Greg Oden has been a massive disappointment for the Portland Trail Blazers since being drafted first overall in 2007. In his first three NBA seasons, Oden played in only 82 games due to multiple knee injuries that required surgery. When he did play, his production was below expectations for a number one pick, averaging only 8.9 points and 7 rebounds in his rookie season. Oden's inability to stay healthy and be an impact player has led the author to conclude that he has proven to be an NBA draft bust for the Trail Blazers.
10 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers For ‘10 Finalmbonzagni
This document provides profiles and analysis for 10 fantasy baseball sleepers for the 2010 season. It highlights key statistics like OPS, FIP, BABIP, and LOB% that can help identify value picks late in drafts. Each player profile discusses why they are primed for a breakout season, such as playing in Coors Field, batting cleanup in a strong lineup, or having an unsustainably low BABIP from 2009.
Design sample from Open Look: RotoWorld BasketballlSteve Viner
This document provides an overview and analysis of notable offseason transactions in the NBA, including:
1) Dwight Howard signing with the Rockets, which gives him elite fantasy potential due to his rebounding and defense.
2) Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry being traded to the Nets, which will likely lead to reduced minutes and roles due to the team's depth.
3) Kevin Martin signing with the Timberwolves, where he should bounce back as the starting shooting guard and benefit from passes from Ricky Rubio.
Jordan, pippen, rodman the best big three of all time david berkowitz chicagoDavid Berkowitz Chicago
They were called the “Magic Trio,” aptly so because their partnership is one of the greatest hat tricks in the NBA, as many times in their stint together, they had performed to everyone’s amazement. This was, and arguably still is, the best NBA big three of all time. https://sites.google.com/site/davidberkowitzchicago/blog/jordan-pippen-rodman-the-best-big-three-of-all-time
Kobe Bryant is a former American professional basketball player who spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. He was born in 1978 in Philadelphia and attended Lower Merion High School, where he was named the national high school player of the year. Bryant was drafted 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 and traded to the Lakers. He helped lead the Lakers to five NBA championships and was selected to the All-NBA First Team eleven times and the All-Defensive First Team nine times. Bryant is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
This document summarizes two young quarterbacks in the NFL that are poised to take over the league in the coming years. It discusses Carson Wentz of the Philadelphia Eagles, who at age 25 has become an MVP candidate after leading the Eagles to a strong start before getting injured. It also discusses Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams, who struggled as a rookie but has shown vast improvement in his second season in accuracy and football IQ. Both Wentz and Goff were top picks in the 2016 NFL draft and will be linked throughout their careers.
Goldschmidt carried the Cardinals offense to the playoffs. He had a weighted runs created plus of 146, meaning he was 46% better than an average hitter. No other Cardinal was even close. Goldschmidt's 146 wRC+ was 25 percentage points better than his next-closest teammate, Brad Miller, at 121 (and Miller didn't hit at all down the stretch in September). Besides Goldschmidt, Miller and Harrison Bader (113 wRC+) were the only Cardinals who performed better than league average in 2020. None of the other first basemen on the AllMLB ballot were the best hitter on their team by so wide a margin, or had to hit in a lineup with so few above-average hitters. Goldschmidt was all the Cardinals had.
This is a persuasive presentation that I presented in my speech class. The object of this presentation was to persuade my audience that LeBron James would have a better NBA career than Michael Jordan.
The 29th annual Home Run Derby will take place at Citi Field Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern as part of this week’s All-Star festivities. This year’s field of eight contestants includes the last two winners (Prince Fielder and Robinson Cano), five first-time participants (Pedro Alvarez, Yoenis Cespedes, Michael Cuddyer, Chris Davis and Bryce Harper), and the hometown representative, the Mets’ David Wright.
10 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers For ‘10 Finalmbonzagni
This document provides profiles and analysis for 10 fantasy baseball sleepers for the 2010 season. It highlights key statistics like OPS, FIP, BABIP, and LOB% that can help identify value picks late in drafts. Each player profile discusses why they are primed for a breakout season, such as playing in Coors Field, batting cleanup in a strong lineup, or having an unsustainably low BABIP from 2009.
Design sample from Open Look: RotoWorld BasketballlSteve Viner
This document provides an overview and analysis of notable offseason transactions in the NBA, including:
1) Dwight Howard signing with the Rockets, which gives him elite fantasy potential due to his rebounding and defense.
2) Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry being traded to the Nets, which will likely lead to reduced minutes and roles due to the team's depth.
3) Kevin Martin signing with the Timberwolves, where he should bounce back as the starting shooting guard and benefit from passes from Ricky Rubio.
Jordan, pippen, rodman the best big three of all time david berkowitz chicagoDavid Berkowitz Chicago
They were called the “Magic Trio,” aptly so because their partnership is one of the greatest hat tricks in the NBA, as many times in their stint together, they had performed to everyone’s amazement. This was, and arguably still is, the best NBA big three of all time. https://sites.google.com/site/davidberkowitzchicago/blog/jordan-pippen-rodman-the-best-big-three-of-all-time
Kobe Bryant is a former American professional basketball player who spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. He was born in 1978 in Philadelphia and attended Lower Merion High School, where he was named the national high school player of the year. Bryant was drafted 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 and traded to the Lakers. He helped lead the Lakers to five NBA championships and was selected to the All-NBA First Team eleven times and the All-Defensive First Team nine times. Bryant is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
This document summarizes two young quarterbacks in the NFL that are poised to take over the league in the coming years. It discusses Carson Wentz of the Philadelphia Eagles, who at age 25 has become an MVP candidate after leading the Eagles to a strong start before getting injured. It also discusses Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams, who struggled as a rookie but has shown vast improvement in his second season in accuracy and football IQ. Both Wentz and Goff were top picks in the 2016 NFL draft and will be linked throughout their careers.
Goldschmidt carried the Cardinals offense to the playoffs. He had a weighted runs created plus of 146, meaning he was 46% better than an average hitter. No other Cardinal was even close. Goldschmidt's 146 wRC+ was 25 percentage points better than his next-closest teammate, Brad Miller, at 121 (and Miller didn't hit at all down the stretch in September). Besides Goldschmidt, Miller and Harrison Bader (113 wRC+) were the only Cardinals who performed better than league average in 2020. None of the other first basemen on the AllMLB ballot were the best hitter on their team by so wide a margin, or had to hit in a lineup with so few above-average hitters. Goldschmidt was all the Cardinals had.
This is a persuasive presentation that I presented in my speech class. The object of this presentation was to persuade my audience that LeBron James would have a better NBA career than Michael Jordan.
The 29th annual Home Run Derby will take place at Citi Field Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern as part of this week’s All-Star festivities. This year’s field of eight contestants includes the last two winners (Prince Fielder and Robinson Cano), five first-time participants (Pedro Alvarez, Yoenis Cespedes, Michael Cuddyer, Chris Davis and Bryce Harper), and the hometown representative, the Mets’ David Wright.
This document provides an overview and analysis of NBA players and teams to watch for daily fantasy basketball (DFS) in the upcoming 2016-2017 season. It highlights individual players at each position (PG, SG, SF, PF, C) who could provide value based on expected roles and team situations. It also identifies several teams in the Western and Eastern Conferences that may present fantasy opportunities due to their playstyles and personnel changes. The document promotes a DFS analytics tool called RotoQL and provides additional NBA strategy resources.
Faker is considered the best player in League of Legends of all time. He first rose to fame winning his first world championship in 2013 with his team SK Telecom T1, where he solidified his reputation with his exceptional gameplay and champion versatility. Since then he has won multiple world championships but faced defeat in 2017, after which he expressed regret and a commitment to improving. Fans and experts widely recognize Faker as the greatest player in the game's history due to his continued high-level performance, even when his team struggled, and his ability to dominate with many different champions.
2016 NFL Preview with Saahil Sud (formerly Maxdalury)RotoQL
We are also thrilled to announce the NFL Strategy course on RotoQL University. There are eight new videos including:
>QB Selection for Cash Games & Tournaments
>RB Selection for Cash Games & Tournaments
>WR Selection for Cash Games & Tournaments
>TE/K/DEF Selection for Cash Games & Tournaments
Visit RotoQL University and watch all 8 NFL strategy videos today! Many of the videos have PowerPoint presentations which can be downloaded here.
Michael Jordan had an unprecedented NBA career over 15 seasons, winning 6 championships and scoring titles 10 times. He holds numerous NBA records, including scoring average and points in a single game. Widely considered the greatest player of all time, Jordan dominated basketball in the 1980s and 1990s through his relentless competitive drive and unmatched skills.
This is a presentation on the relationship between Major League Baseball and American Civil Religion. Originally presented at the Conference on Sport and Spirituality in York, England and updated at a 2008 conference in Washington, DC.
LeBron James had a legendary high school basketball career where he was a two-time national player of the year. He was drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 and spent seven seasons there, making the NBA Finals in 2007. In 2010, he signed with the Miami Heat and won two NBA championships with them in 2012 and 2013, earning Finals MVP in 2012. Widely considered one of the greatest players ever, LeBron has won 4 MVP awards and been named to 11 All-Star teams.
African Americans in Leadership Positions in the NFLJacob Garcia
The document discusses the lack of African Americans in leadership positions in the NFL, particularly as head coaches and quarterbacks. It argues that lingering racism is the cause, as stereotypes persist that view black players as athletically gifted but lacking the intelligence required for leadership roles. While progress has been made with more black starting quarterbacks today, their roles often emphasize mobility over passing, exposing them to greater injury risk. The lack of representation perpetuates stereotypes and denies opportunities, undermining the ideal of sports rewarding the most talented regardless of race.
This very short document discusses friendship, love, and life. It consists of a title slide stating those topics and a concluding thank you slide for watching. The document aims to cover important human topics but provides no other information across its two slides.
The document contains several short quotes and sayings about love, friendship, life, and positivity. Some of the key ideas expressed are: love grows from a smile and kiss but can end in tears; true friendship never ends and friends are like stars that are always there for you even if you can't see them; and life is a journey so we should work freely, love openly, and express ourselves without fear of judgment. The quotes collectively offer words of wisdom about cherishing relationships and maintaining a positive outlook.
Shoppers are expected to spend more on back-to-school shopping this year, with an average of $488 anticipated to be spent. Most shoppers will do the majority of their shopping in physical stores, though technology purchases are more likely to be made online. Research is done digitally before purchases are made in stores. Spending is heaviest on traditional items like clothing, shoes, and school supplies, though those buying computers or gadgets will spend the most overall. Early shopping and following school-recommended lists influences higher spending.
Essential things that should always be in your carEason Chan
A driver can bail out of a lot of sticky situations if he plans ahead. More often than not, things go south on you when you think nothing could go wrong. So it pays to hope for the best and plan for the worst, especially on the road. Here are some things that should always be kept in your car for all those just in case moments.
What happens when the digital tools and platforms we make and use for communication and entertainment are hijacked for terrorism, violence against the vulnerable and nefarious transactions? What role do designers and developers play? Are we complicit as creators of these technologies and products? Should we police them or fight back? As Portfolio Lead for Northern Lab, Northern Trust's internal innovation startup focused on client and partner experience, Antonio will share a mix of provocative scenarios torn from today's headlines and compelling stories where activism and technology facilitated peace—and war.
As a call-to-action for designers and developers to engage in projects capable of transformational change, he'll explore the question: How might technology foster new experiences to better accelerate social activism and make the world a smarter, safer place?
This document provides an overview of The Fischler Report hockey publication. It includes information on the publishers, editors, reporters, and photographers who work on the publication. It also lists some of the main stories that are featured in this issue, including an exclusive interview with Cam Ward about his mindset and battle for the starting goalie position in Carolina. Additionally, it summarizes efforts by the Syracuse Crunch organization to break the indoor hockey attendance record with an upcoming game in the Carrier Dome, and highlights the impact Saku Koivu had on the community in Montreal during and after his NHL career.
Dele Ojo is a slithery lefty point guard with explosive athleticism, including a near 40-inch vertical leap. He is a true playmaker who can probe defenses and average a triple double. Ojo has played basketball around the world, including in Mexico, Canada, the ABA, and APBL, where he was MVP. He is considered a basketball legend in the DMV area and continues to train and possibly open his own facility one day.
The document discusses the top candidates for the 2013-14 NBA MVP award. It notes that with injuries to stars like Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose, there is open competition for MVP. Stephen Curry is averaging 24 points, 8.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds for the Golden State Warriors, but is currently ranked fifth. Paul George is averaging 22.7 points and 6.6 rebounds to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 29-3 home record, but is currently ranked fourth. The document examines the cases of Curry and George for MVP consideration.
Part one of an analytical study and future report analyzing how historical data can be used better project player performance based on age, position, draft placement and career length.
The summary provides an overview of several sports stories covered in the document:
1) Jason Kidd was recently hired as the new head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, replacing P.J. Carlesimo. Oklahoma State football players helped with cleanup efforts in Bethel Acres after tornadoes. Jonathan Gray, who was drafted third overall by the Colorado Rockies last week out of the University of Oklahoma, signed a contract with the team.
2) Scott Burger, who spent 32 seasons as a high school football assistant coach, was named the new head coach at Edmond North after a long coaching career. Louisville center Gorgui Dieng had difficulty adjusting to America when he first arrived from Senegal
Robert Ayers had success in college football at the University of Tennessee, earning All-SEC First Team honors in 2008. He was then drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Though he struggled initially to live up to expectations in Denver, Ayers later found success as a backup player and was part of the Broncos team that won the AFC Championship in 2013. He then signed with the New York Giants in 2014 but suffered injuries that cut his time with the team short.
This document provides an overview and analysis of NBA players and teams to watch for daily fantasy basketball (DFS) in the upcoming 2016-2017 season. It highlights individual players at each position (PG, SG, SF, PF, C) who could provide value based on expected roles and team situations. It also identifies several teams in the Western and Eastern Conferences that may present fantasy opportunities due to their playstyles and personnel changes. The document promotes a DFS analytics tool called RotoQL and provides additional NBA strategy resources.
Faker is considered the best player in League of Legends of all time. He first rose to fame winning his first world championship in 2013 with his team SK Telecom T1, where he solidified his reputation with his exceptional gameplay and champion versatility. Since then he has won multiple world championships but faced defeat in 2017, after which he expressed regret and a commitment to improving. Fans and experts widely recognize Faker as the greatest player in the game's history due to his continued high-level performance, even when his team struggled, and his ability to dominate with many different champions.
2016 NFL Preview with Saahil Sud (formerly Maxdalury)RotoQL
We are also thrilled to announce the NFL Strategy course on RotoQL University. There are eight new videos including:
>QB Selection for Cash Games & Tournaments
>RB Selection for Cash Games & Tournaments
>WR Selection for Cash Games & Tournaments
>TE/K/DEF Selection for Cash Games & Tournaments
Visit RotoQL University and watch all 8 NFL strategy videos today! Many of the videos have PowerPoint presentations which can be downloaded here.
Michael Jordan had an unprecedented NBA career over 15 seasons, winning 6 championships and scoring titles 10 times. He holds numerous NBA records, including scoring average and points in a single game. Widely considered the greatest player of all time, Jordan dominated basketball in the 1980s and 1990s through his relentless competitive drive and unmatched skills.
This is a presentation on the relationship between Major League Baseball and American Civil Religion. Originally presented at the Conference on Sport and Spirituality in York, England and updated at a 2008 conference in Washington, DC.
LeBron James had a legendary high school basketball career where he was a two-time national player of the year. He was drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 and spent seven seasons there, making the NBA Finals in 2007. In 2010, he signed with the Miami Heat and won two NBA championships with them in 2012 and 2013, earning Finals MVP in 2012. Widely considered one of the greatest players ever, LeBron has won 4 MVP awards and been named to 11 All-Star teams.
African Americans in Leadership Positions in the NFLJacob Garcia
The document discusses the lack of African Americans in leadership positions in the NFL, particularly as head coaches and quarterbacks. It argues that lingering racism is the cause, as stereotypes persist that view black players as athletically gifted but lacking the intelligence required for leadership roles. While progress has been made with more black starting quarterbacks today, their roles often emphasize mobility over passing, exposing them to greater injury risk. The lack of representation perpetuates stereotypes and denies opportunities, undermining the ideal of sports rewarding the most talented regardless of race.
This very short document discusses friendship, love, and life. It consists of a title slide stating those topics and a concluding thank you slide for watching. The document aims to cover important human topics but provides no other information across its two slides.
The document contains several short quotes and sayings about love, friendship, life, and positivity. Some of the key ideas expressed are: love grows from a smile and kiss but can end in tears; true friendship never ends and friends are like stars that are always there for you even if you can't see them; and life is a journey so we should work freely, love openly, and express ourselves without fear of judgment. The quotes collectively offer words of wisdom about cherishing relationships and maintaining a positive outlook.
Shoppers are expected to spend more on back-to-school shopping this year, with an average of $488 anticipated to be spent. Most shoppers will do the majority of their shopping in physical stores, though technology purchases are more likely to be made online. Research is done digitally before purchases are made in stores. Spending is heaviest on traditional items like clothing, shoes, and school supplies, though those buying computers or gadgets will spend the most overall. Early shopping and following school-recommended lists influences higher spending.
Essential things that should always be in your carEason Chan
A driver can bail out of a lot of sticky situations if he plans ahead. More often than not, things go south on you when you think nothing could go wrong. So it pays to hope for the best and plan for the worst, especially on the road. Here are some things that should always be kept in your car for all those just in case moments.
What happens when the digital tools and platforms we make and use for communication and entertainment are hijacked for terrorism, violence against the vulnerable and nefarious transactions? What role do designers and developers play? Are we complicit as creators of these technologies and products? Should we police them or fight back? As Portfolio Lead for Northern Lab, Northern Trust's internal innovation startup focused on client and partner experience, Antonio will share a mix of provocative scenarios torn from today's headlines and compelling stories where activism and technology facilitated peace—and war.
As a call-to-action for designers and developers to engage in projects capable of transformational change, he'll explore the question: How might technology foster new experiences to better accelerate social activism and make the world a smarter, safer place?
This document provides an overview of The Fischler Report hockey publication. It includes information on the publishers, editors, reporters, and photographers who work on the publication. It also lists some of the main stories that are featured in this issue, including an exclusive interview with Cam Ward about his mindset and battle for the starting goalie position in Carolina. Additionally, it summarizes efforts by the Syracuse Crunch organization to break the indoor hockey attendance record with an upcoming game in the Carrier Dome, and highlights the impact Saku Koivu had on the community in Montreal during and after his NHL career.
Dele Ojo is a slithery lefty point guard with explosive athleticism, including a near 40-inch vertical leap. He is a true playmaker who can probe defenses and average a triple double. Ojo has played basketball around the world, including in Mexico, Canada, the ABA, and APBL, where he was MVP. He is considered a basketball legend in the DMV area and continues to train and possibly open his own facility one day.
The document discusses the top candidates for the 2013-14 NBA MVP award. It notes that with injuries to stars like Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose, there is open competition for MVP. Stephen Curry is averaging 24 points, 8.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds for the Golden State Warriors, but is currently ranked fifth. Paul George is averaging 22.7 points and 6.6 rebounds to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 29-3 home record, but is currently ranked fourth. The document examines the cases of Curry and George for MVP consideration.
Part one of an analytical study and future report analyzing how historical data can be used better project player performance based on age, position, draft placement and career length.
The summary provides an overview of several sports stories covered in the document:
1) Jason Kidd was recently hired as the new head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, replacing P.J. Carlesimo. Oklahoma State football players helped with cleanup efforts in Bethel Acres after tornadoes. Jonathan Gray, who was drafted third overall by the Colorado Rockies last week out of the University of Oklahoma, signed a contract with the team.
2) Scott Burger, who spent 32 seasons as a high school football assistant coach, was named the new head coach at Edmond North after a long coaching career. Louisville center Gorgui Dieng had difficulty adjusting to America when he first arrived from Senegal
Robert Ayers had success in college football at the University of Tennessee, earning All-SEC First Team honors in 2008. He was then drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Though he struggled initially to live up to expectations in Denver, Ayers later found success as a backup player and was part of the Broncos team that won the AFC Championship in 2013. He then signed with the New York Giants in 2014 but suffered injuries that cut his time with the team short.
The document analyzes NBA player performance data from the 2016-2017 season using data visualization tools. It presents 10 case studies analyzing factors like player age, offensive/defensive ratings, minutes played, points scored, shooting percentages, pace, salary, social media followers, and their impacts on winning games. The studies found that players age 27-30 generally have the highest winning percentages. Teams that pay higher salaries and have players with more well-rounded offensive and defensive skills tend to win more. Individual player impacts and pace ratings also correlate with more team wins.
The document summarizes the author's interviews conducted for a basketball GM and scouting course. It discusses interviews with James Laughlin, Sam Amico, and Scott Flemming. The author gained valuable insights into different roles in basketball from each interview. The focus of the paper will be on the interview with Scott Flemming, the coach of India's national basketball team. Flemming discussed his career path and experiences coaching at different levels. He also provided his perspective on scouting players and using analytics.
Psaroudakis: Family and Football – The Psaroudakis Success StoryPsaroudakis
Psaroudakis, a name that resonates with football fans around the globe, is a testament to the powerful synergy between familial support and individual passion. Born on March 10, 1992, in the historic city of Heraklion, Crete, Psaroudakis’ journey to international football stardom is a compelling narrative of dedication, perseverance, and unwavering family support. His story not only highlights his athletic prowess but also underscores the crucial role his family played in shaping his career and character.
Psaroudakis’ early life in Heraklion was deeply influenced by a supportive and nurturing family environment. His father, a former semi-professional footballer, recognized Psaroudakis’ potential from an early age. Acting as his first coach, his father’s guidance was instrumental in igniting Psaroudakis’ passion for football. This paternal influence instilled in him a strong work ethic and fundamental skills that would become the foundation of his future success. His mother, a dedicated homemaker, provided a stable and nurturing environment, ensuring that Psaroudakis could pursue his dreams without any hindrances.
From a young age, Psaroudakis showed an innate talent for football. Growing up in Heraklion, he spent countless hours playing football in local parks and streets with friends and family. His natural ability was evident even in these informal settings, and his enthusiasm for the game was infectious. By the age of five, Psaroudakis had joined a local youth football club, where his skills began to flourish. His father’s role as his first coach during these formative years was crucial, as he emphasized not only technical skills but also the importance of discipline and teamwork.
The transition from playing in local parks to joining a structured football environment marked a significant step in Psaroudakis’ journey. At the age of ten, he joined the youth academy of OFI Crete, one of Greece’s most esteemed football clubs. This move marked the beginning of a more rigorous and professional approach to his training. The academy environment was demanding, focusing on honing technical abilities and instilling values of sportsmanship and dedication. Psaroudakis’ dedication to his craft was evident as he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a standout player in the youth teams.
The support of Psaroudakis’ family was unwavering during this critical period. His father continued to be a source of guidance and mentorship, while his mother ensured that he had everything he needed to succeed. Their collective efforts created a balanced environment where Psaroudakis could focus entirely on his development as a footballer. This familial support was not just about providing the basics; it was about creating an environment where Psaroudakis felt encouraged and motivated to pursue his dreams relentlessly.
As Psaroudakis transitioned from the youth academy to professional football, the challenges became more significant.
Gabriel Kalembo A Rising Star in the World of Football Coachinggabrielkalembous
Gabriel Kalembo is a player's coach who connects with his teams on a deep level. With a strong background in sports science and a passion for the game, Kalembo has developed a unique coaching philosophy that emphasizes player development and tactical flexibility. His ability to connect with players and create a positive team culture has led to success at every level he has coached.
Boletin de la I Copa Panamericana de Voleibol Femenino U17 Guatemala 2024Judith Chuquipul
holaesungusto.- Boletín final de la I Copa Panamericana de Voleibol Femenino U17 - Ciudad de Guatemala 2024 que se realizó del 27 de mayo al 01 de julio, en el Domo Polideportivo Zona 13.
Fuente: norceca.net
Italy vs Albania Soul and sacrifice' are the keys to success for Albania at E...Eticketing.co
We offer UEFA Euro 2024 Tickets to admirers who can get Italy vs Albania Tickets through our trusted online ticketing marketplace. Eticketing. co is the most reliable source for booking Euro Cup Final Tickets. Sign up for the latest Euro Cup Germany Ticket alert.
Spain vs Croatia Spain aims to put aside the RFEF crisis as they chase Euro C...Eticketing.co
We offer UEFA Euro 2024 Tickets to admirers who can get Spain vs Croatia Tickets through our trusted online ticketing marketplace. Eticketing. co is the most reliable source for booking Euro Cup Final Tickets. Sign up for the latest Euro Cup Germany Ticket alert.
Netherlands vs Austria Netherlands Face Familiar Foes in Euro Cup Germany Gro...Eticketing.co
The Netherlands are in Group D in Euro Cup Germany - and, unpaid to this, they will be coming up against familiar foes. Remarkably, they have played France, who have fashioned some of the greatest players of all time, 30 times throughout history. Despite France being more effective in major competitions, including captivating the World Cup in 2018, Holland have the greater head-to-head record.
We offer Euro Cup Tickets to admirers who can get Netherlands vs Austria Tickets through our trusted online ticketing marketplace. Eticketing.co is the most reliable source for booking Euro Cup Final Tickets. Sign up for the latest Euro Cup Germany Ticket alert.
UEFA Euro 2024 Tickets | Euro 2024 Tickets | Netherlands vs Austria Tickets
However, in 2023, they played one another twice, with France endearing both matches 4-0 and 2-1 individually. Against Poland and Austria, the Netherlands also have a stout record, winning just under half the matches. They faced Austria at Euro 2020, engaging 2-0, and they haven't lost to Poland since 1979.
The lettering is on the wall for Holland to qualify for the knockouts, but nothing is failsafe. The Netherlands kickstart their Euros campaign against Poland on Sunday, June 16th. In Hamburg, they will have to go up against one of the best strikers in the world, Robert Lewandowski.
Netherlands vs Austria: Tough Challenges Await the Netherlands in Euro Cup Germany
Five days later, they travel south to face France in Leipzig, a side led by Kylian Mbappe - one of the finest players in the world currently and one of the most impressive players in his nation's history. To conclude, they face Austria in Berlin, knowing it could be the end of the road if they don't perform.
Ronald Koeman is widely considered one of the more successful Dutch managers in Premier League history, considering the nation has a reputation for struggling to replicate their talents in England. The former Everton manager went against that script and shone — and now he is back managing his nation.
UEFA Euro 2024 Tickets | Euro 2024 Tickets | Euro Cup Germany Tickets | Netherlands vs Austria Tickets
Euro fans worldwide can book Euro Cup Germany Tickets from our online platform, www.eticketing.co. Fans can book Euro Cup 2024 Tickets on our website at discounted prices.
Netherlands vs Austria: Ronald Koeman's Tactical Approach For UEFA Euro 2024
As well as being the highest-scoring defender in history, Koeman is a man with immense tactical knowledge. He returned to manage Holland at the start of 2023 after it was announced Louis van Gaal would retire. His life back in the dugout with the team wasn't easy, as he lost his first match 4-0 to France after going 3-0 down within 21 minutes.
However, he eventually helped them qualify for Euro Cup Germany. The 61-year-old likes to organize his team with a defensive mindset. Some might call it pragmatic as he defends with minimal space between the lines, but that's often needed for international football.
Georgia vs Portugal Georgia UEFA Euro 2024 Squad Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Leads ...Eticketing.co
UEFA Euro 2024 fans worldwide can book Georgia vs Portugal Tickets from our online platform www.eticketing.co. Fans can book Euro Cup Germany Tickets on our website at discounted prices.
Match By Match Detailed Schedule Of The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.pdfmouthhunt5
20 Teams, One Trophy: What to Expect from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 is set to be an exciting event, co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA from June 1 to June 29, 2024. This edition of the tournament will feature a record 20 teams divided into four groups, competing across 55 matches for the prestigious title.
According to the report, the consumption of video content related to IPL 2024 has seen significant growth, nearly 3 times more than the previous season, reflecting an increasing interest of fans.
Belgium vs Slovakia Belgium Euro 2024 Golden Generation Faces Euro Cup Final ...Eticketing.co
We offer Euro Cup Tickets to admirers who can get Belgium vs Slovakia Tickets through our trusted online ticketing marketplace. Eticketing.co is the most reliable source for booking Euro Cup Final Tickets. Sign up for the latest Euro Cup Germany Ticket alert.
Belgium vs Romania Injuries and Patience in Belgium’s Euro Cup Germany Squad....Eticketing.co
Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco will wait for several key players to recover from injury. Even if it means they miss the opening Euro Cup Germany stages of the European Championship in Germany this month. Veteran defender Jan Vertonghen, midfielder Youri Tielemans and defender Arthur. Theate are being given time to play in the tournament because they are considered vital to Belgium’s cause, Tedesco said on Tuesday.
We offer Euro Cup Tickets to admirers who can get Belgium vs Romania Tickets through our trusted online ticketing marketplace. Eticketing.co is the most reliable source for booking Euro Cup Final Tickets. Sign up for the latest Euro Cup Germany Ticket alert.
UEFA Euro 2024 Tickets | Euro 2024 Tickets | Euro Cup Germany Tickets | Belgium vs Romania Tickets
"Of course, you prefer to take players who are fully fit, but that's okay. We want to wait and be patient for some players even if they cannot play in those first matches," he told a press conference. The 37-year-old Vertonghen, Belgium’s Euro Cup 2024 most-capped international with 154 appearances, is struggling to shake off a groin injury.
"He will be there normally. This also applies to Youri Tielemans and Arthur Theate. The latter's position is very sensitive. We don't have many choices at left back. "It will only change if it turns out that they will only be available when, say, the final of the Euro 2024 Championship comes around. That's too long to wait. "However, I am confident that the injured boys are on track for the Euros.
Belgium vs Romania: Radu Dragusin Prepares for Crucial Role in Euro Cup Germany
Some of them have taken not one but two steps forward in their rehabilitation," he said. None of the injured players will feature in this week’s warm-up friendlies against Montenegro and Luxembourg. Romania centre-back Radu Dragusin found chances limited at Tottenham Hotspur in the second half of the 2023-24 season.
But is crucial to his country's cause at UEFA Euro 2024 where his aerial ability, physicality and hard graft make him a standout player. The 22-year-old moved to North London from Italian side Genoa in January but was kept on the sidelines by the form of another new arrival for the season, Mickey van de Ven, something Romania coach Edward Iordanescu admitted was a concern.
It will mean limited game-time going into the finals, but Dragusin, who cites Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk as a role model, started every Euro Cup Germany qualifier as Romania went through the campaign unbeaten in their 10 games. He will be among their most important players in their first game in Germany against Ukraine in Munich on June 17, taking the right centre-back role in what is likely to be a back four.
UEFA Euro 2024 Tickets | Euro 2024 Tickets | Euro Cup Germany Tickets | Belgium vs Romania Tickets
Euro fans worldwide can book Euro Cup Germany Tickets from our online platform, www.eticketing.co. Fans can book Euro Cup 2024 Tickets on our website at discounted prices.
Belgium vs Romania Ultimate Guide to Euro Cup 2024 Tactics, Ticketing, and Qu...Eticketing.co
Euro Cup 2024 fans worldwide can book Belgium vs Romania Tickets from our online platform www.eticketing.co. Fans can book Euro Cup Germany Tickets on our website at discounted prices.
Luciano Spalletti Leads Italy's Transition at UEFA Euro 2024.docxEuro Cup 2024 Tickets
Italy are the defending European champs, but after Luciano Spalletti swapped Roberto Mancini last September, they are still taking the cautious first steps of a new era
Croatia vs Italy Modric's Last Dance Croatia's UEFA Euro 2024 Journey and Ita...Eticketing.co
UEFA Euro 2024 fans worldwide can book Croatia vs Italy Tickets from our online platform www.eticketing.co. Fans can book Euro Cup Germany Tickets on our website at discounted prices.
Turkey vs Georgia Tickets: Turkey's Provisional Squad for UEFA Euro 2024, Key...Eticketing.co
Euro Cup Germany fans worldwide can book Euro 2024 Tickets from our online platform www.eticketing.co.Fans can book Euro Cup 2024 Tickets on our website at discounted prices.
Hesan Soufi's Legacy: Inspiring the Next GenerationHesan Soufi
Hesan Soufi's impact on the game extends far beyond his on-field exploits. With his humility, sportsmanship, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Soufi has become a role model for aspiring footballers worldwide. His legacy lies not only in his achievements but also in the inspiration he provides to the next generation of talented players.
3. Abstract
Three years after being taken #1 overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Portland Trailblazers,
Greg Oden has been a massive disappointment and proven to be a bust. His inability to stay on the
court in more ways than one, substandard production when on the court, and inability to be a consistent
difference maker in the NBA back up such bold claims, leading to the conclusion that Portland wasted
their #1 draft pick on a player who was not as good as previous #1 draft picks, nor as good as players
taken after Greg Oden. Irrefutable statistical data backs this up, as the following will show. Based on
these conclusions, we can learn that, in the future, it would be wise to pick the 18 year old once-in-a-
generation scoring machine over the 75 year old geriatric man with uneven leg lengths.
4. Chapter One – What is a Bust?
When discussing the topic of whether or not Greg Oden is a bust, the first thing that needs to be
understood is the term 'bust' with regards to sports. So we open with the simple task of defining what
makes a bust.
Although formal definitions are somewhat uncommon due to the derogatory nature of the term,
a bust in this context is considered a high-draft pick who fails. In the context of the NBA, more specific
terminology is called for. Obviously, a high-draft pick is, at the minimum, a lottery pick. Depending on
the strength of a draft class, what makes a high-draft pick can be changed from season to season. It is
safe to say that any player taken in the top six of a draft, regardless of draft class, has particularly high
expectations. It could be argued that the same could be said for the top eight, but let's proceed with a
top six prerequisite.
Next, the high-drafted player needs to seriously fall short of expectations for the team that
selected him. In the NBA, a high draft pick is expected to be a top contributor to a championship
winning team at some point in their career. A player can do this by being a quality scorer, play
maker/passer, defender, leader, or rebounder, or any combination of these qualities. And they are
expected to display these qualities for the team that drafted them within a few seasons.
For this article, I'll make references to 'stats', a statistic that I find to be useful in looking at
players. There are two types of stats, major stats and total stats. The major stat is the sum of the three
statistical categories out of five (Points, Rebounds, Assists, Blocks, Steals) that the player is most
prominent in and the total stat is the sum of all five categories.
With this in mind, take a look at the stats of some recent 1st overall NBA draft picks in their first
few seasons.
Major Stat (1) Total Stat (1) Major Stat (2) Total Stat (2) Major Stat (3) Total Stat (3)
Derrick Rose 27 28 30.6 31.6 ? ?
Dwight Howard 23.7 25.5 29.7 32 31.8 34.6
Lebron James 32.3 34.6 41.8 44.6 45 47.4
Andrew Bogut 17.2 20.1 21.6 25.3 25.8 29.2
Andrea Bargnani 16.3 17.6 14.4 15.8 21.9 23.5
Kwame Brown 8.5 9.6 13.7 15 19 21.4
What conclusions can we draw from this? Rose has shown his value as a high pick early in his
career, and has already justified Chicago's #1 overall pick. Howard progressed from a solid contributor
into a monster. James went from one of the all-time great rookies to one of the greats in the league.
Bogut started off questionably but got better and evolved into a quality player. Bargnani was shaky but
improved enough to at least show he can be an okay contributor. Kwame Brown had a miserable start
and managed to progress to mediocrity.
Howard and James are among the top five players in the league today, Rose is one of the up and
coming stars, Bogut has evolved into an elite big man, Bargnani is a talent with an unusual skillset with
some weaknesses, and Brown is one of the bigger busts in recent times. I must stress, this doesn't
always work out. Joe Smith for instance showcased more potential early in his career than he ended up
showing, and Kobe Bryant didn't suggest he'd become one of the all-time great scorers until his fifth
season, but it's a fair way to evaluate players with high expectations. In all six of the above instances,
cues given early in a player's career gave an idea of where they were headed, except for Rose who has a
5. future who is yet to play out.
Another thing to consider is how a player performed in college, presumably a NBA team hopes
that a player can do similar to things in the NBA. Derrick Rose had 24.1 major stats in 40 games on
Memphis, a well rounded point guard threat. Dwight Howard's 4 years in high school saw a 36.3 major
stat spread, as well as 51 major stats in his senior year, a man among boys who dominated the boards
and had insane athletic abilities. Lebron James averaged 21-6.2 his freshman HS season, 38.2 major
stats as a sophomore, 43 major stats as a junior, and 44.8 major stats in his senior season, another
completely dominant force who could do any and everything for his team. Bogut's two seasons in
college featured 30 major stats over 68 games, a high percentage shooter who was known as a quality
defender. Bargnani had 24.1 major stats in his final season in Euroleague, an emphasis placed on his
combination of center size and elite three point shooting. These five players are doing the same things
they did in college, high school, or euroleague, so the team's that drafted them got what they bargained
for.
Kwame Brown, on the other hand, concluded his HS career at the historic Glynn Academy as
the all-time leading rebounder (1,235) and shot-blocker (605), as well as being second all-time in
scoring (1,539). His senior major stats came in at 39.2. The Wizards did not get what they were hoping
out of the Brown union, expecting a dominant big man. So this is yet another reason we can call Brown
a bust.
On top of being a large disappointment, a player taken in the draft after the player is often a
much better player. For the drafting team to truly feel as if they wasted their pick, there has to be a far
superior player who was available at that pick they could have taken instead. For instance, if the twenty
players taken after Kwame Brown all proved to be bad to average players, at least Washington could
say that there was nothing 'right' they could have done with the pick and their picking of Brown meant
nothing. Of course, Pau Gasol went just 2 picks after Brown, a big man like Brown who proved to be a
far better player, so it is fair to say that Washington took a poor player when a great player was there.
A bust also sets the team that drafted him back, forcing them to pursue other means to fill a hole
on their team. For instance, the Bulls drafted Derrick Rose and now have no need to pursue an elite
point guard since they are secure at that position for the next decade. The Wizards, on the other hand,
found themselves out a center four years after taking Brown and needed to pursue a new one.
Finally, often the player leaves the team that drafted him, either to another team to play a
piddling role or leaving the league entirely. The team gets either no compensation (other than no longer
having to pay the player) or a compensation far smaller than the amount they spent to get the player.
From this point, the player may or may not redeem their career, but the team that selected them has
already sunk the cost of selecting the player and will still regard him as a bust.
So now we know what a bust is and the requirements for being one. To recap:
– Must be selected within the top-six picks of a NBA Draft
– Must fail to produce for the team that drafted them in the first few years of career
– Must fail to live up to expectations established in college/high school/europe
– Must be selected above a considerably superior player in hindsight
– Must set the team that drafted them back by leaving them lacking at a position
– Must eventually leave the team, giving the team back little to nothing in compensation
6. Chapter Two – Understanding Greg Oden
Now that we understand the 'bust' part of the claim that 'Greg Oden is a Bust', we now need to
reach some conclusions about understanding Greg Oden. Specifically, what did he do to generate the
hype and hope necessary to be selected 1st overall in a draft?
So we need to trace his career arc to see how we got here. In Middle School, a young Oden
played interscholastic basketball, then dominated the scene at Lawrence North High School, where he
won three straight Indiana Class 4A championships. Parade named him Co-Player of the Year in High
School with Monta Ellis and he was the National Boys Basketball Player of the Year in 2005. He
repeated as National Boys Basketball PoTY in 2006, along with being Indiana Mr Basketball. The
Mcdonald's All-American team also put him on their roster, and he played in the All-American game.
So naturally he was enthusiastically recruited by Ohio State. The ability to play like a man among boys
at the high school level as a center is a key trait NBA teams look for when picking one high in the draft,
and Oden certainly accomplished this.
Presumably around this time, Oden filled out to the frame he is today. 7 feet 0 inches. 285
pounds. This as an eighteen year old freshman in college. You need to be a physical specimen to be
regarded as an elite prospect by NBA scouts, and particularly today with big men and true centers being
a rare commodity, Oden's size alone made him a valued prospect.
In college, Oden did not disappoint. After missing time due to wrist surgery, Oden participated
in 32 games for Ohio State. 28.6 major stats, 29.9 total stats, which doesn't completely include his elite
defense that won him defensive player of the year in the Big 10. First team all-big ten. The game
winning block against Tennessee in the Sweet 16. A 25-12-4 in the National Title game, even in a loss.
Clearly, we're painting the picture of an elite NBA prospect, highlighted by being named to the All-
American team.
There you have it. The expectations are set for Oden. He'll come into the NBA as a high lottery
pick, expected to be a traditional styled center with dominant defense, an elite paint presence, top-
quality rebounding, good scoring, and the ability to change the game like few players in the history of
the game. After all, that's what he did in college. So, even with the wrist injury and a knee injury
hanging over his head already, plus apparently having unbalanced leg lengths, The Blazers couldn't
pass up the chance to get a franchise center and selected Oden with the 1st overall pick.
So we understand Oden. He was a top-six pick in a NBA draft. As we might say, phase one
complete. He's been given immense expectations. Anything less would be a disappointment, and
anything significantly less would be...well...we'll get there.
7. Chapter Three – The First Three Seasons of the Oden era
How has Greg Oden been working out for the Trail Blazers? This is probably the most
important part of this whole thing, Oden's ability to produce for the Blazers and how it compares to
expectations. We'll start from the beginning, although there's sadly very little to find.
Perhaps more accurate would be to say there's nothing to find. Well, he signed a contract.
Salary $3,885,000.00 $4,176,000.00 $4,476,000.00 $4,476,000.00
Fair enough. The only thing is what he did to earn that initial 3.885 million. Or rather what he
didn't do.
Greg Oden Points Rebounds Assists Blocks Steals
Stats 0 0 0 0 0
That's his statline in 2007-2008. He contributed as much as I did to the Blazers that season, not
playing a single minute. Before the season even started, he went under the knife for micro-fracture
surgery on his knee and it was immediately obvious he wouldn't be playing that year.
The ramifications here are obvious. In the short-term, he loses all of his ability to contribute to
the team in his first year. The chance to leave an immediate impact on the league is gone. In the long-
term we now have to worry about his injury history, including a wrist and now a knee. There's an
extended history of NBA players who had careers cut short or limited by frequent injuries, and Oden's
had two significant ones before playing a second in the NBA.
That being established, let's go check his 2nd season, officially his rookie season.
Greg Oden Points Rebounds Assists Blocks Steals
Stats 8.9 7 0.5 1.1 0.4
Of course, that won't tell the whole story, so let's flesh it out.
Oden played in 61 games, starting 39 of them, with 21.5 minutes per game. He shot 56.4% from
the field and 63.7% from the stripe. 2.8 of his rebounds were on the offensive end. He turned it over 1.4
times per game. He picked up 3.9 fouls per game. And finally, Portland's overall defense was 94.1, 9th
in the league, compared to 96.3 the year before (8th).
His production given his minutes is reasonable, his shooting percentages are acceptable, his
turnovers are in line with what you'd expect, and he was a member of a solid defense that improved
from the previous season. The positives being said, there are clear problems.
His actual production isn't enough, his impact on the game for the Blazers was on par with what
you'd get from a role player. He sustained another major injury that kept him out for an extended period
of time. He lost some starts to Joel Przybilla, a career backup who's never averaged double digit points
8. or boards, indicative of his struggles. He showed no signs of being a capable passer (not that this was a
surprise). But the most damning thing here is his historic number of fouls.
To put this in perspective, Oden's 3.9 fouls in 21.5 minutes parlays out to 6.5 fouls per 36
minutes, 36 minutes being a fair amount of court time for a franchise player. There was a reason his
minutes were limited; he got into foul trouble in record time. And being able to stay on the court is
probably the most important thing. Oden failed to do this in three different ways. So his meager
production may be the fault of meager minutes, but it comes back to Oden.
As for the six game postseason romp...an average of 5 points, 4.3 boards and 1 block in 16
minutes, with 4.5 fouls as icing on the cake. When you're more likely to commit a foul then grab a
rebound, well...thinks like getting buried for Joel Przybilla are gonna happen.
And we come to...his 3rd season.
Greg Oden Points Rebounds Assists Blocks Steals
Stats 11.1 8.5 0.9 2.3 0.4
21 games, 21 starts. 23.9 minutes each. 60.5% from the field, 76.6% from the stripe. 3.0
offensive boards. 1.9 turnovers. 4 fouls per. 94.8 defensive ranking (3rd).
Alright, he improved, both in actual production and per minute production. His blocks in
particular skyrocketed. He didn't lose any starts to backups. His shooting percentages went up to strong
marks for big men. And the Blazers had a great defense.
Alas...his production still isn't any more than a very good role player. He still can't pass. But two
things really, really stick out here that expose his 09-10 campaign as a failure.
21 games. A quarter of the way into the season Oden blew his knee out and immediately cut his
year short. Now his fourth significant injury. What else can you say at this point? Maybe he's extremely
unlucky, but at some point it's fair to say that his body just isn't built for this.
And then...fouls. They went up right alongside his minutes more or less, clocking in at 6 fouls
per 36 minutes. Even Dwight Howard, regularly pestered by foul trouble in Orlando, can't come close
to such gaudy numbers.
It took Oden 3 seasons to play 1 season worth of games (82 games, 60 starts). That hypothetical
season would hold the averages of 22.1 minutes, 9.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 1.4 blocks, and
0.4 steals. Not to mention 3.9 fouls and 1.5 turnovers. Let's remember these numbers as we move
forward in our analysis.
Greg Oden Points Rebounds Assists Blocks Steals Minutes Fouls Turnovers
Stats 9.4 7.3 0.6 1.4 0.4 22.1 3.9 1.5
9. Chapter Four – Oden VS. The World
Clearly, Oden failed to live up to expectations from high school and college. Major stats of 17.3,
total stats of 19.1, a far cry from his college days. How else can we compare Oden, however? There's
more to it than simply saying he's not the guy we thought we were getting. How does Greg Oden stack
up with other big men taken #1 overall throughout NBA history?
Points Rebounds Assists Blocks Steals Minutes Fouls Turnovers MS TS
Oden 9.4 7.3 0.6 1.4 0.4 22.1 3.9 1.5 18.1 19.1
Bargnani 12.4 4.3 1 0.9 0.4 26.9 2.9 1.5 17.6 19
Bogut 11.9 8.5 2.6 1.1 0.7 32.4 3.2 2 21.5 24.8
Howard 15.1 11.6 1.5 1.7 0.9 35.4 3.1 2.8 28.4 30.8
Ming 16.4 8.5 1.3 1.9 0.4 30.8 3.3 2.3 26.8 28.5
Brown 7.8 5.6 1 0.7 0.6 22.9 1.9 1.4 14.1 15.7
Martin 14.6 7 2.3 1.4 1.2 34 3.8 2.3 23 26.5
Brand 19.4 10.6 2.5 1.8 0.9 38 3.2 2.6 31.8 35.2
Olowokandi 9.1 7.4 0.5 1.5 0.4 28.5 3.3 2.1 18 18.9
Duncan 22 12 2.8 2.4 0.8 39 3 3.2 36.4 40
Smith 16.2 7.7 1.2 1.1 0.9 34.2 3 2 25 27.1
Webber 19.1 9.1 4.2 1.8 1.4 34.9 3.3 2.9 30 35.6
O'Neal 27.3 12.8 2.3 2.9 0.9 38.2 3.6 3 43 46.2
First Three Season Averages
For Big Men Taken #1 Overall
30 Oden
Bargnani
Bogut
Howard
25 Ming
Brown
Martin
Brand
20 Olowokandi
Duncan
Smith
Webber
15
Amount
O'Neal
10
5
0
Points Rebounds Assists Blocks Steals
Stat
10. First Three Season Averages
For Big Men Taken #1 Overall
50 Oden
45 Bargnani
Bogut
40
How ard
35
Ming
30 Brow n
Amount
25 Martin
Brand
20
Olow okandi
15 Duncan
10 Smith
Webber
5
O'Neal
0
MS TS
Stat
In a nutshell, Shaq was out of the stratosphere, Duncan, Brand and Webber were very strong,
Howard, Ming and Joe Smith were solid, Bogut and Martin were decent, Oden, Bargnani and
Olowokandi were mediocre, and Brown was useless. Now, all of these big men play different styles
with different strengths and weaknesses (Bargnani comparisons are arguably useless since he's more of
a perimeter shooter). Regardless, in terms of per game averages, Oden is on the same tier as
Olowokandi and Bargnani, and just a bit above Brown.
In a way, we're being generous to Oden with these comparisons. Let's scrap the per game
averages and look at career totals over the first three years.
Points Rebounds Assists Blocks Steals Minutes Fouls Turnovers MS TS
Oden 773 602 50 117 33 1816 322 126 1492 1575
Bargnani 2745 959 233 187 89 5946 632 959 3891 4213
Bogut 2696 1919 589 238 163 7326 729 447 4853 5605
Howard 3716 2853 358 407 212 8719 754 699 6976 7546
Ming 4000 2079 320 463 87 7522 801 573 6542 6949
Brown 1656 1174 213 158 132 4827 408 293 2988 3333
Martin 3183 1530 508 304 266 7404 836 502 5017 5791
Brand 4570 2481 586 413 217 8929 756 620 7464 8267
Olowokandi 1885 1538 109 303 92 5899 691 431 3726 3927
Duncan 4531 2466 579 497 166 8042 611 667 7494 8239
Smith 3899 1867 298 271 221 8252 731 488 6037 6556
Webber 2774 1326 603 258 203 5056 483 422 4358 5164
O'Neal 6585 3095 561 709 209 9218 860 733 10389 11159
11. First Three Season Averages
For Big Men Taken #1 Overall
7000 Oden
Bargnani
Bogut
Howard
6000
Ming
Brown
Martin
5000 Brand
Olowokandi
Duncan
4000 Smith
Webber
Amount
O'Neal
3000
2000
1000
0
Points Rebounds Assists Blocks Steals
Stat
12000
Oden
10000
Bargnani
Bogut
8000 How ard
Ming
Brow n
6000
Martin
Brand
4000 Olow okandi
Duncan
2000 Smith
Webber
O'Neal
0
MS TS
To further hammer the point home, a couple of charts that display just how much time Oden missed.
12. Minutes
10000 Oden
Bargnani
9000
Bogut
8000
Howard
7000 Ming
6000 Brown
5000 Martin
Brand
4000
Olowokandi
3000
Duncan
2000 Smith
1000 Webber
0 O'Neal
Minutes
Games
300
Oden
250 Bargnani
Bogut
Howard
200
Ming
Brown
150 Martin
Brand
Olowokandi
100
Duncan
Smith
50 Webber
O'Neal
0
Gms
MPG
45 Oden
Bargnani
40
Bogut
35 How ard
30 Ming
Brow n
25
Martin
20 Brand
15 Olow okandi
Duncan
10
Smith
5 Webber
0 O'Neal
Minutes
13. In conclusion, what do these statistics and charts show? Oden's per game averages are poor
when compared to other 1st overall picks, his bulk statistics are comically abysmal, and he has shown
an inability to get on the court and stay on the court like no other recent #1 overall big. Could you
believe that, not only is Greg Oden on the Michael Olowokandi/Kwame Brown level in this discussion,
but Olowokandi/Brown contributed many times more what Oden did in their first three seasons to
Oden in his? In a way, those two guys, two of the biggest busts of all time, displayed far more than
Oden has in the same timespan.
So, let's take a quick step back. Since we can see the poor nature of Oden's stats in multiple
ways, and since we can see how badly they stack up with other 1st overall big men, we can safely say
that he has spent the first few years of his career failing to produce for his team and failing to live up to
college born expectations. Leaving us halfway there.
– Must be selected within the top-six picks of a NBA Draft (Check)
– Must fail to produce for the team that drafted them in the first few years of career (Check)
– Must fail to live up to expectations established in college/high school/europe (Check)
So yes, Oden was a high draft pick. Oden did not produce at a reasonable level for the team that
drafted him, notable on it's own but even more glaring when compared to previous top picked bigs.
Oden did not live up to the college expectations. But is Portland truly regretting the decision to take
Oden?
Let's start with the easiest comparisons, Oden against other bigs selected in the 2007 NBA
Draft. Again, it's important to say that some of these bigs play different styles than Oden, Horford is an
undersized center, Noah is a hustle guy, Davis is an undersized jump shooter...but they all play power
forward or center.
Points Rebounds Assists Blocks Steals Gms Min MPG MS TS
Oden 9.4 7.3 0.6 1.4 0.4 82 1816 22.146 18.1 19.1
Horford 12 9.6 2.1 1.1 0.8 229 7627 33.306 22.7 25.6
Jianlian 9.6 5.8 0.9 0.8 0.6 179 4723 26.385 16.2 17.7
Wright 6.2 3.3 0.4 0.8 0.4 77 1064 13.818 10.3 11.1
Noah 7.9 7.9 1.5 1.3 0.7 218 5397 24.757 17.1 19.3
Hawes 8.8 5.5 1.6 1 0.4 220 5094 23.155 15.3 17.3
Williams 4.3 3.5 0.3 1.2 0.3 126 1871 14.849 9 9.6
Smith 4 2.8 0.4 0.6 0.3 132 1765 13.371 7.4 8.1
Landry 12.2 5.3 0.7 0.5 0.5 191 4647 24.33 18 19.2
Davis 5.9 3.6 0.7 0.3 0.5 199 3510 17.638 9.8 11
Fesenko 2.4 1.9 0.3 0.5 0.2 79 634 8.025 4.8 5.3
Gasol 13.1 8.2 2 1.3 0.9 151 4990 33.046 22.6 25.5
Gray 3.8 3.3 0.7 0.3 0.3 149 1639 11 7.4 8.4
14. Big Men in the 2007 Draft
14 Oden
Horford
12 Jianlian
Wright
10
Noah
8 Haw es
Williams
6 Smith
Landry
4 Davis
Fesenko
2
Gasol
0 Gray
Points Rebounds Assists Blocks Steals
MS and TS
30
Oden
Horford
25
Jianlian
Wright
20 Noah
Hawes
Williams
15
Smith
Landry
10 Davis
Fesenko
Gasol
5 Gray
0
MS TS
The good news: Oden is clearly on the 2nd tier of big men, his per game averages compare
favorably to other bigs taken in his draft. Al Horford and Marc Gasol are clearly a tier above, but Gasol
was a very late pick that the Blazers could not reasonably have taken with a top pick. Oden is probably
a solid 3rd or 4th among these bigs, in the same tier as Jianlian, Noah and Landry.
Of course...when you're the number one overall pick and considered a once-in-a-generation
player, that isn't enough. The expectation was that Oden would be the best big man in the draft at the
very least, anything else leaves a lot to be desired. Horford (3rd overall pick) proving to be a superior
player does make you wonder, and there was nothing Portland could do about Gasol but the fact
remains he's being outplayed by a 2nd rounder.
Now for the really bad news.
15. 250
Oden
Horford
200
Jianlian
Wright
150 Noah
Haw es
Williams
100 Smith
Landry
Davis
50
Fesenko
Gasol
0 Gray
Gms
9000
8000 Oden
Horford
7000
Jianlian
6000 Wright
Noah
5000
Haw es
4000 Williams
Smith
3000
Landry
2000 Davis
Fesenko
1000
Gasol
0 Gray
Min
35
Oden
30
Horford
Jianlian
25
Wright
Noah
20
Haw es
Williams
15
Smith
10 Landry
Davis
5 Fesenko
Gasol
0 Gray
MPG
So he's on the very bottom tier when it comes to getting in games, the 2nd from the bottom tier in
minutes, and middle of the pack in MPG. Not what you're looking for from the 1st overall pick. So, all
things considered, there were at least 2 or 3 big men better than Oden that were there at Portland's pick.
And as should be fairly clear, a look at total career production will cast Oden in an even poorer light, so
16. depending on your point of view other players may be more desirable.
But the buck doesn't stop at big men. Who were some other players that became something in
the NBA?
Points Rebounds Assists Blocks Steals Gms Min MPG MS TS
Oden 9.4 7.3 0.6 1.4 0.4 82 1816 22.146 18.1 19.1
Durant 25.3 6.2 2.7 0.9 1.4 236 8892 37.678 34.2 36.5
Conley 10.9 2.8 4.7 0.1 1.1 215 6458 30.037 18.4 19.6
Green 14 5.8 1.7 0.6 1 240 8166 34.025 21.5 23.1
Brewer 9.2 3.5 1.9 0.3 1.2 176 4592 26.091 14.6 16.1
Young 12.4 4.8 1.1 0.2 1.2 216 6276 29.056 18.3 19.7
Wright 4 2.3 0.7 0.3 0.5 179 2283 12.754 7 7.8
Thornton 13.3 4.5 1.3 0.6 0.7 225 6891 30.627 19.1 20.4
Stuckey 13 3.3 4.3 0.1 1.1 209 6097 29.172 20.6 21.8
Young 9.1 1.6 0.9 0.2 0.4 231 4416 19.117 11.6 12.2
Belinelli 6.6 1.3 1.4 0.1 0.6 141 2243 15.908 9.3 10
Cook 8 2.5 1.1 0.2 0.4 179 3965 22.151 11.6 12.2
Dudley 6.6 3.5 1.1 0.2 0.9 223 4530 20.314 11.2 12.3
Chandler 13.4 5.1 1.9 0.8 0.7 182 5740 31.538 20.4 21.9
Fernandez 9.4 2.7 2 0.2 0.9 140 3434 24.529 14.1 15.2
Brooks 13 2 3.6 0.1 0.6 213 5525 25.939 18.6 19.3
Afflalo 5.9 2.3 1 0.2 0.5 231 4434 19.195 9.2 9.9
Sessions 10 3 4.7 0.1 0.9 178 4355 24.466 17.7 18.7
40
35
30
Oden Young
Durant Belinelli
25
Conley Cook
Green Dudley
20
Brew er Chandler
15 Young Fernandez
Wright Brooks
10 Thornton Afflalo
Stuckey Sessions
5
0
MS TS
I'll leave the statistical comparison to this since a comparison across positions for specific stats
is largely worthless. What we can measure is overall impact on the game. Oden slaps up 19.1 'stats' per
game on average, which is fairly close to the middle of this list of players. Some players clearly
outclass him, others arguably do. Disappointments like Conley, Thornton and Stuckey actually have
him beat. A games played, minutes played and MPG comparison will have expectedly poor results for
Oden, as should be already obvious by the chart. Oden has far fewer games, minutes, and a low-end
MPG on this, a full list of impact players taken in the 2007 draft. It just doesn't cut it.
17. Chapter Five – Healing the Wound
So yes, there's a fairly long list of players who would have been better picks for Portland at #1
overall. Not to mention the move of simply trading down. We're getting closer. Oden was a top draft
pick who failed to produce or live up to his college expectations, and there were many superior players
taken later in the 2007 draft. How did the Blazers deal with this unfortunate reality?
First, it's fair to say the team is doing okay. They have their franchise guard and a worthy back-
court teammate. They have a reasonably solid power forward and all sorts of depth at all position with
role players of varying success. They've won their games and made the playoffs. Just no thanks to
Oden, and that's the whole problem.
When Oden came to the Blazers, the incumbent center and probable backup was Joel Przybilla,
a quality backup big but not too much else. So Oden's escapades so far in his career have forced
Przybilla to play more minutes. This is a guy who gave them around 5 points and 8 and a half boards to
go with a bit more than a block a game. You can live with that...but you don't want to. Other players
who got extra time at center because of Oden's shortcomings include Channing Frye (never worked out
in Portland), washed up Raef LaFrentz, undersized Juwan Howard and Jeff Pendergraph, and even
Aldridge has had to bump over to the 5. None of these are desirable options, all largely avoidable if
Oden hadn't disappointed to the degree that he had.
This season, the Blazers had enough of this and made a swap for Marcus Camby. It was a
quality trade, Portland gave up little, but getting a player such as Camby goes against what Portland has
been trying to do recently (use their draft picks, build up a core of young players in europe, maintain
cap freedom). Desparation to obtain a quality center forced Portland to make such a move, and it all
comes back to Oden.
And now, the Blazers have given Camby a 2 year, 20-25 million dollar deal for next season and
the one after. Awful lot of money for an old man who could get over the hill at any time, right?
Especially for a team that spent a #1 on a franchise center and have a backup under contract, no? You
see where this is going? Substandard center play, trades that go against normal team philosphy, large
contracts for aging big men, everything points at Greg Oden. The Blazers needed him to work out, and
he hasn't. And it's cost them in multiple ways.
There's little else to say. Portland has paid dearly for their mistake already, and further debts are
in line. This established...is Oden officially a bust?
18. Chapter Six – The Portland Redemption?
Well, not officially. There's one last step to fulfill. I'll grant that the final step is for posterity. By
leaving the team, there's nothing that player can do to salvage his career. Anything he does for another
team means nothing to the team that drafted him. Once he moves on, the coffin is sealed and buried.
He's a bust, and it's done. So the final step is a sort of a confirmation of what is already the case,
proving that the player is a bust and there's no going back. However, I would say a player can be a bust
without having left yet, so long as it is a foregone conclusion the player will leave eventually with little
to no compensation.
And that's exactly where we're going. Oden got paid 5.3+ mil to play mediocre basketball for 21
games. He's getting 6.8 mil next year and is a RFA up to about 8.8 mil for 11/12. With everything
you've read above, would you honestly cough up 9 mil a year to a guy who produces average numbers
when healthy and is rarely healthy? And that's optimistic, what if he's looking for a long term deal or 8
figures? You think a team won't bite on his crazy potential and give him a juicy contract?
I suppose there are alternatives, but they're just as bad or worse. Maybe the Blazers are crazy
enough to give Oden that big deal. Now they've sunk significant money into an injury-crippled player
who probably can't do what he was expected to be able to do originally. That's probably a lot worse.
Perhaps Oden decides to take a small deal and become officially a role player, just giving them
15-20 minutes a game, occasionally producing adequately when healthy, and the Blazers willing to
accept whatever he can give and nothing more. Of course, all the above points would still stand, and all
this means is Oden would continue to be a massive Portland disappointment, except the fans and team
would now expect and accept it. In this situation I'd just regard Oden as a bust who decided to be good
natured about it.
There's really only one way out of this. Oden has to come back with a vengeance next season,
or the following, and show he can be everything hoped coming out of college. 20 points and 10
rebounds. 2-3 blocks a night. Lock-down defense in the paint. It has to be consistent, it has to be big,
and it has to happen soon. Maybe there can be late redemption, although much damage has already
been done.
Given the long list of injuries, established history regarding big men suffering such damages,
and everything we know about Oden, I don't think it has any real chance of happening. But, if it does,
there can be redemption yet for Oden and his Blazers. He can worm his way out of the bust label and
become the franchise center Portland dreamed about.
But it's all an unrealistic pipe dream. So in conclusion, I come to the claim that everything in
this article has lead me to. Oden was a #1 pick. Oden could not fulfill the hopes instigated by his
college career, generic elite NBA expectations, and other #1 pick big men. Oden could not produce on
the level of other players selected in his own draft class. Oden's failures caused the Blazers to lose
capabilities on the court (leading to losing games) and give up money/players/flexibility for
replacements at center. We're just waiting for him to look to reverse his fortunes elsewhere in the NBA,
and then, he will be etched in stone as an all-time NBA bust. Until then, we'll have to settle for simply
knowing that he's effectively already one, and all that remains is for history to eternally remember him
as so.