Remember when Greg Oden was the must have, can't miss, franchise cornerstone that the Blazers were lucky enough to get? Yeah, me neither. Although, you've got to hand it to him, just 2 years into his progressing (stop rolling your eyes, he played in 0 games last year, which technically makes anything progress) career, Oden has indeed shown masterful skill in one particular area...personal fouls.
Alright, it's fun with statistics time. In Oden's last 3 games, he has averaged a personal foul every 2:45. Add to the mix that these 3 games have been against Utah, Oklahoma City and Houston - Houston being the only team with a true center - and it becomes an even more confusing statistic. Is Mehmet Okur really challenging Oden at the rack? Is it really necessary to slap Nenad Krstic on the elbow as he heaves up another 3 point attempt? You might be thinking "Go easy on him, it's just a bad 3 games." Well, push that out to Oden's last 8 games, and his average minutes per foul bumps up to a robust 3:30. Comparatively, Orlando's Dwight Howard's average is 10:40.
What's the fuss? It's simple. There are 48 minutes in an NBA game. At Oden's current rate, he'll be able to log 21 minutes maximum per game. If Oden is to ever become the franchise center that he's been touted as, it would stand to reason that he should be on the floor for more than 43 percent of the game.
Not to worry Blazer fans, Oden's statistics still provide hope. Over that same 8 game span, Oden has averaged 3.5 offensive rebounds, which equates to an amazing 12 offensive rebounds per 48 minutes. Remember that Howard guy, his current 48 minute average is 6...and he's considered the best center in the league. If Oden can ever get that 40 year old looking 7 foot frame under control, and quit hacking everyone in the area code, that potential dominance could be right around the corner.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
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