Mad Ballin' : The Greg Oden Preseason Scouting Report

Big things were expected of Greg Oden when he was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, but he missed the entire season due to microfracture knee surgery. After a promising summer league, the news was a big letdown to NBA observers and fans, but Oden put in his hard work to rehabilitate his body, and is back.

In his NBA preseason debut against the Sacramento Kings, Oden dunked, rebounded, passed and blocked shots on his way to 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks in 20 minutes of action in Portland's 110-81 blowout win.

Here's my take on Oden's preseason debut and what's in store for him in his rookie season.

First, take a look at the Greg Oden highlights from Oden's preseason debut against the Sacramento Kings :

courtesy of Blazers Clips

THE LOWDOWN :

Due to missing what was supposed to be his rookie season with a knee injury, Oden's athleticism is shot. He can't get off the ground and his cardio isn't there. Due to fitness issues, don't expect rookie Superman numbers from Oden like 17 points, 9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks a game.

However, once Oden gets his legs and wind back and becomes used to the NBA game, he will do just fine. If his coach controls his playing time so that he can physically recover from knee surgery, Oden will be fresh and in shape as ever just when everyone else is hitting the rookie wall.

Even as a 20-year old rookie who has played just one season of college ball, Oden shows great promise as a post player. He is not afraid to bang, and he is active in getting to the entry pass, sealing off his defender with his big frame.

From watching Oden footage, it seems that Oden knows what he wants to do with the ball, so when he gets the ball, he makes a quick, efficient move. He pivots exceptionally well, and pump fakes very effectively. If Oden can refine these tools into creating a polished post arsenal, then he will be a nightmare for defenders.

Expect Oden to get into playing shape around the New Year and see a breakthrough in his effectiveness on both ends of the floor. Once he gets his lift back, he will block more shots and rebound more.

I see Oden averaging roughly 15 points, 9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks for his rookie season.

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