Greg Oden Plays Pick-Up Ball; Blazers Upset
While rehabbing from season-ending microfracture right knee surgery, Greg Oden is probably bored out of his mind. As such, he’s talking to presidential candidates, working on his hair, and playing pick up ball in random gyms. His employers, as you might imagine, have a slight problem with the latter.
The organization got wind of a rumor that their prized big man had played at some sports club, and they were understandably upset. Head coach Nate McMillan was beside himself.
“Young guys,” McMillan said, shaking his head. “Right now, these young guys don’t know their value. That’s part of growing up and maturing. In a couple of years he will understand how stupid that was. I understand it, because I’ve done it. You are a pro, you want to walk into a building like that and feel good about yourself, you know, play with some guys. You don’t move hard, you know, just shoot some jump shots … yeah, I’ve done it. But we just have to remind him, especially in his situation, where he is coming off an injury. That … that, you just can’t do that.'’
McMillan then grabbed Oden, put him on his lap and …, uh, never mind.
A broken foot cut Michael Jordan’s second season in the League short, but he began playing competitive pickup at UNC during his rehab, which infuriated the Bulls, but ultimately, they were powerless (plus this made them feel a little better.)
I’m fairly certain that none of MJ’s coaches would’ve had the testicular fortitude to put him on blast like McMillan did with Oden. Which I guess is a long-winded way of saying that Greg Oden is not Michael Jordan, and that Nate McMillan is not Stan Albeck.
27 Responses to “Greg Oden Plays Pick-Up Ball; Blazers Upset”
Mar.28 at 12:05 pm
TADOne says:
Oden needs some hobbies.
Mar.28 at 12:11 pm
BxBaller says:
He’s gotta do something right, at least it’s nothing negative.
Mar.28 at 12:22 pm
rav says:
aye, its not as if he’s turning into zach randolph 2.0
Mar.28 at 12:26 pm
H to the izzo says:
Has he discovered white women yet?
Mar.28 at 12:35 pm
its just alex says:
Did you never see those pictures of him at OSU, Izzo?
Mar.28 at 12:37 pm
Benny The Jet Rodriguez says:
He should start mowing lawns again.
Mar.28 at 12:49 pm
rav says:
“Did you never see those pictures of him at OSU, Izzo?” wasnt that pic of him dancing with the girl in hotpants from when he was about 16?
Mar.28 at 1:07 pm
RV says:
love of the game clause
Mar.28 at 1:15 pm
albie1kenobi says:
the whole deal started when some dude he ran with blogged about it. ahhh… the marvel of internet.
stop snitching, dude!
Mar.28 at 1:28 pm
Boston Bomber says:
As a basketball player and fanatic I totally understand the need to stretch out, play some pickup ball and test the limits of your injury and rehab. On the level of street leagues and other recreational venues it is a decision up to the individual. When you get to the level of the NBA or even college, there is a lot invested in you as a player. Especially for who he is and what he represents to the Blazers. Maybe he never had to worry about those envious Ball players who get embarrassed and get mad that they cant play like you and then try to do something stupid so that you get injured or they can show you up. I understand why he wanted to play, I dont think it was wise for him in regards to health. I know they must have some type of simulated workout . It was a bad decision by a young player. I hope he learns from it.
Mar.28 at 1:42 pm
John E. Sanford says:
I got the joke Izzo. Sarcasm and is dead.
Mar.28 at 1:54 pm
its just alex says:
Oh I got the joke, I just decided to run with it (or jog slowly). Good call, Rav. I just remember seeing those pics all over the place.
Mar.28 at 2:20 pm
what says:
I think he’s about the right age where he should take up knitting.
Mar.28 at 2:28 pm
dma says:
there is nothing wrong with a 19 year old doing something he loves. he could get hurt having sex like i did but i don’t see anyone complaining.
Mar.28 at 2:34 pm
what says:
I can’t decide whether that’s too much information or not enough information.
Mar.28 at 2:58 pm
The Second Coming says:
How sad would it be if Oden tore like everything while ballin on scrubs?
Mar.28 at 3:45 pm
Kevin says:
^
Mar.28 at 4:29 pm
rav says:
that happened to someone on the patriots once didnt it?
Mar.28 at 5:47 pm
what says:
Robert Edwards, former UGA running back. It happened to Edgerrin James too once i think
Mar.28 at 6:42 pm
dma says:
the second coming - that’s exactly what he did last summer, get hurt ballin with scrubs
Mar.28 at 7:00 pm
jeremy says:
o well… they should let him play if he wants to play…
Mar.28 at 7:31 pm
Dacre says:
I think he’s a goose - straight up. He’s time/energy/health don’t belong to him. He signed off on a contract that stipulates as much. I make spectacles for a living…could I on the weekend go and use the equipment that my boss has given me to use to go and make glasses for someone else….because I’m on “down time”? Heck no.
Mar.28 at 7:35 pm
Dacre says:
I have a feeling I am going to hate on Greg O for his whole career…if he ever plays in the NBA. This is a realisation isn’t it…you all can see? He hasn’t played a game…and one more scrimmage in some down town gym, against some brash thug with no respect and a well timed knee to the…knee…it’s all over red rover. He’ll be slower than O-Tag. (ostertag..)
Mar.28 at 8:45 pm
nick says:
Lets see him play in the nba not at a local gym.
Mar.30 at 5:30 pm
jayson says:
greg is the next bill russel leave him alone
Mar.31 at 4:42 am
hursty says:
Oden is an old guy. A veteran. He knows how to handle his body and look after himself.
Mar.31 at 9:23 am
iLL wiLL says:
I played against him last week. He was even putting up some three point shots.