Growing Pains: Greg Oden

Written by Erik

Thursday, 05 November 2009 09:40

greg oden

Greg Oden of the Portland Trail Blazers is healthy, energetic, and motivated. He is currently averaging 6.8 PPG; 9.8 RPG; 0.8 APG; 59.1 FG%; 72.7 FT%; 0.4 SPG; 2.2 BPG; 3.2 TO; over the first five games of the season. While his line is not all that impressive, it should be noted that there is a not-too-clear path ahead that can point to an improved level of production.

The bottom line is that his first few performances have been stunted by maddeningly consistent early foul trouble. While it is encouraging that it is a sign that he is exuberant and active on the defensive end of the floor, he still needs to learn proper spacing and timing. His turnovers are also quite high for someone who is expected to grab most of his points through offensive put-backs and open looks as LaMarcus Aldridge or Brandon Roy draw double teams. He needs to function better with the team's two main stars.

The fact that controlling foul trouble and being more cognisant of the ball and his position on the floor are his main hurdles at the moment, means that there is a potential for him to improve on his current 22-minute playing time average. Extrapolate a more productive Oden if he could increase his time on the floor. This is will be a matter of time, how effective his coaching is, and how quickly he learns what is being taught to him. If he can raise it (playing time) to about 28-32 minutes per games, then I can assure you that 12 PPG; 12 RPG; and 2.5 BPG are not out of the question.

The good news is that he has the enthusiasm and motivation to aggressively go after the ball. That's something that has to come from within. He just needs to learn to be more effective at accomplishing his objectives, and like I said, that is something he can learn.

Be patient with him and he may just possibly yeild you better dividends in the future.