It must be a gloomy atmosphere in the Portland Trailblazers’ offices this week.

It was announced today that Greg Oden, the first overall draft pick in this year’s NBA draft, may miss the entire 2007-08 season. The former Ohio State Buckeye had exploratory surgery done and it was determined that Oden’s knee had serious damage that needed to be repaired.

A lot of knee-jerk reactions (no pun intended) in-and-around the league are bringing up the name Sam Bowie, the infamous center Portland snapped up before Michael Jordan in the 1984 draft.

To those, I say “relax.” It’s definitely too soon for that kind of talk – for that scenario to be comparable, Oden would have to play a few years and completely bust, while Kevin Durant would be an offensive juggernaut that ends up wearing several championship rings. Get back to me in 2012.

The Blazers, who have gone through some tulmult over the last several seasons, had vowed to not only re-establish their franchise’s winning ways, but doing it with character players. They rid themselves of players such as Rasheed Wallace, Bonzi Wells, Qytel Woods, Sebastian Telfair, Shawn Kemp, Reuben Patterson, Zach Randolph, and Isiah Rider. There has been reason to be optimistic in the city of Portland as of late. Last year’s draft picks included the ever-improving LaMarcus Aldridge, flashy point guard Sergio Rodriguez from Spain, and 2006-07 Rookie of the year Brandon Roy.

The Blazers were hoping to add the personable and soft-spoken Greg Oden to the mix this year, as well as rookies Josh McRoberts (Duke) and Taurean Green from Florida. It looks as the Blazers may have to wait another year to add the 19 year-old, 7-foot, defensive presence.

Despite the bad news, Blazer GM Kevin Pritchard is trying to remain upbeat “We picked the right player,” Pritchard said. “Greg is a world-class human being. He is going to be a great basketball player.” Only time will tell.

[related thread: Greg Oden likely to miss entire season]