I doubt the Blazers would take Mayo with the top pick next year anyways. Besides, I don't think they'll be all that bad. Their frontcourt isn't too terrible - Aldridge, Frye, Pryzbilla and Raef. Brandon Roy is a definite player, and the backcourt is full of guys who could have a solid season. Even without Oden, I think they're the best candidate for the team that has a solid first half of the season, builds people up with playoff talk before fading down the stretch. I think they've got a good shot at 35-40 wins.
Anyone else find it weird that the team doctor did this surgery? Even if its not too complicated to do, I would think when you're counting on this guy for the future of your orginization you would be flying in specialists from Chicago, Switzerland, and Uzbekistan to take a look at him and do the best possible job. Plus it seems like this Pritchard guy missed the knee problems earlier if that article is correct.
I agree. I am not even sure how many more wins a healthy Oden would generate, maybe 5 or so. Portland is already decent at center, and Aldridge (probably a better pro than Oden right now, even prior to surgery) can play more of his natural position. This injury is more potentially devastating long term than short term.
