Portland, This is NOT Deja Vu

To Paul Allen, Kevin Pritchard, and the entire Rose City population:

Look, I know your mood turned from joyous to gloomy in one doctor's phone call, but please, do not go into a frenzy. Greg Oden will miss his rookie season, and I know you may have slight regret in making the decision to select the big man instead of the swingman from my hometown (for the record, I said you should have; but to each is own); but all is not lost. And Oden is definitely NOT Sam Bowie, who by the way, turned out to be a servicable big man and have an almost-respectable career...considering.

Yes, it now looks questionable to trade all-star caliber in Zach Randolph and place the burden on your young players, led by R.O.Y. (as predicted by me) Brandon Roy. And it seems like he's fragile after having nagging injuries in college which would allow anyone to question whether he can handle the rigors of an 82-game NBA season. Granted, Mr. Durant looks ahead of the NBA curve offensively and will probably have nights that will force you to remember that you're the city that passed on him; while Oden struggled in summer league. And no, although LaMarcus Aldridge and Channing Frye are good young big men, your team will not have any interior defensive presence. Both have been criticized for playing smaller than their suggested heights, and both would rather shoot a 15-footer than make a power drop step. But trust me, Oden will be incredible for your city. He's a legit center that absolutely loves to play defense and rebound, something that's lost in 90% of the league, regardless of position.

And though Greg Oden looks like Wise Lebron (stop looking at my lemonade), he's only 19. If he follows the tough rehab program to the letter like Amare did, then he won't show any ill effects when he does return. The rehab is key because you know the talent is there, he just has to make sure not to further hinder his overall athleticism. Mike Conley will be good, and Thad Matta can coach, but Oden was the reason Ohio State went to the NCAA championship game last year, and eventually he will bring winning to your franchise.

The bright side has more illumination than you may think, Portland. Because of this injury, he does not have to endure regular-season wear and tear, which may allow for him to extend his career. So he does not have to contend with the Shaq's (sorry, you won't be seeing him soon, Wilt Chamber-neezy) and Yao's on the block; then have to worry about perimeter players looking to draw contact and highflyers looking to make posters. And it's not like you were playoff contenders, anyway, so just wait one more year like you were going to do in the first place. All signs point to him having a strong work ethic, being that he played and shot free throws with his off hand. If he takes this rehab time to work on his game, be it a baby hook or just simple footwork, he'll be fine.

For now, Portland, just enjoy the fact that Brandon Roy will continue to grow and then visualize the team you will have next year. You'll undoubtedly will be in the lottery again, hopefully you'll land a solid swingman; like an O.J. Mayo or a Michael Beasley (another one from up the block). Even Chase Budinger and Nicolas Batum (from Greece) will do. Just hang in there, Portland......Unless Kevin Durant is all-time great. Then, well, it's back to the drawing board for your front office....again.







By: Johnathan D. Tillman