As the first pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, Greg Oden's career has been defined by one word: injuries.
Or perhaps the best word would be "unlucky." Very, very unlucky.
After missing his entire rookie season with the Portland Trailblazers due to surgery on a nagging knee injury, Oden has played only 82 games in his first three seasons and has never averaged more than 24 minutes per game.
Due to his inability to stay healthy, critics have constantly attacked Oden, calling him a bust and claiming the Blazers made a mistake by drafting him over rising superstar Kevin Durant.
Oden got off to a strong start last season, averaging 11 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game in just 24 minutes per game, while shooting 60 percent from the field and 76 percent from the free-throw line. Those stats meant that Oden was averaging 22 points, 17 rebounds and 4.6 blocks per 48 minutes. Not too shabby for a supposed bust.
Oden’s efficiency and defensive prowess were enabling him to prove his critics wrong, and Blazers fans were beginning to believe that he might finally be starting to reach his full potential, and that maybe the Blazers ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Preston DeGarmo
2010 NBA Preseason: Can Greg Oden Make an Impact on Portland Trailblazers?
October 6th, 2010 by Preston DeGarmo Leave a reply »
Advertisement