NBA - Sports Rumors

Fri Mar 28, 2008 2:39 pm EDT

Oden plays pickup game; Blazers unhappy

By Joe Zedalis

Greg Oden

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The Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday were alerted to an internet rumor that Greg Oden had participated in a pickup basketball game at a 24 Hour Fitness facility in Tualatin on Wednesday night. Turns out, the rumor was true. And naturally, the Blazers were none too pleased.

"We heard about that, and I talked to him today,'' coach Nate McMillan said. "I let him know he can't do that.''

Oden is in the sixth month of his rehabilitation from microfracture surgery on his right knee, and is on schedule, if not ahead, to return to the court in time for the start of training camp in October. Oden has been cleared to participate in light drills during practices, but the team wants to control his running and jumping to controlled environments.

"I know he is excited to be moving again, but as I talked to him about it, he said 'Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...'. And I was like - 'I really don't care','' McMillan said. "The thing is, we were surprised. So we let him know that he doesn't need to be there. We have plenty of workout equipment and gym space at our facility.''

Source: The OregonianNew Window

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866 Comments

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  1. Willy
    1. Posted by Willy Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:47 pm EDT

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    He is trying to tear his body up so he not only looks like an old man, but he feels like one!
  2. BBTurlock
    2. Posted by BBTurlock Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:03 pm EDT

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    That face. Wow. Lol. That dude looks about 40 yrs old. The wrinkles in the forehead are a dead giveaway. Wow.
  3. Realest
    3. Posted by Realest Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:57 pm EDT

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    lol at number 1.... dude is hurt cuz he's old..
  4. Berta
    4. Posted by Berta Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:06 pm EDT

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    he is tryin to get better, let him ball
  5. Zaid B
    5. Posted by Zaid B Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:46 pm EDT

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    He don't care how old he looks.... 30's the new 20 right?
  6. Jeremy S
    6. Posted by Jeremy S Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:33 pm EDT

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    I don't think he tried to hide the fact he played. He obviously admitted to it when they asked him. That said it probably wasn't a good idea but put yourself in his shoes. Your a kid who is dying to play basketball cause you've been hurt for six months. He was just trying to have fun. I'm not saying it was a good idea but like King Kanoe said, at least he actually wants to play.
  7. Nick M
    7. Posted by Nick M Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:52 pm EDT

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    They should be happy he can play even in a pick up game. Its not like Radmonvich for the lakers going snow boarding and injuring his shoulder then lying about it haha.
    And yes the man looks like he's older then Mutumbo!
  8. djcosmo@...
    8. Posted by djcosmo@... Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:44 pm EDT

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    The kid has passion for the game, and it's admirable, yet he has a contract, so he should obey the team's rule!!! He is risking too much for a simple "pick up" game!!!
  9. bigboo's bro
    9. Posted by bigboo's bro Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:38 pm EDT

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    Obviously, basketball wasn't keeping Oden off the Dean's List at OSU. When you draft kids with underdeveloped maturity and senses of responsibility, these things will happen. The Blazers will be lucky if this is the worst of it.
  10. erici
    10. Posted by erici Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:03 pm EDT

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    i see ....WHO CARES.....and leave it at that
    and the truth of the matter is he is really 32 years old they lied on his birth certificate because he dropped out of HS and never did college so some scouts got wind of him and changed his info up so he could ball for OS, just like they do with the latino ball players in DR, Venezuela and PR
  11. Anderson A
    11. Posted by Anderson A Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:58 pm EDT

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    @ #9,
    more like 20 is the new 50 in his case.
  12. darren
    12. Posted by darren Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:36 pm EDT

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    it would be nice if we all had lives and didn't have to read this un educated trash.
    stop birging and live your life meanies
  13. bonez309
    13. Posted by bonez309 Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:11 pm EDT

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    i remember this guy, looks like he's aged since I last saw him
  14. John W
    14. Posted by John W Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:27 pm EDT

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    Greg.... take it easy and you and LA can take over the west next year. Blazers have the best yound talent in the NBA and will be a force over the next few years.
  15. herb4christ
    15. Posted by herb4christ Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:18 pm EDT

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    Is it possible for Oden to recieve an independant dental exam? This way we can really gauge his age. Like the ball...the teeth don't lie!!!
  16. Milton A
    16. Posted by Milton A Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:44 pm EDT

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    oden looks like lebron...
    oden = around 40
    lebron = around 30
  17. Joe S
    17. Posted by Joe S Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:18 pm EDT

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    was he playin down in algiers with shaq in a dark gym with padded rims??
  18. Caleb
    18. Posted by Caleb Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:59 pm EDT

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    ahaha more jokes about him looking old! sooo funny. actually no. no those are kinda lame now. so stfu :]
  19. New Old Boys
    19. Posted by New Old Boys Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:41 pm EDT

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    that guy is 45 year old.
  20. GregP
    20. Posted by GregP Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:13 pm EDT

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    Take Amarie Stoudamire's athleticism and put it with Dwight Howards size and strength and you got Greg Oden. I can't wait to see him play. I just can't believe he will be playing with L.Aldridge who will be even better next year with B.Roy. Why is it the Raps took B-nani over Aldridge. All the sudden Colangilo doesn't seems so smart.
  21. Randolph M
    21. Posted by Randolph M Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:29 pm EDT

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    Hey it was stupid, but the kid took responsibility and he is still learning this is the reason why the NBA has those pre draft camps any way its not all about basketball there are consequences to everything when you get paid for a job. I understand because as an athlete u want to play compete when you get hurt and have to sit out when you get the ok to play a little you want to play a lot more!! I look forward
  22. Jeff B
    22. Posted by Jeff B Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:32 pm EDT

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    He looks like a big old man
  23. backstroker
    23. Posted by backstroker Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:55 pm EDT

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    ODEN vs. HOWARD a.k.a. King Kong vs. Godzilla
  24. Matt
    24. Posted by Matt Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:47 pm EDT

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    stupid ogre
  25. Randy
    25. Posted by Randy Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:29 pm EDT

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    not to be mean but what is that old disease that makes people look older than they are,I am a bartender and i bet he could get drinks by the time he was 12

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