[OrangeJuiceJonesParticipant]

Not really a surprise, but also something that doesn’t happen very oftenthe Portland Trailblazers and Greg Oden’s ‘representatives’ have agreed to let Monday’s deadline for 2007 first round picks to sign contract extensions pass. That means that Oden will become a restricted free agent in July which will give the Blazers the right to match any offer for him.

It’s sort of a dubious distinction for Oden–he becomes the first top pick since Kwame Brown in 2001 not to sign a contract extension after his third season. The reasoning in Oden’s case is much different–he’s just been injured too much and the Blazers haven’t been able to get an idea of his true value to the team. He’s played in only 82 of a possible 248 regular season games and is currently sidelined as he recovers from a broken left patella suffered last December. There’s no current timetable for his return, though he has resumed full contact practices and is traveling with the team. His representatives said it was “an easy conclusion” to agree to let the deadline pass.

The Blazers would like to re-sign Oden assuming he can stay healthy and contribute to the team. When he has played, he’s been an excellent addition to the team and particularly on the defensive end. He’s also well liked by teammates and in the community. Portland GM Rich Cho explained the team’s thinking in letting the deadline pass:

“We value Greg as a player both on and off the court. Greg has been injured and has been working hard through the rehab process, but at this time it didn’t seem to make a lot of sense for either side to enter negotiations on an in-depth basis.”

Blazers’ coach Nate McMillan has a similar view:

“I think he can help this team when healthy, but we have yet to see that. I think everybody is waiting on that.”

Credit to Oden for not going all Gilbert Arenas and obsessing over his contract status while he’s injured–he’s focused on getting healthy:

“I’m not worried about. I’m worried about getting healthy. My main thing is I can’t do anything until I’m healthy … so I’m not worried about that other stuff.”

The Blazers are off to a 3-0 start despite the absence of Oden and center Joel Przybilla. Przybilla is expected to return within the next few weeks, though he cut his thumb and required stitches at practice on Saturday.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Like it said in the article, it’s not that big of a surprise, but it’s kind of depressing when you think about all the hype/potential that surrounded him when he first came into the league. He’s shown the ability to be a great contributor when healthy, but that’s just it — he can’t stay healthy.

[Mr.Knick 32Participant]

It’s sad to see him potentally hitting the market so early in his career. The issue for me was when he played well we saw dozens of people go; "Hey look at Greg! 6/11 shooting, 17 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks! When he’s healthy: He’s a top 10 Center!"  I guess but whenever he’s healthy, it’s not a good thing. Don’t get me wrong, he’s gonna play 75 games in some seasons but I doubt he’s ever gonna be what many people envisioned for him.

 

For what it’s worth, I think he gets a 25 million dollar contract. He’s 7-0 and 22 years old. If he can play 65 games a season and give you 13ppg, 7rpg and 2bpg? He’s good. I don’t think he is a top 10 center either because I just trust other centers.

[Mr.Knick 32Participant]

It’s sad to see him potentally hitting the market so early in his career. The issue for me was when he played well we saw dozens of people go; "Hey look at Greg! 6/11 shooting, 17 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks! When he’s healthy: He’s a top 10 Center!"  I guess but whenever he’s healthy, it’s not a good thing. Don’t get me wrong, he’s gonna play 75 games in some seasons but I doubt he’s ever gonna be what many people envisioned for him.

 

For what it’s worth, I think he gets a 25 million dollar contract. He’s 7-0 and 22 years old. If he can play 65 games a season and give you 13ppg, 7rpg and 2bpg? He’s good. I don’t think he is a top 10 center either because I just trust other centers.

[durantula83Participant]

Oden has yet to prove he’s a player in this league.

[durantula83Participant]

Oden has yet to prove he’s a player in this league.

[Mr.Knick 32Participant]

Oden has yet to prove he’s a player in this league.

….Yes he has. He’s played well but he’s just injured alot. When he plays, he gets you the rebounds and blocks and clogs the lane well.
 

[Mr.Knick 32Participant]

Oden has yet to prove he’s a player in this league.

….Yes he has. He’s played well but he’s just injured alot. When he plays, he gets you the rebounds and blocks and clogs the lane well.
 

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

Business wise its a great move..Not offering him an extension doesn;t mean he wont be back..Portland’s owner have deep pockets..

BUT PORTLAND MUST RESIGN ODEN..If they dont wont the idea they let him go after just 3 years Hanging on the Franchise the next 20 years..Its been 26 years since they picked Bowie over Jordan and everyone is comparing the decision to pick Oden over Durant to that..Durant is no Jordan but he’s done alot since coming in the league.Compared to Oden injury riddled career..

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

Business wise its a great move..Not offering him an extension doesn;t mean he wont be back..Portland’s owner have deep pockets..

BUT PORTLAND MUST RESIGN ODEN..If they dont wont the idea they let him go after just 3 years Hanging on the Franchise the next 20 years..Its been 26 years since they picked Bowie over Jordan and everyone is comparing the decision to pick Oden over Durant to that..Durant is no Jordan but he’s done alot since coming in the league.Compared to Oden injury riddled career..

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

He is going to have suitors, it will just be a matter of whether Portland matches. Couldn’t Cleveland do worse than make a 23-year old Greg Oden the face of their rebuilding? Honestly, if OKC had any huevos, they’d go after Oden to solidify their frontcourt.

Another question that seems fair to ask, Greg Oden or Marc Gasol? Both are going to be free agents.

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

He is going to have suitors, it will just be a matter of whether Portland matches. Couldn’t Cleveland do worse than make a 23-year old Greg Oden the face of their rebuilding? Honestly, if OKC had any huevos, they’d go after Oden to solidify their frontcourt.

Another question that seems fair to ask, Greg Oden or Marc Gasol? Both are going to be free agents.

[kanyedabestParticipant]

durant is no jordan?? maybe not but hes as close to a jordan there is scoring wise at his age….. colossal mistake by the blazers taking oden, hindsight is 20/20 tho but KD is special player

[kanyedabestParticipant]

durant is no jordan?? maybe not but hes as close to a jordan there is scoring wise at his age….. colossal mistake by the blazers taking oden, hindsight is 20/20 tho but KD is special player

[Mr.Knick 32Participant]

I’d take Marc Gasol. Not even close.

[Mr.Knick 32Participant]

I’d take Marc Gasol. Not even close.

[McWinningParticipant]

Id take a healthy Greg Oden.

So id take Marc Gasol.

[McWinningParticipant]

Id take a healthy Greg Oden.

So id take Marc Gasol.

[[email protected]Participant]

 OKC would be a good fit for him, maybe they could trade Jeff Green straight up for him.

Then start:

C Oden

PF Ibaka

SF Durant

SG Harden

PG Westbrook

6th Maynor Pg

7th Aldrich Pf/C

8th Mullens C/Pf

9th Cook

That team could compete for a decade!

[[email protected]Participant]

 OKC would be a good fit for him, maybe they could trade Jeff Green straight up for him.

Then start:

C Oden

PF Ibaka

SF Durant

SG Harden

PG Westbrook

6th Maynor Pg

7th Aldrich Pf/C

8th Mullens C/Pf

9th Cook

That team could compete for a decade!

[esperanzafleet69Participant]

not a big deal…. he’ll probably wind up gettin more money on the free agent market anyways.. not necessarily smart move by cho..

[esperanzafleet69Participant]

not a big deal…. he’ll probably wind up gettin more money on the free agent market anyways.. not necessarily smart move by cho..

[HitsterParticipant]

Portland can match and with Paul Allen’s money they probably would but if Greg does get back soon and has a breakout year then the teams with cap space will take a close look at him. OKC would seem a logical team if Aldrich doesn’t come through, Cleveland if they do struggle would be a good option. I’d throw in NY perhaps, Oden alongside STAT could be interesting especially if another top FA comes in, with Tony Parker now resigned the list of top FA’s in 2011 after Melo is shortening. Also a total long shot might be Houston if Yao could not resign or only play limited minutes. If you want S and T options then Detroit desperately need a defensive kingpin who can compliment Greg Monroe and Oden could be the anser perhaps.

[HitsterParticipant]

Portland can match and with Paul Allen’s money they probably would but if Greg does get back soon and has a breakout year then the teams with cap space will take a close look at him. OKC would seem a logical team if Aldrich doesn’t come through, Cleveland if they do struggle would be a good option. I’d throw in NY perhaps, Oden alongside STAT could be interesting especially if another top FA comes in, with Tony Parker now resigned the list of top FA’s in 2011 after Melo is shortening. Also a total long shot might be Houston if Yao could not resign or only play limited minutes. If you want S and T options then Detroit desperately need a defensive kingpin who can compliment Greg Monroe and Oden could be the anser perhaps.

[creepingdefParticipant]

 I’ve got a feeling Minnesota might make a run for him. They’re big on guys with potential, and have plenty of cap room. Imagine an Oden/Love frontcourt, that’d be pretty sick.

[creepingdefParticipant]

 I’ve got a feeling Minnesota might make a run for him. They’re big on guys with potential, and have plenty of cap room. Imagine an Oden/Love frontcourt, that’d be pretty sick.

[Author]

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