Indazone
02-24-2011, 01:46 PM
http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2011/02/if_portland_is_shopping_greg_o.html
If Portland is shopping Greg Oden, Detroit Pistons would be wise to check the price tag
Published: Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 4:15 PM Updated: Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 7:09 PM
By Justin Rogers | MLive.com
Greg Oden hasn't played in a game since fracturing his patella in Dec., 2009.
According to Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix, the Portland Trail Blazers have former No. 1 draft pick Greg Oden on the trade block.
If that's the case, Detroit Pistons general manager Joe Dumars should at least inquire about the Blazers' asking price.
A series of serious injuries has given Oden the dreaded bust label.
Selected ahead of Kevin Durant in the 2007 draft after one season at Ohio State, Oden missed his entire rookie season after having microfracture surgery on his right knee.
Oden returned to start the 2008-09 season, but injured his foot in his debut, forcing him to miss six games. He missed another 15 games later in the season after chipping a bone in his knee. On the year he played in 61 games, starting 39, and averaged 8.9 points, seven rebounds and 1.1 blocks.
Oden got off to a strong start in the 2009-10 campaign, averaging 12.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in November. On Nov. 23, against the Chicago Bulls, Oden scored 24 points, grabbed 12 boards and blocked two shots in a 122-98 win over the Chicago Bulls. It looked like he was on his way to fulfilling his potential.
But two weeks later, after just 21 games, Oden found himself sidelined for the season again, this time with a fractured patella.
This past November, the Trail Blazers announced Oden needed another microfracture surgery, this time on his left knee, meaning he'd miss the entire season.
When the 2010-11 season ends, Oden will have only appeared in 82 games in four years with the Blazers.
So with Oden's lengthy injury history, why should Dumars even bother?
For a number of reasons:
1. Oden is what the Pistons need. He's a defensive-minded, rebounding, shot-blocking 7-footer. No matter where the Pistons land in the draft lottery, they won't find a big man who has Oden's potential.
2. Oden will be a restricted free agent after this season. Assuming the next collective bargaining agreement maintains a similar structure, the Pistons will be able to match any offers. That means Detroit would be able to retain Oden's services.
3. The legend of Arnie Kander – the Pistons' veteran strength and conditioning coach.
Microfracture surgery used to be career-ending, but it's becoming more and more common for players to come back from it. Remember, Amar'e Stoudemire had the procedure done a few years back, and he's doing pretty well.
Detroit also had its own microfracture patient in Antonio McDyess, and Kander, the Pistons' training guru, is often credited with revitalizing his career. Kander deserves some praise for Tracy McGrady's resurgence this season.
There's no pretending Oden isn't a huge risk, but the Pistons are in a position to take a chance at the right cost.
The Pistons could start any package with Tayshaun Prince. Obviously, Oden will cost Detroit more than just Prince - they would have to include at least a player from the team's young core. That probably means Austin Daye, Jonas Jerebko or Rodney Stuckey.
As the NBA trade deadline draws near, a door has potentially opened where the Pistons could make a bold move to improve the team's future. Trading for Oden would be a massive risk, one that would probably cost Dumars his job if it didn't work out. But Oden represents the young, big man the Pistons president covets, and if the price is right, he should pull the trigger.
If Portland is shopping Greg Oden, Detroit Pistons would be wise to check the price tag
Published: Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 4:15 PM Updated: Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 7:09 PM
By Justin Rogers | MLive.com
Greg Oden hasn't played in a game since fracturing his patella in Dec., 2009.
According to Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix, the Portland Trail Blazers have former No. 1 draft pick Greg Oden on the trade block.
If that's the case, Detroit Pistons general manager Joe Dumars should at least inquire about the Blazers' asking price.
A series of serious injuries has given Oden the dreaded bust label.
Selected ahead of Kevin Durant in the 2007 draft after one season at Ohio State, Oden missed his entire rookie season after having microfracture surgery on his right knee.
Oden returned to start the 2008-09 season, but injured his foot in his debut, forcing him to miss six games. He missed another 15 games later in the season after chipping a bone in his knee. On the year he played in 61 games, starting 39, and averaged 8.9 points, seven rebounds and 1.1 blocks.
Oden got off to a strong start in the 2009-10 campaign, averaging 12.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in November. On Nov. 23, against the Chicago Bulls, Oden scored 24 points, grabbed 12 boards and blocked two shots in a 122-98 win over the Chicago Bulls. It looked like he was on his way to fulfilling his potential.
But two weeks later, after just 21 games, Oden found himself sidelined for the season again, this time with a fractured patella.
This past November, the Trail Blazers announced Oden needed another microfracture surgery, this time on his left knee, meaning he'd miss the entire season.
When the 2010-11 season ends, Oden will have only appeared in 82 games in four years with the Blazers.
So with Oden's lengthy injury history, why should Dumars even bother?
For a number of reasons:
1. Oden is what the Pistons need. He's a defensive-minded, rebounding, shot-blocking 7-footer. No matter where the Pistons land in the draft lottery, they won't find a big man who has Oden's potential.
2. Oden will be a restricted free agent after this season. Assuming the next collective bargaining agreement maintains a similar structure, the Pistons will be able to match any offers. That means Detroit would be able to retain Oden's services.
3. The legend of Arnie Kander – the Pistons' veteran strength and conditioning coach.
Microfracture surgery used to be career-ending, but it's becoming more and more common for players to come back from it. Remember, Amar'e Stoudemire had the procedure done a few years back, and he's doing pretty well.
Detroit also had its own microfracture patient in Antonio McDyess, and Kander, the Pistons' training guru, is often credited with revitalizing his career. Kander deserves some praise for Tracy McGrady's resurgence this season.
There's no pretending Oden isn't a huge risk, but the Pistons are in a position to take a chance at the right cost.
The Pistons could start any package with Tayshaun Prince. Obviously, Oden will cost Detroit more than just Prince - they would have to include at least a player from the team's young core. That probably means Austin Daye, Jonas Jerebko or Rodney Stuckey.
As the NBA trade deadline draws near, a door has potentially opened where the Pistons could make a bold move to improve the team's future. Trading for Oden would be a massive risk, one that would probably cost Dumars his job if it didn't work out. But Oden represents the young, big man the Pistons president covets, and if the price is right, he should pull the trigger.