Let’s just have the conversation shall we. No foul in that. For the sake of debate: could it be Portland is actually playing better without Greg Oden right now?
Come on now. I can’t be the only one having these thoughts, can I?
As I stayed up way too late on Saturday night writing about how Joel Przybilla really is an unsung hero for the Blazers and that this whole Oden knee-jerk isn’t going away any time soon, that’s the thought that ran through my mind: is Portland better without him right now?
Let’s recap: better without him right now?
Blasphemy? Reality.
Who would think such a thought? Me, I guess. Anyone else?
Come to think of it, I was all for Przybilla staying in the starting five when Oden came back from his first injury. Thought Oden should have earned that spot – and that has nothing to do with him being fragile. Now I can’t help but think – if and when - Oden does return, will he once again be inserted into the starting lineup.
The kid has to get healthy first. Then, he has to earn it.
It’s a legit debate: right now, are they better without him?
You consider what Portland has been able to do without him this season – going 3-3 when Oden missed six games to open the season and now moving to 5-2 since Oden injured his left knee cap – and it’s not a farfetched conversation to have.
I pressed the issue with McMillan recently. Wondered if Portland could rely on what they endured last season without having Greg available. Could that experience – for better or worse – benefit the Blazers during another episode of “Life Without Greg”.
Nate wasn’t having it…..I get that.
But still, I have to ask: are they better – right now – without him?
pic via: daylife
