TORONTO (AP) -Greg Oden is glad the Portland Trail Blazers are winning – he just wishes he was part of the fun.
Oden, the No. 1 draft pick who had knee surgery in September and is out for the season, has watched from the sideline as his Portland teammates have won 17 of their past 18 games.
“I would just like to be out there to be able to say ‘You know what, I’m out here, I’m working hard and I’m helping these guys win,”’ Oden said before Sunday’s game at Toronto. “I’ve got to keep in mind that I can’t do anything but help myself and get myself ready for next year.”
His recovery is expected to take six to 12 months. So far, Oden said everything is progressing well.
“The knee’s going good,” Oden said. “The rehab is going great. I feel great.”
Oden had an MRI after his knee became swollen during preseason workouts. Team physician Dr. Don Roberts performed the surgery. Other high-profile players who have undergone the procedure include Jason Kidd, Amare Stoudamire and former Blazer Zach Randolph.
Despite not playing a single game as a pro, Oden has been learning a lot about life in the NBA as he watches from the bench.
“It’s really helping me with my confidence,” Oden said. “Just being able to watch these guys play, see them play and see them miss shots. When you watch them on TV, you’d think they never miss. Just being around the guys night in and night out, you just feel more comfortable that when I come in next year, I’m going to be ready to play against them.”
Oden averaged 15.7 points and 9.6 rebounds last season as a freshman at Ohio State. Two of his Buckeye teammates, guards Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook, were also first-round draft picks last June.
Conley was the fourth pick by the Memphis Grizzlies, and Cook was the 21st selection by the Miami Heat.
Oden’s been keeping tabs on both.
“One of the main reasons I’m on this road trip is because I go to Miami to see Daequan,” Oden said. “They’re both starting and they’re both doing really well. Last time I talked to Mike was right before his first start, when he was at Indiana. Those guys are doing good.”
Add A Comment
THIS IS NOT A GAMBLING SITE – If you think you have a gambling problem click here.
Disclaimer: This site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Individual users are responsible for the laws regarding accessing gambling information from their jurisdictions. Many countries around the world prohibit gambling, please check the laws in your location. Any use of this information that may violate any federal, state, local or international law is strictly prohibited.
Copyright: The information contained on TheSpread.com website is protected by international copyright and may not be reproduced, or redistributed in any way without expressed written consent.
About: TheSpread.com is the largest sports betting news site in the United States. We provide point spread news, odds, statistics and information to over 175 countries around the world each year. Our coverage includes all North American College and Professional Sports as well as entertainment, political and proposition wagering news.
©1999-2023 TheSpread.com