants to be the guy who helps put us over the top. it would be the crowning achievement to a career in which his caliber as a top point guard has constantly been questioned. if andre starts and plays heavy minutes with us making deep playoff runs and maybe a title or two, no questions remain.
Travis:
I don't know if you got my post asking you about the article on Yahoo sports on Andre's interview.
You answered it quite well. I was thinking if he pushed Nate to far he may well be nothing more then a bench warmer. That would be terrible for Andre and the Blazers because he is a very good ball player. It sounds like he is willing to take what ever he can get.
Nate said he is going to try R-A-M-B-O again. That is the only problem anybody has with Andre and that isn't his or anybody else’s fault. Miller and Roy has not have that much time to play together and I am sure once they get started they will smooth out.
Right at this moment, I feel Andre should be on the opposite team of BRoy, not anything to do with good or bad just utilizing both talents to the fullest. For example, BRoy said he was calling for the ball, but instead Andre selected to go to Oden. Which is great in my book, but Nate and BRoy has said that he and LMA were going to be the chief scorers on the starting team. I think that would be fine with Steve and Batuum spreading the Defense with Joel rebounding and getting put backs.
That is going to waste much of Greg, Andre, Martell and Rudy’s talent unless you put them on the second unit. Otherwise it should be BRoy and LMA and Andre and Greg. Both teams would be pretty much equal and you could always stagger the rotation.
Regardless of who starts, I think Andre will get plenty of playing time in the last part of the first and first part of the second.
hg
quicks a prick
Mike,
Can we get a story from you on Andres assimilation into the team? I for one am sick of the media and other blogs trying to create stories when there isnt one. I dont know Andre from Adam. Never watched him before so Im not being defensive. But I have read his commments and I dont see any justification in the idiot media creating a huge controversy. it seems the entire local media has a Canzano complex. Even Blazersedge, which I think is a pretty good blog is involved. I dont even want to read any more stories Im so sick of it. Andre seems to be a professional. He may not like some things but he is doing his job and wants to win. Who cares if he didnt pass the conditioning test. He knows his body and what it takes to get himself ready. He wants to start and I think its rediculous to not start the most talented players. If there is someone to jump on, jump on Nate. IMO he is the one responsible for any controversy. From what ive seen so far, Andres talents and leadership are superior to Blake.
I like steve and think he is a good player, but not as good as Andre. Start the best players. I dont believe in "squads". Adelman did that and lost the finals for us when he subbed his second squad in and killed the momentum of the team and we lost the game and series against detroit. I am way off subject now...... TO THE MEDIA...SHUT UP. WE DO NOT NEED A CANZANO STYLE MEDIA. REPORT WHAT IS THERE AND QUIT TRYING TO CREATE STORIES.
Mike,
Good on ya for staying out of this Andre melee. I agree with the general backlash against sensationalist media. People want to read nice stories about the team, like the one about Dante getting a jalapeno stuck in his mouth for snoozing at the baseball game(can't blame him for that!). Or the Onion article about Howard:
http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/promise_of_hot_meal_free
I highly recommend reading that, then watching this:
http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2009/10/meet_the_blazers_if_i_were_str.html
Crack up! That's the kind of stuff I want to read. I only care about controversy when it produces a negative result. For example, if Andre Miller refused to play, I would want to know why. At that point, I would expect some investigative journalism into the reasons behind his decision. The crap we've been bombarded with by Quick and Canzano is unnecessary, as it only serves to agitate a very participatory fan base, champing at the bit for the season to start.
Myself, I would be much happier if the media surrounding the team would stick to interviews with the players and management and analysis of the game, rather than engage in wild speculation about who's happy in what role. Leave that to us.
Go Blazers.
Experimenting with the lineup is good as long as it doesn't disrupt the rhythm of our team and it is short in duration. It is now time for the experiment to downsize. Confusion, lack of timing, and frustration will increase with too many more experiments. It is now time to distribute our talent (which is huge) in predictable lineups for the sake of a resounding start to our regular season.
Now, if a player within a "regular" rotation is not performing in a game as is expected, then it is time to replace him with another team member to bolster our chances of winning. It would vary from game to game.
riix:
I too was concerned about the stories about Andre, and wrote to Mike about the same as you. He reassured me that Andre was a professional and everything will be OK. Travis the blogger assured me of the same thing.
I disagree with you on the starting positions but that is my opinion.
We will be alright
hg
Steve and Andre are both assets to the team. Because one may start a particular game does not make that point guard "better". Riix suggests that Dre is "Far Superior". Really? "Far Superior? Give me a break.
As I have always maintained, we are lucky to have two talented point guards. Their time on the floor will depend on who they gel with the best and what our team needs to accomplish.
Remember, Andre is not replacing Steve; he replaced Sergio.
we have too much time on our hands and not enough basketball. that's when rears it's ugly head. once the season begins and we win some games this crap will end. all i can say to everyone is give miller some space. he's a basketball player, not our cuzin:) i like it that he wants his private life private. i don't frown on that one bit.
go miller!
go blazers!
hg,
yes, i did see your request, and enjoyed answering, just as i enjoyed writing a bit here to respond to phi slamma.
getting a masters was out of the question after running in to a TON of the "does not play well with others" types who had doctoral and masters degrees, taught classes etc. the degree was brought up to highlight the fact that i am familiar with models on group dynamics, not to illuminate my level of self-actualization. there was no claim of enlightenment, rather one of basketball fervor and wanting to add a voice of contradistinction. my support of our players is the crux.
as for the thing about heart, my point was more in the area of not criticizing young guys who have to endure enough public scrutiny. canzano and quick have the biggest megaphones in the local community, and should be responsible about that. the casual observers who don't REALLY understand basketball get their information from these guys. if lamarcus and greg succeed, our whole community benefits. they should not be publicly skewered, even if they do have huge bank accounts. same goes for andre in my book, even if he is in his mid thirties.
and for that matter...
SIGN LAMARCUS!!!!
it would be great to see that this week.
if i feel like throwing something at my tv, i will. it might just be my framed diploma, bachelor of arts, psychology, magna cum laude...
;)
perhaps more importantly, please take 500dogs advice and read this article:
http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/promise_of_hot_meal_free
riix,
i agree, it would be phenomenal to get mr. barrett to give his view of andre being added to the mix.
hg (again),
coach nate is right, the best players will make the decisions for him. ultimately they will sort themselves out and learn the best ways to complement one another. they all want to win!
We fall so in love with OUR players we overvalue their talent and contribution. Could are second five SURELY start for ALL the other NBA teams or just perhaps the GSW? Let's be realistic and I do hope GO has a breakout year.
fanman,
I agree blake is an asset to the team. I feel though that Andre simply is better and will be more of an asset....but thats just my opinion. I respect that you have a differnet view.
My main message though was reporters seemingly trying to cause issues. I just want to enjoy this very talented team and see how far they can go. This collection of both talented and yet good guys doesnt happen very often. I would just like to leave behind all the complaining and negativism and let all the fans just enjoy the ride. BTW...it is still just a game..not life or death. perspective please. :)
riix:
Just a game and not life or death.
Are you sure? You'll have to just speak for yourself {:>)
hg
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