They are finally realizing this ???

I don't think the Blazers can afford to deal any key pieces until it's determined whether they're going to get what they're expecting from Oden.

I agree Hollywood. Me, I just dont see Oden ever staying healthy.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:21 AM ET  11.02 by Hllywd: Old Schoolin'

I don't think the Blazers can afford to deal any key pieces until it's determined whether they're going to get what they're expecting from Oden.

agreed- but even with Oden
they need a veteran scorer...ideally at the point

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...considering that oden looks stiff and mechanical, without any offensive game whatsoever outside of a dunk, while playing for a fluid run-and-gun team, maybe oden should be the one traded...

How about this...

Marvin Williams & Mike Bibby for LaMarcus Aldridge and a Top-3 Protected 1st

Smart. Define roles, keep players happy with playing time, maximize your resources. Blazers look like they are going to be good. Now the hard part -- following through on the expectations. Clearly until we see enough of Oden we won't know how he fits. I think Odens most important number will be minutes played. He has potential and physical gifts, but he needs to be healthy, stay out of foul trouble and develop. A lot of teams wish they had so much promise, though.

Is it just me or is it just a little-known fact that Oden's one leg is shorter than the other?

STEPHON MARBURY

Yep, Oden turned out to be like a DeLorean. Seemed to have a bright future with all the bells and whistles! Then turn out to be a bust. I don't think he'll ever be completely healthy...pool kid!

QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 10:23 AM ET  11.02 by 718

...This team can trade some youth and still be phenomenal.

Agree 100%

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 09:15 AM ET  11.02 by jgb

They are finally realizing this ???

Why would you trade for a veteran player now when you are still looking at the pieces you have and how they fit together. They are looking down the road a few years for a possible championship and have considerable cap room at the end of this year to pursue a veteran piece to the puzzle. If someone the Blazers really want becomes available they should make a move, but with youth on their side they don't have to rush into anything.

All I know is my stomached turned every time Rudy Fernandez or Sergio Rodriguez made a play against the Suns last night. I can't believe they were sold for peanuts to them. Especially Fernandez, he would be a nice fit for the Suns. Oh well.

stomach, sorry. Started turning just thinking about it :o)

Paul Alen has the DEEPEST pockets in professional sports! I don't think he's that worried about it he want's the win and that is the bottom line! If they do make somes trades it will be the improve the team botom line.

Guys like Webster, Outlaw and Rodriquez should be able to bring something decent and usefull back.

Fernandez is a keeper though. Look like the second coming of Manu. Same reckless style with less playmaking skills.

ok laugh if you will, but i think the miami heat could move haslem and marion for aldrige and outlaw. the issue with this deal is it totally blows up in the blazers face if oden is sam bowie part deux. but if oden stays healthy, it sets them up for the next couple seasons. that is partly why i think the shouldn't make this move right away, and wait until oden puts a healthy/productive few weeks together.

now if oden stays healthy, this deal would make sense as marion is an upgrade at small forward and would help on the boards, defensivly, and with his long range ability. he would also be a stop gap solution that would allow outlaw, and batum time to cultivate thier talent. halsem would add toughness and experience up front, and he can work well with a star big man as he did well with shaq in miami so he could compliment oden. i think this deal would make the blazers the 5th best team in the wester confrence at least. this would makes sense for the heat as they get big man to go with the trio of beasley and wade, as well as a good young forward, that will be a solid starter from years to come.

heat
aldridge...magliore
beasley...blount
outlaw...jones
wade...cook
chalmers...quinn...banks

blazers
oden...pryzibilla...frye
haslem...diago...lafrentz
marion...webster...batum
roy...rudy
blake...sergio

I'd be happy if Greg Oden turned out to be Sam Bowie. He averaged a career double-double I believe.