Could Greg Oden’s Injury Undermine Portland Trail Blazers & Seattle SuperSonics’ Future?September 15 07 The Oregonian reports on the television fallout from Oden’s injury: Greg Oden’s season-ending surgery on his right knee has ESPN and TNT rethinking their decisions to elevate the Blazers’ national television exposure this season, but the networks have limited alternatives.
My Quick Take: Greg Oden is out. ESPN and TNT could soon follow. These networks are re-thinking their television schedules after Oden’s season-ending knee injury. A few thoughts: - Forget David Stern’s propaganda. NBA ratings have been low; viewers are watching other programs/sports. Oden was supposed to renew fan interest for the networks, but with his injury ESPN and TNT will opt for higher-profile teams and players.
- But Portland is still worth watching. Figuratively and literally speaking, they have the 2006-07 rookie of the year: Brandon Roy. LaMarcus Aldridge and Channing Frye are developing talents. Sergio Rodriguez has a little Steve Nash in him. And I still haven’t mentioned Martell Webster, Jarrett Jack, and Travis Outlaw. NBA fans should still give the Blazers a look.
- A friend asked me for the worst case scenario with Oden’s injury. The obvious answer is that his career is over. But it could get worse. The less obvious answer is that Oden’s injury undermines basketball in Portland and the Northwest. The Blazers spent the last few years erasing the Jail Blazer legacy and building momentum. If Oden doesn’t recover, will Portland fans still support the team? Remember, the Blazers have had arena issues-just like their northern rivals, the Seattle SuperSonics. Hopefully, both teams stay put.
Will you watch the Oden-less Blazers? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.Click here to read and subscribe to Oly Sandor’s NBA Blog.
Posted by
louie
on 09.18.2007 | RUSH, u r delusional! 2nd rd my a$$! they wouldn’t even make the playoffs! i jst hope that oden fully recovers and does what he’s supposed to... . | Posted by
Rush
on 09.17.2007 | The Blazers are still worth watching without Greg Oden. Peresonally I think he might be back before the season ends. Even without him the Blazers will be in the playoffs, seeded 7th, and make it to the second round. We have an exciting team,which never gives up, what more could a fan want. Go Portland!!! . | Posted by
huey14
on 09.17.2007 | it is sad to oden but if his injury could be to amare too... i think he will be back. . | Posted by
Roger
on 09.16.2007 | The obvious answer is that his career is over? I like you, you remind me of me when I was young and stupid. . | Posted by
hoodoo
on 09.16.2007 | It’s hard to get excited about watching the Blazers Oden-less since it requires a much later viewing time to watch games in the west. I’d be a lot more likely the watch the Blazers if they play a team in my time zone. . | Posted by
on 09.16.2007 | The Northwest could be in trouble, intersting idea, son . | Posted by
heatrrocking
on 09.15.2007 | IM NOT A BLAZERS FAN IM HEAT BUT I HOPE GREG COMES BACK NEXT YEAR AND DELIVERS AS THE NEXT BIG MAN IN THE LEAGUE BLAZERS 30-52 THIS SEASON THEYLL BE CONTENDER IN 2009-2010 SEASON . | Posted by
martinas23
on 09.15.2007 | I was really looking to greg oden vs kevin durant. And then the injury came. lets hope greg will fully recover . |
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Oly Sandor | Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More |
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