[外電] A wait on his shoulders
A wait on his shoulders
Delay makes Oden more eager to playpg
As odd as it may sound, the Celtics have reason to be happy that Greg Oden
didn't end up coming to Boston.
The 2007 draft lottery seemed like one of the worst days in franchise
history, as dreams of getting the Ohio State star center were shattered
when the Celtics landed the fifth overall pick.
But general manager Danny Ainge more than made up for that by making deals
to create today's version of "The Big Three." And after Oden suffered a
season-ending right knee injury before his rookie campaign even started,
the Celtics' All-Star trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen led
the franchise to its first NBA Finals in 21 years.
"Boston, they got 'The Big Three' and the best record in the league this
year, what can you say?" Oden said. "And I'm sitting on the bench in a suit."
Oden was selected with the first overall pick in last year's draft by
Portland. With All-Star guard Brandon Roy, forward LaMarcus Aldridge, and
other talented young players on the roster, the 7-foot, 257-pounder was
expected to get the Blazers back in the playoffs for the first time since
2003.
But there was some concern about the Indianapolis native entering the draft.
He missed the beginning of his freshman season after having right wrist
surgery.
Those concerns became reality when he had right knee microfracture surgery
Sept. 14, postponing what would have been one of the most anticipated rookie
seasons in NBA history.
"Prior to the wrist, I didn't have anything; I missed one game and that's
because I had a severe sore throat," said Oden with a laugh. "I've matured
so much. There is some good that has come out of it. It's helped me out.
I've calmed myself down coming into the league."
Itching to get back on the court, Oden played in a pickup game at a 24-Hour
Fitness March 27 in Tualatin, Ore. The Trail Blazers found out about it
through an Internet report and expressed strong disappointment in the 20-
year-old.
The Blazers will continue to be extra cautious with Oden. Before he began
summer school back at Ohio State, a Blazers assistant coach and trainer
conducted basketball workouts and weightlifting sessions with Oden in
Indianapolis. Oden says he will not play in summer league and doesn't expect
to be in a game again until the preseason.
"I'm a competitor," Oden said. "I want to be out there and help the team win.
Not being able to compete, it's just hard on me. That's why I went out there
when I did and kind of got in trouble for going to the 24-Hour Fitness.
"But I've wanted to play. I haven't played in so long.
"[The Blazers are] watching me. If I can collect everybody's camera phones,
we can get a game in. Other than that, I just have to calm down and do what
I'm supposed to do.
"I know I'm an investment. I know I'm looked at as a big part of helping the
franchise win. So they are just looking out for me and making sure nothing
happens to me."
And if you thought Oden was physically imposing already, wait till you see
him next season.
"These shirts that I used to wear, they are just not fitting right no more,"
he said. "I feel like the guy who wears tight shirts once he gets big. But
they weren't this tight when I first got them. I don't mind showing off my
muscles."
Unless they trade the pick, which is very possible, the Blazers could bring
in another solid rookie with the 13th selection in the first round. They
return Roy and Aldridge from a team that went 41-41. Also, Spanish standout
guard Rudy Fernandez announced yesterday that he is leaving Spain to play
for the Blazers next season.
Even so, the spotlight will shine brightest on Oden.
"I know he has a good upside," Celtics center Kendrick Perkins said. "I just
want to see how he does in the league. I'm real anxious to see what he does.
"It's going to be kind of hard [to beat out center Joel] Przybilla. But I'm
anxious to see how he does, how he's gonna adapt.
"I saw how Al Horford and Kevin Durant did. I just want to see how Greg Oden
does with all the hype."
It's easy for Celtics fans to forget Oden while their team is in the Finals.
But Oden would like to get back to you in 10 years and compare how many
championships Boston has vs. Portland.
"Being around the city of Portland, people are still talking about when they
won a championship," Oden said. "Back then, they were just waiting on some-
thing big and something good to happen.
"Hopefully, it will happen when I'm there and we can all enjoy it."
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