You can't really use him as an example as fool's gold.. He was injured but besides that he had talent. Was his proneness to injury known during the draft?
First, why would this thread get 1 star? It might not be a good direct option for the Rockets but it is a relevant situation that could be used to the benefit of the Rockets. With that said, we don't need an injury prone dude. What were his injuries due to?
i'd question any team wanting to take a flyer on Oden. Miami Heat had expressed interest in him back in December.
They could do something where he rehabs for just over a year, then signs with the Heat in time for the playoffs...he's not going to last playing a multi-year contract, but a short stint like that may work and give them enough help to win it all.
I think a healthy Oden would have been an old-looking Dikembe Mutombo. All-world on defense and rebounding, limited, but effective on offense.
Exactly. Offer the minmum and if he comes here then he comes. You never know, perhaps this will be his last major injury? Even without his knees he can be a very good center. He has very good defensive instincts and will clog the paint. Hell he'd give the team more than Thabeet. Oden is actually a useful player when he's healthy. Thabeet...well...
The comment about Oden being a taller version of Ben Wallace is close. Probably a little more offensive game just due to his athleticism.
Oden wouldn't have played more than 25 minutes a game. He was a foul magnet with HORRIBLE footwork and fundamentals.
The problems date back to college, and extended beyond his rookie season. I am sure he would improve some what at avoiding fouls (although his blocks and rebounds may suffer as a result), but his lack of footwork would be a serious concern.
What rookie season though? He's only played 82 games over a period of 4 seasons now. In college he was a beast. As far as footwork he's a big dude. His footwork for his frame is pretty good especially on defense. If you are talking about his offensive footwork then yeah that could use some work...but I think no one really expected him to ever dominate on offense but I think Oden had DPOY potential.
