What type of season will Portland's Greg Oden?

[Saskibaloia]

This 7-footer was hailed as the coming of another authentic and dominant centre who will eventually be in the same class as Shaq, Robinson and Ewing. A young man who will make an immediate impact the same way that he did in the NCAA. After missing the whole of last season will he be able to bounce back and met the expectations of a number 1 NBA draft pick? Will he be able to uplift the Blazers to the glory days of the late 80s and early 90s? What type of season will the young man have? Do you see him as a lock for Rookie of the Year?

[Prizmatic]

I'm expecting at least 32 mpg 14 ppg 12 rpg on 55% FG his rookie season. He should be better than Andrew Bynum

[LordOfLeyte]

Big Greg O

He's hungry to redeem himself and aching to surpass the hype since draft day. His strength, bulk and athleticism will complement the up and coming blazers. I'm looking for 2.9 blocks per game. the best part is that POR is playing LAL in opening night. Oden vs. Bynum.

[Khalid80]

I hope the guy has a great season and he doesn't reinjure himself.

[joesmoove059]

Portland must be the darkhorse this season, acquiring Rudy Fernandez,jerryd Bayless and Greg Oden(not acquired, but reacivated) is a really big boost for the trailblazers, I'm expecting them to make it to the playoffs!

[rikhardur]

Oden sets goal to win ROY award

RYE BROOK, N.Y. (AP) -- He was drafted more than 14 months ago, and even then he looked too old to be a first-year player, so it's easy to forget that Greg Oden is technically a rookie.

Sidelined all season after knee surgery, the top pick in the 2007 draft never got to compete with No. 2 selection Kevin Durant for the Rookie of the Year award. So he's eligible to win it this year, and that's one of his goals.

"I hope so," Oden said Thursday. "I'm working for it."

The Portland center definitely feels like a newcomer this week, joining a number of first-year players in the league's rookie transition program, a four-day event where players are counseled on issues they will face on and off the court.

Players are given three years to complete the program, in case they are unavailable in the summer before they enter the NBA. Oden couldn't come last year because it started just days after he had microfracture surgery on his right knee.

He finally began taking part in 5-on-5 drills last week, playing twice with his Trail Blazers teammates, and seemed pleased with his progress.

"When I first came back to Portland, I came back about three weeks ago, and I was a little bit nervous getting in there and starting working out with the guys," Oden said. "I was nervous about how I was going to play, but the more I got to playing, it's just about going out there and playing the game I love, so it's not really anything to be nervous about."

For now, he doesn't think the Blazers will let him do too much more.

"I don't think they're going to do that until the season starts," he said. "They're trying to make sure nothing happens, so keeping me on a tight rope right now."

Oden has already experienced plenty in the NBA, traveling with the Blazers on three long road trips last season. He said he's learned much more in the transition program, such as the services provided by the players' association and some financial lessons.

"I really don't know everything that went on, so I got to see some things," Oden said. "I know a couple of things that go on, but to really hear about it and all the situations while being here is good for me."

Oden and the rest of the participants saw a quick lesson in NBA discipline Wednesday when former Kansas stars Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur were sent home on the first day of the program for violating unspecified league rules.

Mike Bantom, the NBA's senior vice president of player development, said young players are going to make mistakes, which is why there is such a focus on finances. Even a first-round pick like Oden is only guaranteed a two-year contract at the start of his career, so players are cautioned not to blow it all too quickly.

"Be accountable for your own finances, don't rely on an agent or any one person to manage your money, because ultimately it's going to be your responsibility," Bantom said. "It's going to be your issue and you can't say, 'Well, I left it up to him."'

Players also got a lecture Thursday from former Cavaliers and Hornets coach Paul Silas, who while reminding them of the challenges rookies face pointed out that he didn't even start Baron Davis, then a No. 3 overall pick, in Charlotte because he didn't think the point guard came into the league with a good enough shot.

Oden, growing out his beard and looking far older than his 20 years, is already aware there are no guarantees. Still, he won't have to worry about playing time once he's fully recovered.

"It took a couple of days, but it felt good," he said of facing live competition again. "The second day it felt a lot better, but I'm still not quite back yet."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/basketball/nba/09/08/bc.bkn.odentherookie.ap/index.html

[mvblair]

I think Oden will play like Andrew Bogut (NBA style, not Olympic). Maybe 12 points, 10 rebounds per game. That's a lot for a rookie center.

I still don't know if Portland can make the play-offs. They've got some good player in Bayless, Fernandez, Roy, and Oden, but they're all so young.

I guess their team will look something like this:

PG - Jerryd Bayless, Sergio Rodriguez
SG - Brandon Roy, Rudy Fernandez
SF - Martell Webster, Travis Outlaw, Rudy Fernandez (eventual starter?)
PF - LaMarcus Aldridge, Channing Frye
C - Greg Oden, Joel Przybilla

[Khalid80]

I'm pretty sure that if Portland was in the East they would definitely make it to the playoffs.
As for their chances in the West, they do have alot of potential and I think that they will be fighting for a playoff position even though it's going to be tough for them since they will be competing with teams like the Lakers, Hornets, Spurs, Jazz, Rockets, Suns, Nuggets. But I do believe that the Blazers current team is better than teams like Golden State and Sacramento whom always end up close to making the playoffs or make it to the playoffs in 7th or 8th position.

[Pistol Pete]

I think Oden will be very good defensively but will need time to show his offensive skills.

I'm pretty sure that Portland will beat Denver in the playoff race because Denver showed no defense last season and without Marcus Camby it looks like they're in for a lottery pick. The question is whether Portland can actually beat Golden State. It's going to be a close one.

[Phantim3dx]

as mcmillan at the helms, do u think this coach can exploit the juice out of all those players, i, still doubting it

[ricodgame]

Team Preview: Portland Trailblazers

STATE OF THE FRANCHISE

Entering 2007-08, Portland was considered a team on the rise. Once Greg Oden went down with a season-ending knee injury, many thought the Blazers were lottery-bound, but coach Nate McMillan had other plans. Led by budding-superstar Brandon Roy, the Trailblazers started the season off with a 22-13 record and looked poised to make a surprising run at the playoffs. The Blazers were unable to sustain their early pace, finishing with a record of 41-41 and a ticket back to the lottery.

Last season's surprise revival in Rip City has the NBA community abuzz with hype for the Blazers entering this season. Aside from bringing back the core of a young improving team, Portland adds three first round talents - Oden, Rudy Fernandez and Jerryd Bayless. The additions of three Rookie-of-the-Year candidates make the Blazers one of the deepest teams in the NBA. With the Warriors, Clippers and Nuggets all seemingly taking a step back this offseason, expect Portland to reach the playoffs for the first time since the Jailblazers era.

PLAYING TIME DISTRIBUTION

McMillan will have his hands full trying to juggle his newfound depth. The two big guns from last year, Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, will continue to log around 35 minutes per game. Roy approached the 40 minute mark often last season, but with added depth and a surgically repaired knee, expect his minutes to drop a tad. Oden will get the majority of run at center, but with his injury history, kid gloves will be worn - 30 minutes per game is a reasonable estimate.

The other two players slotted in the starting lineup are Steve Blake and Martell Webster. The nod as starters doesn't mean an increase in minutes for either player. With other outside shooting options, Webster will have to earn his time; unless his defense improves expect around 25 minutes per. Blake's time will hinge on Bayless' development as a point guard. Bayless appears to be a better option at shooting guard, so Blake should see the majority of time at the one.

Travis Outlaw figures to see the most minutes off the bench. He played 26 minutes per game last season and should easily be able to top that number with his pending move to small forward. Bayless and Fernandez will share the 50 minutes left by the departures of Jarrett Jack and James Jones. Channing Frye will back up Aldridge at the four and should see a slight increase from the 17 minutes per game logged last season. Backup center Joel Przybilla will give Oden ample rest while cleaning the glass for close to 20 minutes. The rest of the bench - Sergio Rodriguez, Ike Diogu and Raef LaFrentz - will see plenty of mop-up duty and numerous DNP's.

PLAYER OUTLOOKS

Center
Greg Oden: The Blazers did the right thing last season by taking their time with Oden's return. The first-overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft has been working out all offseason to rave reviews. He just recently started participating in a 5-on-5 scrimmages and looked more explosive than before his knee injury - the Portland brass seems very optimistic for a healthy return. At Ohio State, Oden showed that he's a defensive presence, averaging 3.3 blocks in his lone collegiate season. Oden will be the third or fourth scoring option when he is on the floor, so don't expect him to carry a fantasy team with his offensive production. Draft him for rebounds and blocks and pray for health.

Joel Przybilla: "The Vanilla Gorilla" won't garner much fantasy attention this season as a backup center coming off a season in which he averaged 4.8 points, but Przybilla provides surprise value with his ability to clean the glass - he finished 24th in the NBA with 8.4 rebounds per game last season. Owners in a crunch for boards should look in Przybilla's direction.

Forward

LaMarcus Aldridge: One of fantasy's breakout performers last season, Aldridge built on late season success in his rookie campaign and became the Blazers' second leading scorer in 2007-08. Aldridge was one of 17 players in the NBA to average over 17 points and seven rebounds per game. While it may seem like an addition of a low post scoring option like Oden would diminish Aldridge's scoring numbers, it should actually be a boon for the third-year power forward. Aldridge does most of his damage facing the basket. With Oden punishing the block, Aldridge should see plenty of opportunities to knock down short jumpers.

Channing Frye: After being traded to the Blazers in exchange for Zach Randolph, Frye was expected to have a large role with a young team. The season didn't go according to plans and Frye struggled to find his role with the Blazers, averaging career lows of 6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds. At 6-11, 248, Frye lacks prototypical size to be a banger down low, so he has worked on moving his game towards the perimeter this offseason. The presence of Oden and Aldridge on the block has Frye looking to develop into a three-point specialist. If he proves to have a stroke from downtown, Frye could have some sneaky 3-point value from a big man, but surgery to remove bone spurs from his ankle will cost Frye all of training camp and the first two weeks or so of the regular season, and could hurt his chances to make that transition.

Travis Outlaw: The 2007-08 campaign was a coming-out party for Outlaw. The Blazers' sixth-man provided a spark of the bench by averaging career highs in points (13.3), rebounds (4.6) and assists (1.3). The versatile forward spent most of his time at power forward last season, but McMillan plans to slide him to the three this year. The position change means that Outlaw could eventually play his way into the starting lineup, replacing Webster. Outlaw might not repeat as the third-leading scorer on the team, but any player who is capable of averaging over one 3-pointer, steal and block per game makes for an intriguing fantasy option.

Martell Webster: The 22-year-old swing man set career highs of 10.7 points and 3.9 rebounds while starting in 70 of 75 appearances last season. He has shown gradual improvement in his first three seasons and is slowly becoming a decent threat from long range, hitting 123 3-pointers at a 38.8 clip last season. Webster is still slotted in as the starter at small forward, but will have to improve his all-around play to hold on to the position. With the emergence of Outlaw and the arrivals of Fernandez and Bayless, Webster will have a hard time duplicating last year's production.

Ike Diogu: Diogu came over in the draft day deal that landed Bayless. He will provide depth to the Blazers' front-court, but the undersized power forward will have a tough time getting significant run. He's a defensive liability and will only find fantasy relevance if Portland's front-court has a rash of injuries.

Raef LaFrentz: LaFrentz will have surgery to repair a tear in his shoulder and is expected to be shelved until March at the earliest. His biggest chance at impacting the Blazers' season is as a tradeable commodity -- his $13 million contract expires after the season.

Guard

Brandon Roy: After bringing home Rookie of the Year honors in 2006-07, Roy made the jump to All Star in year two. He led the Blazers in points (19.1), assists (5.8) and steals (1.1). He should continue to develop his all-around game and lead the Blazers in most statistical categories, but owners should be weary of Roy's never-ending injury woes. The third-year guard underwent offseason knee surgery on a torn meniscus, but he is on schedule to be ready for the start of training camp. Injury concerns have plagued Roy since his college days at the University of Washington, but he always ends up playing. Watch his progress closely throughout training camp before using a high draft pick on him.

Rudy Fernandez: The Olympics were a coming-out party for Fernandez. The wiry 6-5 guard showed an explosive offensive skill-set against elite competition while playing for Spain in the 2008 Summer Games. He averaged 13.1 points while going 16-for-40 from beyond the arc. Fernandez will assume the role of a scoring punch off the bench for Portland. Defense will be troublesome for the 23-year-old, but he should provide plenty of value with points and three-pointers.

Steve Blake: Blake is the starter at point guard by default - the Blazers don't have any other options. Surrounded by scorers, Blake will be asked to create open shots for his teammates and hold his own on the defensive end of the floor. The Blazers' offense is run through Roy, so Blake's value further takes a hit as he doesn't see the assist totals expected from a point guard getting 30 minutes a night.

Jerryd Bayless: The Trailblazers may have made the steal of the draft when they acquired Bayless from the Pacers. Bayless was projected to go as high as top-five in the lottery, but he fell all the way down to the 11th overall selection. A collective thud could be heard across the NBA as general managers smacked their heads in disbelief, watching Bayless dominate the NBA Summer League. The shoot-first guard took home MVP honors in Las Vegas, averaging 29.8 points on 48.5 FG shooting. He will have to battle Fernandez and Outlaw for shots with the second unit, but is worth a late-round flier in most leagues.

Sergio Rodriguez: The third-year guard from Spain is one of only two true point guards on the Blazers roster - Blake being the other -- but with Bayless and Roy seeing minutes at point, Rodriguez will have trouble reaching the hardwood. He could see a slight increase in playing time due to the departure of Jack, but the increase would be too minimal for fantasy purposes.

Sleeper:
Jerryd Bayless: The most obvious choice here is Fernandez, but His international exposure in the Olympics will make him a draft day target on everyone's list. The better option would be to go after Bayless. At 6-3, 190, Bayless is too small to play anything other than point guard. The problem is that he is more of a shoot first guard than a prototypical floor general. If he can develop better distribution skills, Bayless could easily supplant Blake in the starting lineup by midseason.

Bust:
Martell Webster: Webster is in very serious danger of losing playing time this season. He is one of the Blazers only threats from deep, but with Outlaw breathing down his neck and Frye developing a 3-point shot, Webster's days in the starting lineup. A move to the bench would push him behind Fernandez and Bayless on the totem pole. The reward doesn't come close to outweighing the risk, avoid him if possible.

http://www.nba.com/fantasy/draftkit/por_08.html

[BorisD]

This 7-footer was hailed as the coming of another authentic and dominant centre who will eventually be in the same class as Shaq, Robinson and Ewing. A young man who will make an immediate impact the same way that he did in the NCAA. After missing the whole of last season will he be able to bounce back and met the expectations of a number 1 NBA draft pick? Will he be able to uplift the Blazers to the glory days of the late 80s and early 90s? What type of season will the young man have? Do you see him as a lock for Rookie of the Year?

Given that I have him on two fantasy teams (8-cat H2H keeper, 9-cat roto) I'm hoping he has a fairly solid team. My roto league needs him to put up 2 blocks/game or so and some help on the glass, or I'm going to have some real issues! My keeper team is just fine (Bryant, Kidd, Ford, Kirilenko, Marion, Oden, Bynum - with Ray Allen, Richard Jefferson and Troy Murphy coming off the bench) but I'm not happy with the FG% or blocks of my roto league.

[vanguard]

I haven't seen new clips about Greg Oden but the way I see it, Portland is going to have a great season and Oden will have an average one. Part of it will come from the Blazers not so deep line-up of big men.

I see a Dikembe Mutombo performance from Greg Oden this season. He will be a force in the paint.

[pepman]

Blazers will go to the playoffs.

Blazers with Oden is a powerful season.

TURN-AROUND Season!

58-24

Likewise the Celtics did last season.

[rikhardur]

Oden rolls right ankle in practice but Blazers say he's OK


TUALATIN, Ore. -- Trail Blazers center Greg Oden is OK after rolling his right ankle during the first day of training camp.

"He's fine," Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan said Wednesday. "Everybody, he's fine. He's OK."

Oden, who missed all of his rookie season because of knee surgery, was injured Tuesday during a drill while pushing fellow center Joel Przybilla for rebounding position.

After walking with a slight limp, he finished practice by riding a stationary bike.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3619968