Greg Oden = Sam Bowie?

[ethurst2]

Almost 25 years ago, the Portland Trailblazers drafted a guy with the number two pick over some guy named Michael Jordan.

And the rest is history. Bowie became a non-factor in the NBA and a journeyman while Jordan went on to win championships and sell sneakers.

Which brings me to Greg Oden.

Why do big men have problems in Portland? Bill Walton got hurt in Portland and was never the same after they beat the Sixers in the NBA Finals. Calvin Natt was never the same after he got injured. Sam Bowie got hurt before he even got going and now, Greg Oden appears that he's taking the same path as Sam Bowie.

Lets not forget the late Kevin Duckworth.

Do you think that Greg Oden is set for an injury prone career?

[EDGECRUSHER]

Greg Oden is 37 years old. It is hard for giant, 37 year old men to stay healthy.

I don't think he will have a great NBA career. It may not be as injury filled as some people predict, but I don't see him ever making an All-Star team.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

Like I said in another thread...... this calls into question the recent moves made by the Portland front office guys.  They had big men available.  They didn't need Oden.  They needed shooting help, and Kevin Durant, who was there for the taking, is kicking ass for the Supersonics/Thunder. 

[ethurst2]

Like I said in another thread...... this calls into question the recent moves made by the Portland front office guys.  They had big men available.  They didn't need Oden.  They needed shooting help, and Kevin Durant, who was there for the taking, is kicking ass for the Supersonics/Thunder. 

I tried to get Portland to hire you as their GM Tommy but they wouldn't listen and that's a shame.

[EDGECRUSHER]

Actually, I think the Blazers are in  very good shape and have made some excellent moves as of late. Not withstanding their trashing of Darius Miles to every NBA GM so they won't sign him for 10 games and hurt Portland's cap for 2009.

[Sunstroke]

I think Oden is going to have health issues his entire career, but I think Portland has a lot of other excellent young talent in guys like Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge...so I think they'll weather the Oden disappointment just fine.

[BigDaddyFin]

he played one half of one game after missing all last year.   Unless he plays the next 4 or 5 years in a row, he essentially is Sam Bowie. 

On a sidenote, Sam Bowie was a New Jersey Net the last time I think I actually watched a basketball game that wasn't the NCAA tourney or the NBA Championship.