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Blazers' Oden Taking Big Steps Toward Return - August 13th, 2008

By Jordan Walters
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer

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Last year’s No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft, Greg Oden, is clearly progressing in his return from 2007 knee surgery, as he worked out in front of the media for the first time since that surgery wiped out his rookie season with the Portland Trail Blazers.

The seven-footer from Ohio State showed no signs of problems in two-on-two work with teammates Steve Blake and Channing Frye and former Arkansas star Steven Hill, a seven-footer invited to practice with Portland. Oden isn't allowed to go five-on-five until next month.

"I would think I could go full-on," Oden said after the session ended. "I'm pretty sure the coaches wouldn't want me to."

Instead, he is taking his time, using the summer to get in shape. Oden said he will be ready when training camp opens. While he says the knee is still on his mind, he is confident that the surgery to repair the knee has been a success.

"I can tell you right now that my right knee is stronger than my left knee," he said. "I know it's strong."

When asked whether Oden appeared to be favoring his right knee, Frye responded, "He favors dunking on your head, that’s what he favors."

Now Odom says the challenge is mostly psychological, to stop worrying about the knee and to fulfill high expectations he knows fans have for him and the team. And he is the first to admit he must start from scratch with his interrupted career.

 

"I'm still a rookie," Oden said. "I know I've got to keep that in mind and try not to let all the pressure overwhelm me."

The Blazers finished with a 41-41 record last season, and the addition of Oden and former Arizona star Jerryd Bayless makes them a likely contender for a playoff spot out West, if not a big-time sleeper to emerge out of the loaded conference.

If you are hungry for NBA, the Blazers open their season on Tuesday, Oct. 28, against the reigning West champion Lakers.

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