Greg Oden: A Taller Version of Ben Wallace?

When Greg Oden entered the NBA in 2007, many predicted he would emerge as the league's greatest center since Shaquille O'Neal.

So far, that hasn't been the case.

After missing his entire rookie season due to injury, Oden finally made his way onto the hardwood last season, finishing with averages of 8.9 points and seven rebounds per game.

Those stats would have been ideal for an undrafted rookie, but not for a former No. 1 draft pick.

He has averaged 4.7 points, 10 boards, and 3.3 blocks per game through three games this season.

While Oden's scoring has been dreadful, his defensive numbers haven't looked too bad. The other night at Houston, he recorded an impressive five blocked shots.

So maybe he's not going to turn into the dominant 20-10 center you can dump the ball to when the game is on the line.

He might just turn out to be a Ben Wallace-type of guy, or in other words, no offense whatsoever, but lots of rebounds and blocks.

In addition, Oden could take home a couple of Defensive Player of the Year Awards throughout his career and become that guy that makes you think twice before driving the lane.

Of course, it's way too early to know for sure.

I just hope he's not the next Sam Bowie.

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