NBA, Believe the Hype: How Greg Oden Can Still Become a Good Big Man
Greg Oden is a very talented basketball player who's skilled and talented center that could be compared to such all time great big men like Bill Russell,Tim Duncan and David Robinson
Even though he has the tools to become a monster and top center for the next decade,there's a one thing that has been a knock so far in his young career.That's the health problems.It's bothering him and he just needs to pass that
He had tough injuries on his both knees which cost him 2 entire seasons with the latest coming as of now, then a short one on his knee which cost him another 21 game etc.He's more on the injury report than on the court
However,even despite this guy can still have a successful NBA career,become what he has the tools to be and make the Portland Trail Blazers great franchise.Sounds like too much?Maybe,but he's a strong fella and can do this,nice and slowly.
Here are the things he needs to so he can play longer
Don't Lose Confidence
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With all of those injuries,it's not a problem to recover from them but to be mentally strong.For Greg Oden, he needs to put his entire mind focus on recovering as fast as possible from this injury,forget the doubters and focus on basketball.
Improve The Skills
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When Greg Oden entered the NBA as the No.1 draft pick from college,he pretty much looked similar to his current situation.A big,strong and an athletic center that can overpower you in the paint when going inside, go high to block shots and get ton of boards.
Now,something of that has to change.It's just has to.He won't lose his athleticism but tad of it will be gone. He worked hardly in that 2009 off season and as a result,his pivot moves are better,has good hook shots with either hand and so on.
Now,he will need to rely little more on his post moves,not just to dunk strongly over a defender.That's won't pass to a good defender of the caliber like Perkins,Howard so a better post game will be his strength to be a threat inside in many ways.
Lose More Weight
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He's an athletic center who's one of the strongest players in the NBA who takes full advantage of his crazy physical gifts that make him tough task to cover despite that lack of great offense.However,his knees aren't capable to hold up those muscles
They are just not.He has had trouble staying on the court because his knees cannot take that pressure of his athletic and NBA ready body.However with losing another 10-15 pounds,he can get on speed because he had the needed strength and it will help him adjust in the game,a lot better.
Remember Who You Are
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Greg Oden is a great big man despite the fact that his career has been dominated by health problems but it's just impossible to deny his talent.
He can takeover any game without even scoring a single point by dominating on the defense with his great rebounding,shot blocking technique and awesome defensive instincts.He can bottle his man up while doing the help defense.
He's a beast,who when healthy is one of the best defenders and most productive players around the NBA, that's for sure.His ability to block shots,clean the glass,score inside with easy,attract double teams make him valuable.The fact that he's 22,even more valuable.
During the very short 2009-2010 season for him duo to health issues,in just 24 minutes of action,he posted some impressive numbers.11.6 points,8.7 rebounds,2.3 blocks on 64% Field Goal.Sounds great,doesn't it guys?
He managed to lead the league for a while in blocks,field goal percents and in couple of PER stats which is beyond great.Increase his playing time to 36 minutes per game and his overall production will go to 16.7 points,12.8 boards and 3.4 denied shots a game.
The Portland Trail Blazers should sign him and believe in him because if they extend him,he will contribute a lot for the future championship runs of the franchise and hoping to end title drains since the famous '76 for that franchise.
Strong Self Confidence
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If others like Kwame Brown,Stormie Soft have made in the NBA despite their bad production,managed to play more then 7-8 years and still to be around in some teams,then this guy should have strongly believe in himself
There are teams that will still offer a nice contract and give him a chance to shine.At this point,it's possible for many elite teams and overall to try to get him in their hands.Here is a look at which franchises would try to get his contract
-New York Knicks:The Knicks lack a strong young center like Oden who will turn this franchise around in positive direction.Him being himself,a dominate defensive player with solid offense will possible earn them a playoff spot.
NYK has a problem with the interior defense and on the glass where Greg can be a big help and put great numbers for sure.Plus he can get easy points in the paint,even though it won't be needed since they have Amar'e with who he will be excellent combo
-Golden State Warriors:Why not?Like the team above,they have the same problems too.He will combine nicely with David Lee.Possible,All-Star big men combo in a team since the Spurs back in the day with Timmy and the Admiral
-Toronto Raptors:The need of a top class defender is huge as well as it on the boards,blocks and someone who could deal with offensive nightmares standing on 7 feet..
-Miami Heat:They have a big 3 and with time things such as chemistry will come and will add to rings to the collection.But it will be tougher without having a good man in the interior.Pat Riley is a smart man who could make a trade/sign him and made him a great career.
-Cleveland Cavaliers:They need size,why not then?
Overcome The Injuries
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He needs to overcome the injuries so he can live up to his potential because he has a phenomenal talent and do best what he knows.That's to play basketball.Can he establish himself into a healthy player for the rest of his career,the Portland Trail Blazers will be in a position to win many titles.
After all,his only 22 years old.That means,that he has enough time to put those problems behind him and make a name as a top center out there,which he already is,he just needs to show that on bigger time.The skills are there,just play already!
Forget The Doubters
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There will be doubters who won't stop to doubt Greg Oden.They will most likely increase,since the player that he was drafted ahead,Kevin Durant is becoming better and better every second that he's active on the court.
It will be most likely a great idea for him to forget those guys,stay mentally strong,recover well and to work hard to improve his game,so he can prove himself.When he put big effort during the off season in 2009,the results were brilliant.
Don't give up!
At Some Point...
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At some point of his career,he will most likely need to accept the role of a 6th Man.He can still contribute from the bench as well and make a positive noise for his team and most important himself.
It's not a bad idea,since he's injuring himself and will need time to find his confidence back.Some of best big men ever like Bill Walton and Kevin McHale accepted the role of a 6th Man and earned many honors in a tougher competition
Maybe it's a good idea for some time and then put him as a full time starter.
Play More Minutes
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He's a strong center with nice touch inside,is dominate on the defensive end with nice instincts,can attract a lot of attention,grabs ton of boards and hits free throws beyond great for a big,athletic center of his great caliber
In other words,he's one of the most valuable players in the NBA and Blazers' MVP(not #1 in the team but a big factor to success).They count on Greg in order to make many championship runs and to end drains since 1976
He makes Portland one of the very best teams in the league.He can slowly work his way to become the best center in the game (no offense to anyone) by playing more since he's got the tools to become that and it's not a surprise.
Talk To Players That Have Been On The Same Path
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It's not unknown that other players besides Greg himself,have been on the same path and made it out of it while shining.Amar'e Stoudemire,who's one of the best players right now is one of those guys.These guys will give good advice,because they know best
So,Oden,better start talking...and learning
Ask For Lessons
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In the picture,you see two of the greatest big men of all time and two legends of the game that Greg Oden is compared to.In many ways,he seems that his talent makes those comparisons valid and still in place.
However,can he work with the two of them or with either of them his game will be even better.Howard this summer worked with Hakeem,as a result his game got better.Hibbert worked with Walton and improved a lot as well
So,it's time to ask Bill Russell and David Robinson for some lessons.Maybe Tim Duncan too.
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