Time Could Be Ticking Away on Greg Oden’s Stint in Scarlet and Gray
When Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers was asked this week about his team’s chances of losing its way into the NBA’s top draft pick, he understood the question.
"Obviously, everyone knows what’s out there," Rivers said.
I hate to break this to you, but Rivers wasn’t talking about Texas freshman Kevin Durant. Around the NBA, the quest to be last is casually called the "Greg Oden Sweepstakes." In pro basketball circles, an "if" rarely accompanies comments about Ohio State’s freshman center leaving this spring for the NBA.
Around here, the topic is broached only in hushed tones, and always with a wishful "If Greg stays for another year" or "A lot of people assume he’s going to leave early, but … " or "Greg sure seems happy, doesn’t he?" No one utters what everyone outside the state’s borders thinks is so obvious.
So here’s a sentence central Ohio doesn’t want to read from a reluctant messenger who, unfortunately, doesn’t own a bulletproof vest: It’s entirely possible Oden has only nine more regular-season games left as a Buckeye.
No one in Columbus wants to think in those terms, but just about everybody out there is, which is why it is worth mentioning. Look at it this way: Time sure flies when you’re having fun.
In a quick Internet search this week, I found references to which team might draft Oden in newspapers all over creation, from Kansas City, Mo., to Little Rock, Ark., to Bangor, Maine.
"One-and-done is a common phrase in college hoops," the Kansas City Star’s David Boyce wrote, "normally reserved for players such as Ohio State freshman Greg Oden — the projected NBA star stopping in school for a year before he’s off to the big bucks."
It’s like that everywhere. Philadelphia 76 ers coach Maurice Cheeks fielded questions about Oden twice this week, and the Chicago Tribune’s Sam Smith wrote of the Celtics, "They took their shot at (Tim) Duncan 10 years ago with the worst record and failed. They are in contention again with Greg Oden the prize."
See any "ifs" in there? The prevailing thought outside Columbus is that Oden is as good as gone.
A reporter who asked to talk to Oden this week was told that Ohio State officials have to limit the number of interviews he does because they don’t want them to push him toward the NBA. Once you get by the sheer absurdity of that — so Oden might actually leave school early, not because of millions of dollars, but because reporters were bugging him? — it becomes apparent just how desperate school officials are to avoid what outsiders view as inevitable.
To NBA scouts, Oden is "the next Bill Russell" or "another Patrick Ewing," and he’s worth a fortune to the lucky franchise that gets him. If you’re Memphis or Charlotte, what’s becoming an NBA dynasty worth to you?
It’s tempting to dream of Oden happily strolling across the Oval with a stack of books under his arm three years from now, and ESPN analyst Dick Vitale fed that notion in a Dispatch interview yesterday, saying, "He may pull a Grant Hill and stay four years."
Ohio State has even more at stake than ESPN, so you can probably expect to hear lots of wishful thinking between now and the end of the season. It would be great for Columbus if he stuck around, and he might genuinely want to. But with his future at stake, he might have a difficult time saying no.
The clock doesn’t start ticking toward that NBA maximum contract of $90 million until a rookie signs his first contract, and until he gets there, there’s always a chance that some clown who’s trying to make a name for himself might take out his knee and end his career.
Is the risk worth another year of college?
Maybe. As long as he doesn’t have to do too many interviews.
NBA Future: DeMarcus Cousins DeMarcus Cousins is a big PF who averaged 26 pts, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, 70% FG and 80% FT per game as a freshman in high school last year. DeMarcus Cousins has developing post moves, is an excellent rebounder, and a solid athlete. DeMarcus Cousins' ability to overpower players gives him a very high ceiling. DeMarcus Cousins has a 7'3" wingspan and 9'0" standing reach. DeMarcus Cousins is very raw. DeMarcus Cousins needs to work on his footwork and decision making mostly. DeMarcus Cousins offense is coming along fine, but he needs to become more of a leader on defense. DeMarcus Cousins consistency is also a problem against top competition.
NBA Future: Jrue Holiday
Check out Jrue Holiday, the 6-3 sophomore shooting guard from North Hollywood (Calif.) Campbell Hall, one of the elite guards in the west, regardless of class...
Jrue Holiday, the 6-3 sophomore shooting guard from North Hollywood (Calif.) Campbell Hall, is seen here in action from a CIF playoff game last week.
Jrue Holiday is #21 in white, not to be confused with his older brother, 6-6 junior Justin Holiday, who is #22.
NBA Future: Dashonte Riley
H.S. Detroit Cass Tech
Age: 14
Sport: Basketball. She starts on the varsity basketball team.
Family: Mother, Collette Anderson; twin sister, Daisha Riley, 14
What surprises you the most about high school? "There is way more kids in school. In basketball, the speed of the game is faster."
Favorite subject: Math
Least favorite subject: Science
What are your goals for high school? "To graduate and to continue to learn."
