Will Greg Oden be better than Shaq?

[bail]

What skills do you think he has to make him better than Shaq?

Discuss.

[jerky10]

Footwork?

[bail]

Does Oden have an outside shooting?

[jerky10]

Does Oden have an outside shooting?
Don't know. Maybe within the perimeter.

[IGOTGAME]

Footwork?

nope.... and Oden at no time in his career will be as good as prime Shaq....

different caliber of talent...and thats saying a lot because Oden is a talented dude

[wally_world]

he does have a decent range for a defensive big man like him... and he has the power to dunk over people and stuff... but he needs to work on developing... he will not have an as good early career as Shaq... but im sure they'll turn out to be pretty similar...

[AtTheDriveIn]

he does have a decent range for a defensive big man like him... and he has the power to dunk over people and stuff... but he needs to work on developing... he will not have an as good early career as Shaq... but im sure they'll turn out to be pretty similar...

No they wont you moron. Shaquille O'neal was only so good defensively because he was so big. Oden isn't as big as any other guy on the court that he faces, and he'll be much better Shaq is on defense. Shaquille O'neal, from day one was always about providing offense for his team, and thats not what Oden is about. No, they wont turn out similar because they're two different players. They don't have the same style of play, thus wont turn out similar to each other.

[RoseCity07]

nope.... and Oden at no time in his career will be as good as prime Shaq....

different caliber of talent...and thats saying a lot because Oden is a talented dude


You have no idea what he'll become. He had better numbers than Shaq and he also was sick with 1 hand that wasn't his shooting hand.

[Collie]

Let me say that footwork is one of Odens bigger strengths on offense... very advanced for a 19 year old, but he would have difficulty reproducing Shaqs offensive impact, since Shaq was such a huge monster and completely overpowering.

That said, he could have a career similar to Shaq (impact-wise), but different(style-wise).

[IGOTGAME]

You have no idea what he'll become. He had better numbers than Shaq and he also was sick with 1 hand that wasn't his shooting hand.

no but I know what Shaq was... And I knew that as a talent...Shaq is head and shoulders better than him...

And I know shaq at 18 would destroy Oden now and he had more upside then Oden...And Prime Shaq is arguably the most unstopable force in NBA ever....

the overrating of Greg Oden has officially gotten out of hand.

[AtTheDriveIn]

You have no idea what he'll become. He had better numbers than Shaq and he also was sick with 1 hand that wasn't his shooting hand.

Ladies and gentle. I give you, The first ever Greg Oden homer on this board. College numbers don't mean jack ****, look at Hakeem Olajuwons numbers, look at other guys numbers, and you'll see they mean nothing. Just because he had better numbers in his Freshman year, doesn't mean he'll be as good as O'neal is.

If he was shooting with his 'sick' hand, as you call it, don't you think his 'main' hand would have decreased in production? There's no way to find balance in between your two hands. Just because a player does something with his off hand, doesn't necessarily mean that his 'main' hand is far superior that they don't need to ever use it again.

[RoseCity07]

Why is this pissing you off so much? You guys are hating on Oden and none of you have seen him play. You are guessing that he won't be as good as Shaq because he isn't a fat blob that throws his weight around. Davis Robinson dropped 72 in a game, and I'm sure no one thought he would ever do that. Greg Oden will be better than what a lot of people think he will be.

[GoldNugg21]

No.

[HaNdLe ThE RoCk]

Nope.

[AtTheDriveIn]

Why is this pissing you off so much? You guys are hating on Oden and none of you have seen him play. You are guessing that he won't be as good as Shaq because he isn't a fat blob that throws his weight around. Davis Robinson dropped 72 in a game, and I'm sure no one thought he would ever do that. Greg Oden will be better than what a lot of people think he will be.

Robinson, Hakeem, O'neal, Abdul-Jabbar, Chamberlin. What do they all have in common? They were all already extremely offensively gifted even before they came into the league. They all had MUCH MUCH better offensive skill. Oden, doesn't, and won have as much skill offensively as any of these guys, thus wont be at the same level of talent these guys have. Have you watched O'neal when he younger? I can tell you for a fact that he wasn't just some fat blob that threw his weight around. He had some awesomely perfected post-moves and he was a ****ing quick guy for his size. He may have possibly even been what Garnett is today in terms of quickness. Oden isn't anywhere near as athletic as old Shaq was. How can you compare them, and say that Oden will be better when you've never even watch Shaq play?

By the 72 comment, do you actually expect Oden to ever drop 72 on any team. If so, you really are what i say you are. A Homer.

If i recall corectly, you only became an Oden fan recently, as recent as say, when the Blazers won the pick, and now every topic you come into, you're always saying Oden is better, even though no one asked your opinion on whether you think Oden is good.

[bail]

whats unbelievable was that he shot 70% from the line with his left hand. :D

[Admiral]

No they wont you moron. Shaquille O'neal was only so good defensively because he was so big. Oden isn't as big as any other guy on the court that he faces, and he'll be much better Shaq is on defense. Shaquille O'neal, from day one was always about providing offense for his team, and thats not what Oden is about. No, they wont turn out similar because they're two different players. They don't have the same style of play, thus wont turn out similar to each other.


i'm all for spirited discussions, but did you have to call the guy a moron? i mean..there's been some pretty dumb stuff posted here, but that was hardly moron worthy...try to save that for those that deserve it *expects a "like you, moron?" response*

[RoseCity07]

I've known about Oden since the beginning of last season. I knew that that's who the Blazers needed, and that we would probably never get him. I never watch college basketball but for some reason I watched the NCAA finals and saw him dominate even though he was taken out of the game often.

Oden is not as athletic as Shaq? Are you kidding me, the guy was as quick as the point guards at his work out, was dribbling two basketballs up and down the court. I guess I'll have to watch some Shaq videos to see what he was doing with Orlando, but I don't understand why the hell he would get traded to LA if he was so great.

[IGOTGAME]

I've known about Oden since the beginning of last season. I knew that that's who the Blazers needed, and that we would probably never get him. I never watch college basketball but for some reason I watched the NCAA finals and saw him dominate even though he was taken out of the game often.
Oden is not as athletic as Shaq? Are you kidding me, the guy was as quick as the point guards at his work out, was dribbling two basketballs up and down the court. I guess I'll have to watch some Shaq videos to see what he was doing with Orlando, but I don't understand why the hell he would get traded to LA if he was so great.

If you bring that up then also dont forget about the bad performances leading up tp that game. Oden is going to be a beast...but not a shaq level beast

You must not be talking about the same Shaq I saw...because Shaq is way more athletic then Oden...Its not really close. Shaq is the most athletic center I have ever seen...

shaq in college
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQnbL7BrcWU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ih2EnUeCyU


early shaq in orlando(yeah thats him beasting Ewing, Hakeem, D-Rob, Zo, and even got one with Jordan in the picture

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS5mIncSQf4

kblaze's video on young shaq
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YccKZhc9I5k

and as far as talent goes there is no comparison...Shaq in my opinion(players i have seen) is the most naturally talented bball player to ever play the game of basketball.

dude at least take back Oden being as athletic as shaq...

[KIWI]

If you bring that up then also dont forget about the bad performances leading up tp that game. Oden is going to be a beast...but not a shaq level beast

You must not be talking about the same Shaq I saw...because Shaq is way more athletic then Oden...Its not really close. Shaq is the most athletic center I have ever seen...

shaq in college

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ih2EnUeCyU


David Robinson:confusedshrug:

[Admiral]

If you bring that up then also dont forget about the bad performances leading up tp that game. Oden is going to be a beast...but not a shaq level beast

You must not be talking about the same Shaq I saw...because Shaq is way more athletic then Oden...Its not really close. Shaq is the most athletic center I have ever seen...

shaq in college

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ih2EnUeCyU

dunks + blocks - at least he'll never come up in an argument for the most complete player ever :oldlol:

[IGOTGAME]

David Robinson:confusedshrug:

i said player that I saw...I never saw D-Rob much in his prime athletic years but from what I have seen I think that Shaq was more talented and a better athlete.

[IGOTGAME]

dunks + blocks - at least he'll never come up in an argument for the most complete player ever :oldlol:

thats funny because Shaq was a very complete player...You just have to appreciate the things he does to get the dunks... He post game was devasting the spins the why he read the defense, the pivot moves, the passing...Dont hate on Shaq for demoralizing players with his dunks...

[Admiral]

thats funny because Shaq was a very complete player...You just have to appreciate the things he does to get the dunks... He post game was devasting the spins the why he read the defense, the pivot moves, the passing...Dont hate on Shaq for demoralizing players with his dunks...


not hating on shaq at all, just pokin fun ;)

[RoseCity07]

Yeah Shaq was 10 times better than I thought. I just think it says a lot that we took Oden over Durant. Kevin Pritchard doesn't make mistakes, just look at our last two drafts. I personally think that if we were only after offense we would have picked Durant. I think the main reason we got him though was for defense. We need defense, and his offense will develop.

He is good at getting rebounds and going up and dunking. He probably won't be doinig things like Shaq just going up and dunking in a guys face. He will do damange in the paint though.

We needed Oden for defense though. Did anyone notice that Shaq goaltends a lot on his shot blocks in college? Seriously, a lot of his blocks were when the ball was in the air for seconds and half way down.

[Admiral]

We needed Oden for defense though. Did anyone notice that Shaq goaltends a lot on his shot blocks in college? Seriously, a lot of his blocks were when the ball was in the air for seconds and half way down.

hah...none of the college refs wanted to call anything against shaq for fear of dying

[-primetime-]

NEVER

greg oden has gigantism...

[bdreason]

Shaq changed the game.

Oden will just be a solid 20/10/3 guy.

[Lebron23]

Shaq is the most dominant Center in the last 12 years although he is a very poor FT Shooter. Once Shaq is in the paint nobody but a hard foul can stop him from scoring in his prime.

[VeeCee15]

Shaq is seriously the most dominant center ever...

U cannot stop the guy.

Put Shaq against Wilt 1on1 and Wilt would get destroyed...look at some of the old Wilt videos...Wilt had nothing on Shaq's athlecism. Yes Wilt was head and shoulders above everyone for his time...but COME ON!

Shaq would also destroy Kareem too..simply demolish him.
Kareem is like a stick compared to shaq. WHO CARES ABOUT THE SKYHOOK when shaq can just dunk on your @ss all day long.

[VeeCee15]

ALso.....how can someone say that Oden's footwork is better than Shaq's? LOL

Shaq was huge but he had elite finesse and athleticism as well. He could spin very well and had great footwork.

I do not think Oden is even close to Shaq nor will he ever be.

[bigkingsfan]

Oden won't even be better than Hakeem.

[RoseCity07]

Well people here just like to go against any opinion that goes against theirs and are willing to be completely irrational. Shaq sucks now and Duncan is way ahead of Shaq pace wise. The thing is Duncan is a PF, and Shaq is a center, so expect that.

You could say that Jordan was a better Bull than Jay Williams and some jack ass will say...Actually you don't know that because Jay Williams didn't play as long as Jordan. Some stupid as comment like that and you stuck scratching your head. Dude's on this board are ******.

[Rameek]

Why is this pissing you off so much? You guys are hating on Oden and none of you have seen him play. You are guessing that he won't be as good as Shaq because he isn't a fat blob that throws his weight around. Davis Robinson dropped 72 in a game, and I'm sure no one thought he would ever do that. Greg Oden will be better than what a lot of people think he will be.
obviously you are young...

the post says will he be better, yes or no... You want us to praise a kid that you said we havent seen play and claim he is better than a HOF player... You have havent seen him play and you are claiming he is better...

No one has ever presented a case on this board why he will be better than any other center in the league.
Footwork? When I watch games its never focused on footwork but whats happening upstairs... so to claim he has this great footwork is ridiculous and he has no post game to speak of to support the claim he might have great footwork...

He will probably be good or pretty good but there hasnt been any evidence to say he will be as good as the greats mentioned in this thread....
:cheers:

[allball]

Shaq is seriously the most dominant center ever...

U cannot stop the guy.

Put Shaq against Wilt 1on1 and Wilt would get destroyed...look at some of the old Wilt videos...Wilt had nothing on Shaq's athlecism. Yes Wilt was head and shoulders above everyone for his time...but COME ON!

Shaq would also destroy Kareem too..simply demolish him.
Kareem is like a stick compared to shaq. WHO CARES ABOUT THE SKYHOOK when shaq can just dunk on your @ss all day long.

get an education on the game son. how many 50 point games has Shaq had? Erick Dampier has given him trouble so did Dennis Rodman. You have no idea how strong Kareem was defensively in his prime do you? Shaq might get his points but Kareem would definitely win the overall battle just like D-Rob used to. As for Wilt, he wasn't just big and didnt just dunk. The man had a wide array of shots and he was very good shot blocker. Shaq has never averaged 30 in a season and he hasnt been playing against Kareems and Wilts. He is physically dominant and like u said about Wilt being head and shoulders above everyone, Shag is bigger than everyone yet he still cant put up numbers like Wilt did. What Wilt did was no fluke. it aint about watching old videos. it's about knowing what the hell youre talking about.

[dejordan]

outlook not so good
ask me later

[hateraid]

On the greatness level, I'll think he'll be up there with Alonzo, Patrick, Deke (wow, did I just rattle of all Georgetown elite centers?)

[TheHonestTruth]

Free throw.

[Rockets(T-mac)]

There is very little chance that he will be dominant like Shaq, but anything is possible I need to see him play in the NBA before I can make a more accurate guess. He has the tools to be come a great player on both ends just needs to use the tools and put a lot of work in. He doesn't exactly play like Shaq, he can actually shoot free throws and doesn't have the footwork in the post to get the position in the post that Shaq does.

[NBAFan]

I think Oden will have Patrik Ewing's kind of career, very good but always a step behind guys like D-Rob, Hakeem and Duncan. Shaq's better than all of them, btw.

[hateraid]

I think Oden will have Patrik Ewing's kind of career, very good but always a step behind guys like D-Rob, Hakeem and Duncan. Shaq's better than all of them, btw.


Did I just get plagerized?
Lol, J/J, I agree with ya fully.

[Richie2k6]

How are you guys saying this when he is yet to even play a single minute in the NBA? :confusedshrug: Y'all are comparing him to Ewing, Hakeem, Shaq, etc. From what? What he did in Ohio State? How do you guys know he will or will not be as good as Shaq? He's yet to do anything in the NBA. You guys can estimate all you want, but you have nothing to base it on.

You can't judge someone's career when it hasn't even started.

[hateraid]

How are you guys saying this when he is yet to even play a single minute in the NBA? :confusedshrug: Y'all are comparing him to Ewing, Hakeem, Shaq, etc. From what? What he did in Ohio State? How do you guys know he will or will not be as good as Shaq? He's yet to do anything in the NBA. You guys can estimate all you want, but you have nothing to base it on.

You can't judge someone's career when it hasn't even started.

We can judge, we just can't pressume. Judging is what ISH is all about:)

[Richie2k6]

We can judge, we just can't pressume. Judging is what ISH is all about:)
:confusedshrug: In that case, I presume he'll be a 23/12 player in his prime.

:D

[IGOTGAME]

Well people here just like to go against any opinion that goes against theirs and are willing to be completely irrational. Shaq sucks now and Duncan is way ahead of Shaq pace wise. The thing is Duncan is a PF, and Shaq is a center, so expect that.

You could say that Jordan was a better Bull than Jay Williams and some jack ass will say...Actually you don't know that because Jay Williams didn't play as long as Jordan. Some stupid as comment like that and you stuck scratching your head. Dude's on this board are ******.

Duncan at no time in his career was better then 3 peat Shaq....and it was never even close....

[knickballer]

Duncan at no time in his career was better then 3 peat Shaq....and it was never even close....

:cheers:

[NBAFan]

Did I just get plagerized?
Lol, J/J, I agree with ya fully.

Sorry bro, just seen your previous post and fully agree with you.

[Rameek]

He has the tools to be come a great player on both ends just needs to use the tools and put a lot of work in. He doesn't exactly play like Shaq, he can actually shoot free throws and doesn't have the footwork in the post to get the position in the post that Shaq does.
what are these tools he possesses???

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

What skills do you think he has to make him better than Shaq?

Discuss.

No. But he WILL be the equivalent of a Patrick Ewing....which is just fine. HOF material.

[YaoMacBat11]

I don't get all this hype about Oden, true, he's a big guy, he's very good at defending the basket, but when has he played against anyone other than high schoolers and college level players?

I hope the dude is a bust!

[RoseCity07]

I don't get all this hype about Oden, true, he's a big guy, he's very good at defending the basket, but when has he played against anyone other than high schoolers and college level players?

I hope the dude is a bust!

I believe him and Durant will be on the USA team. The guy was a man amoung children in college. There is no reason to play down the future NBA players he played against. Just wait and see what he does.

[Kiddlovesnets]

Don't compare Oden with Duncan and Shaq at this moment, he ought to exceed D Howard and Yao first. After all, it's still too early to draw a conclusion on a rookie.

[Rockets(T-mac)]

what are these tools he possesses???
Foot work, size, strength, unpolished post moves, defensive dominance, ect.. He has a lot of raw skills that if developed well can become deadly.

Not saying that he will become Shaq I doubt that will happen, but anything is possible.

[beau_boy04]

Oden's defense = Shaq's offense.

[HollaBolla]

no cuz Shaq is one of a kind atlete, they're both ugly though and same age bracket.

[AtTheDriveIn]

Oden's defense = Shaq's offense.

Try again.

[gts]

Oden's defense = Shaq's offense. not even close... the step up to the NBA is from college is huge, lets just see what the kid can do and hope the trailblazers don't just throw him to the wolves, there are big men like duncan, yao, garnett and others that are going to eat this kid up at first...

[wang4three]

not even close... the step up to the NBA is from college is huge, lets just see what the kid can do and hope the trailblazers don't just throw him to the wolves, there are big men like duncan, yao, garnett and others that are going to eat this kid up at first...

Oden is not a baby. The best way to learn is to play against the best every chance he gets.

As for this thread, there's a reason why no one with credibility (other than hateraid) has posted in it. The answer is easy, and for those who haven't figured it out: no. And I've watched more Oden games than anyone on this board.

[beau_boy04]

not even close... the step up to the NBA is from college is huge, lets just see what the kid can do and hope the trailblazers don't just throw him to the wolves, there are big men like duncan, yao, garnett and others that are going to eat this kid up at first...


no doubt he will get dunked on alot but he will do just the same to everybody. He needs to develop an aggressive attitude if he wants to become great and have toe rings like Bill Russell. If he can't he'll be just another Mutombo.

[Make It Rain]

The only thing Oden got on Shaq is FT shooting. And pretty much every NBA player has that on Shaq.

[AtTheDriveIn]

no doubt he will get dunked on alot but he will do just the same to everybody. He needs to develop an aggressive attitude if he wants to become great and have toe rings like Bill Russell. If he can't he'll be just another Mutombo.

Because Mutumbo's so bad right? Please, Mutumbo ****s on most centers in the league. You people have WAY to high expectations for this kid. I can't wait for day 1 of the season when he puts up 10 points 5 rebounds and someone makes a 'after not watching him through college, i expected 50 points in the first game, GREG ODEN IS A BUST!' Seriously, it'll happen.

Dunking on people means anything, by the way.

[SsKSpurs21]

No they wont you moron. Shaquille O'neal was only so good defensively because he was so big. Oden isn't as big as any other guy on the court that he faces, and he'll be much better Shaq is on defense. Shaquille O'neal, from day one was always about providing offense for his team, and thats not what Oden is about. No, they wont turn out similar because they're two different players. They don't have the same style of play, thus wont turn out similar to each other.

13.9 rpg and 3.5 bpg in his rookie season...yea shaq didnt really care much for defense.

[Jimmy2k8]

I think its a joke to say Oden will be better than Shaq. That is like saying Kobe will be better than Jordan. Example. People started to say that Kareem would be better than Wilt. Kareem got 5 with Johnson, but that was because he was around team players and Magic Johnson. But who had the better Offense and Defense? Wilt did.

Then people started to say that Shaq would be better than Kareem. :wtf:

In terms of offense and defense, Kareem was the better player as he had enough juice to play until his last season. Kareem has the most points, 3rd in blocks, and also 3rd in rebounds. Shaq is dominant, but was never better than Kareem.

and now people are saying Oden will be better than Shaq? WTF? That is a joke and Shaq will be better.


In shorter terms, the player that has been in the league long, will be better than the new player coming into the league. By positions.


-Jimmy

[Orlando Magic]

Oden will absolutely not be better than Shaq. Shaq in his prime was the single most dominant force the league has ever seen. Shaq in Orlando (before his prime) was better than any big currently in the league has ever been or will ever be. Shaq as a rookie for Orlando is probably better than Greg Oden will ever be.

None of this is a knock on Oden. People just seem to forget how good Shaq actually was... and is. He will be missed when he's gone.

Also, I hate how people call him fat all the time. That guy is a beast. And I guarantee he's in better shape than you.

[Orlando Magic]

Thread bookmarked, btw.

[Rasheed1]

Oden isnt even built like Shaq... Shaq was a monster in the paint on offense and defense...

Shaq had great footwork, great passing out of all the doubles, gaurunteed pts in the middle...he is just a force that made coaches sweat just thinking about how he was gonna destroy their front court..


No, Greg Oden will not be better than Shaq.


Put Shaq against Wilt 1on1 and Wilt would get destroyed...look at some of the old Wilt videos...Wilt had nothing on Shaq's athlecism. Yes Wilt was head and shoulders above everyone for his time...but COME ON!

^this is garbage^

Wilt wouldnt get destroyed... Wilt was more athletic than Shaq..Guy was a track & field legend at Overbrook...

[Vendetta]

Thread bookmarked, btw.

Bumped once. Let's see how this ends up. Well, I already know how it's going to but I'll just keep the thread alive for quite some time more.

[BlazersDozen]

HAHAHAHA

Oden into Shaq?

HAHAHAHA

I'd say Oden is more Mutumbo/Russell, Bynum/Howard is more Shaq.

[Loki]

Skills alone can't make you better than Shaq. You need the skills and the athletic package, which, well...isn't happening.

[Younggrease]

People need to watch this and just say "no"...Let this thread just die

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcUPgJXq4l8&feature=related

[veilside23]

right now the only thing oden has over shaq is free throw shooting... thats about it thats the most certain thing... lets give the kid a break ... i am really excited to see greg oden play in the NBA ...

[KeylessEntry]

Shaq and Oden are totally different players. I think Oden will *maybe* be better defensively, but there is no way he will dominate offensively like Shaq did. I am a big time Portland homer so take that as you will.

[bagelred]

There is a zero percent chance Oden will be better than Shaq.

End thread.

[GOBB]

I've seen Shaq in college and he was a beast. I've seen Oden only 1yr in college and he was good but nothing what Shaq was before he jumped into the draft. When Oden does what Shaq made me in awe of then maybe I could make a response and try to predict. Otherwise? Its hard to gauge because we all have examples of players deemed "talented" and the next *insert star* who failed. And most of them didnt even prove much at the time people hyped them up. And dont feed me exceptions to the rule, there will always be exceptions but compared to the total? Yeah exactly, hush up.

Greg Oden has to prove he will be the best Center in the NBA. You got guys like Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum as young players with potential for that label. Right now Dwight is producing and still has a ways to go. I mean Yao Ming? Dispite injuries he still is skilled. I like his talent and I sometimes like to project what he can/will become but at the end of the day? I dont know.

And all that said you want me to compare a I dont know with a top 5 NBA Center of all time? With the most dominant big man of our era? With a guy who has productions, showed skills, has hardware dispite being jerked on a couple MVPs arguably? Like really...not fair to Oden. This is why if he doesnt pan out or he comes up just short of being better? We got people ready to slam him.

I am anticipating seeing what Oden can bring as a rookie. Defense and rebounding come natural to him from my eyes. Offense? Thats where you earn your money. And thats where fans will keep a keen eye on.

Will Derrick Rose be better than Gary Payton? I mean really.

[baseketball4life]

no but he will be close

[bagelred]

no but he will be close

He won't be close.

[baseketball4life]

great if you disagree, I didn't ask you to agree with me. That's just my opinion, no need to shed tears over it.

[KeylessEntry]

Oden will not be as good offensively, but I think he will be better defensively.

[mrpuente]

i dont buy into hype...ask again after this season

[BlazersDozen]

Why do people have this notion that Oden isn't athletic?

Does anybody remember that he ran faster than Kevin Durant at pre-draft workouts?

[KeylessEntry]

Why do people have this notion that Oden isn't athletic?

Does anybody remember that he ran faster than Kevin Durant at pre-draft workouts?

He has put on a fair amount of weight since then, but I agree that he is actually quite fleet footed.

[BlazersDozen]

Just because you put on weight doe not make you any less athletic. I have a friend who weighed 300 pounds and was a star football player in high school and out ran a 170 pound little Mexican guy who plays soccer every weekend. This was him weighing 50 pounds more and seven years after his senior year of high school. Michael Jordan is schooling Adam Morrison during Bobcats practices. I can go on.

[KeylessEntry]

Just because you put on weight doe not make you any less athletic. I have a friend who weighed 300 pounds and was a star football player in high school and out ran a 170 pound little Mexican guy who plays soccer every weekend. This was him weighing 50 pounds more and seven years after his senior year of high school. Michael Jordan is schooling Adam Morrison during Bobcats practices. I can go on.


I dont see how your 300 pound friend outracing some little mexican or the fact that Michael Jordan can school Adam Morrison (big suprise) really disproves the laws of Physics: F=MA

[Loki]

Just because you put on weight doe not make you any less athletic. I have a friend who weighed 300 pounds and was a star football player in high school and out ran a 170 pound little Mexican guy who plays soccer every weekend. This was him weighing 50 pounds more and seven years after his senior year of high school. Michael Jordan is schooling Adam Morrison during Bobcats practices. I can go on.

How tall was your friend? In extreme cases (i.e., elite athletes), a very heavy person can be faster (in a straight line) than most people of normal weight, but they won't be more agile. I can almost guarantee that your friend couldn't do a cone drill as fast as someone who weighed 190 pounds. Much less a comparable athlete who weighed 190 pounds. A lot also depend on their % body fat. Being 300 pounds with 9-12% body fat is a lot different than being 300 pounds with 17-25% body fat.

The only basketball players who were very effective at heavy weights were Shaq (325-355 in his prime; 7'1") and Barkley (~270-280; 6'6"). That's not a coincidence -- athleticism decreases with weight. It's simple physics.

[Paladin55]

thats funny because Shaq was a very complete player...You just have to appreciate the things he does to get the dunks... He post game was devasting the spins the why he read the defense, the pivot moves, the passing...Dont hate on Shaq for demoralizing players with his dunks...

You can say a lot about Shaq, but he did not have a "complete" game, and was therefore not a "complete player." He took advantage of his size and quickness on the offense end, and developed some great interior moves and he could pass, but he had no game beyond a 7-8 ft from the basket (Yeah- I know he did not have to have one, but an outside shot is part of a "complete" game.), he never learned how to shoot free throws-and this hurt his teams over the years, and he was never the rebounder he should have been given his size, quickness, and athletic ability. As one of the league's poster boys, he also got away with a ton of offensive fouls during his career, and probably should have had his butt on the bench a few more minutes each game.

I have no idea how Oden is going to turn out, since he has not played a regular season game as a pro. Is he going to hold up physically? Who knows. I think he'll be a better shot blocker than Shaq and a better off the ball defender, and he has some good pivot moves & can use either hand, but nobody has seen him play consistently against top competition.

Shaq is a lock for the HOF, and has been a dominating player for many years. Let me see Oden play a full year at 30+MPG, and then we can have this discussion for real. Portland is an up and coming team, and if they are legit, Oden may become another Bill Russell type player on a great team, who does what needs to be done, and does not have to have the ball in his hands all the time. I do think he'll benefit from superior guard play, and I don't see a pure point guard on Portland, so I think that may be an issue over the years.

Hate to push out a cliche', but only time will tell.

[RoseCity07]

I'm starting to get sick of the Oden comparison threads. The only thing I want to hear about him is how well he is progressing and holding up in practices. It's just retarded to compare him to anyone right now.

[VCMVP1551]

Shaq led the leage in scoring twice and was almost always in the top 3, he was also always among the league leaders in rebounds/blocks and his team usually won 50-60 games. That is too much to ask any player to live up to not to mention the 4 championships and incredible finals stats.

[QUOTE]O'Neal's footwork is at the center of his low-post game

By Ethan J. Skolnick
SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL

February 7, 2005

MIAMI

[AllenIverson3]

You have no idea what he'll become. He had better numbers than Shaq and he also was sick with 1 hand that wasn't his shooting hand.

where the **** did he have better numbers than Shaq?

[fos]

Oden=David Robinson.

That's a fact.

[k-vil]

A prime shaq > any center!

[Loki]

Oden=David Robinson.

He should be so lucky, considering that DRob is a top 6-7 center and top 17-22 player all-time.

[RoseCity07]

where the **** did he have better numbers than Shaq?

Look at their first years in college.

Shaq 13.9 PPG and 12 with 3.5 BLKS

Oden (One handed lol) 15.7 PPG 9.6 RPG 3.3 BLKS

[Anti404]

How many of you have actually watched Oden?

Living in Indiana, I've heard, seen, and read enough about Greg Oden to know that he will become a very good center. However, this thread and many of the posts in it are complete nonsense.

In his prime, I could see Oden going for MAYBE 17/12/2.5bpg. Very good numbers, but nowhere near O'Neal level. Or David Robinson level. Or any of the top centers to play the game.
/rant

[Da KO King]

Look at their first years in college.

Shaq 13.9 PPG and 12 with 3.5 BLKS

Oden (One handed lol) 15.7 PPG 9.6 RPG 3.3 BLKS
Who faced better competition and was behind a better center? (These are rhetorical questions of course)

[VCMVP1551]

Who faced better competition and was behind a better center? (These are rhetorical questions of course)

Shaq was also a year younger. He didn't turn 18 until right at the end of his freshman season.

[rzp]

Look at their first years in college.

Shaq 13.9 PPG and 12 with 3.5 BLKS

Oden (One handed lol) 15.7 PPG 9.6 RPG 3.3 BLKS

do u have fg% and min played ?

[vincentda]

Who faced better competition and was behind a better center? (These are rhetorical questions of course)

I'm glad you mentioned that. People don't know how good Stanley Roberts was. He was tearing down backboards at LSU and Orlando before Shaq. LSU also had Chris Jackson going for 40+ points every other game.

Shaq did have a monster game against Hank Gathers (20pts, 24rebs, 12blks). Oden have games like that?

[Kiddlovesnets]

Hate to say that but you obviously don't realize how good Shaq was in his prime. Oden will be a good center in NBA and I can see him surpassing Dwight Howard someday but for Shaq, well, that's completely impossible.

[AItheAnswer3]

WTFs wrong with you guyz
How dare you compare Oden to Shaq :banghead:

[Vendetta]

Heh

[fiddy]

No Oden will never better than Shaq in his prime.

[Valliant13]

Oden=David Robinson.

That's a fact.

No knock on Oden...but shouldn`t he play a full game or two before he is equal to a top 50 all time player?

[Valliant13]

Hate to say that but you obviously don't realize how good Shaq was in his prime. Oden will be a good center in NBA and I can see him surpassing Dwight Howard someday but for Shaq, well, that's completely impossible.

Shaqs recent decline has made a lot of people forget just how unstoppable he was in his prime. Not in the -it`s difficult to stop him- way, but in the -if he got the ball within 5 feet of basket you either fouled him, or he scored, regardless of the double team- way.

He is a top 1-3 center, and top 3-8 player all time. It is hugely unwarrented to compare any rookie to that standard.

[JJ81]

Maybe if he started playing wheelchair basketball, yeah.

[rawimpact]

Greg Oden Stats
Season.....GP.MPG.PPG.FG%.3FG%.FT%.APG.RPG.BPG.SPG
2006-2007 32 28.9 15.7 61.6 0.0 62.8 0.7 9.6 3.3 0.6

Shaq's Stats
Season......GP MPG PPG FG% 3FG% FT% APG RPG BPG SPG
1989-1990 32 28.2 13.9 57.3 - 55.6 1.9 12.0 3.6 1.2

Season......GP MPG PPG FG% 3FG% FT% APG RPG BPG SPG
1990-1991 28 31.5 27.6 62.8 - 63.8 1.6 13.7 5.0 1.5

They are definetly comparable, but shaq just owned his second season, basically got better at everything.

[KB42PAH]

Never. Ever. No way. Not happening.

Shaq and Hakeem are in a league of their own.

[It's A VC3!!!]

Nah no way, Greg Oden, will never play a full year till 2012.:lol

[Nets fan 93]

Greg is a big dissapointment so far...

[Balrog]

To be fair, I don't think any player should really be compared to Shaq. He was a very unique player in so many different facets of the game, he's really in a category of him own. Not so much in greatness, just that he's a very different breed of player.

A better argument or debate is will Oden be better than Duncan.

I think Oden will be a legit all-star in this league, but I don't know if I'm ready to say he's the next big superstar. The NBA is banking on this guy being the next best thing since LeBron, but let's not jump the gun until we've seen him play a season or two consistently!

[3.2.1.]

Shaq>Oden and that will remain true forever.

[Maniak]

I really do not know what to say to this thread...

Its just not right

[RoseCity07]

How is Oden going to be Shaq until he gets out there and plays? Greg needs to calm down out there and realize LaMarcus Aldridge is the man and his job is to get rebounds and block shots. I think he knows this but Nate McMillan idiotically treats him like a super star by inviting Roy, Aldridge, and himself to his house.

I heard Oden has had to turn down magazine covers to kill the hype. I mean what is Greg Oden doing at a meeting with the teams two established stars when he hasn't done anything? Once Aldridge starts getting doubled and they leave Oden that's when you'll see him get confidence. Greg Oden needs to come off the bench when he gets back.

[NuggetsFan]

How is Oden going to be Shaq until he gets out there and plays? Greg needs to calm down out there and realize LaMarcus Aldridge is the man and his job is to get rebounds and block shots. I think he knows this but Nate McMillan idiotically treats him like a super star by inviting Roy, Aldridge, and himself to his house.

I heard Oden has had to turn down magazine covers to kill the hype. I mean what is Greg Oden doing at a meeting with the teams two established stars when he hasn't done anything? Once Aldridge starts getting doubled and they leave Oden that's when you'll see him get confidence. Greg Oden needs to come off the bench when he gets back.


Singing a whole different tune now eh?:oldlol:

[LA_Showtime]

Singing a whole different tune now eh?:oldlol:

I don't think that's what he's doing. Greg Oden's job should be to rebound the ball, play great defense, and block shots. He doesn't need to score a lot because of Portland's talent. If he stays healthy this year and doesn't put up big numbers that doesn't mean he's automatically a bust. It's the same way with Andrew Bynum. More than likely neither player will put up big numbers but that doesn't mean they won't in time; it just means their teams are stacked.

[NuggetsFan]

I don't think that's what he's doing. Greg Oden's job should be to rebound the ball, play great defense, and block shots. He doesn't need to score a lot because of Portland's talent. If he stays healthy this year and doesn't put up big numbers that doesn't mean he's automatically a bust. It's the same way with Andrew Bynum. More than likely neither player will put up big numbers but that doesn't mean they won't in time; it just means their teams are stacked.


Yeah, Well I could be wrong but I recall him saying how Oden was the answer to all there problems and how he was going to make a major impact right away and how he already was better than Howard. But I could be wrong so if so my bad. I agree with everything you said wasnt saying he was wrong about what he said just that hes singing a different tune then he was before(mainly cause he said he has to come off the bench) and yes L.A is stacked but Portland is not a stacked team by anymeans

[big baller]

NO!!!! Do You Even Know Who Shaq Was??!?!?!!?!?!?

[phoenix_bladen]

no but I know what Shaq was... And I knew that as a talent...Shaq is head and shoulders better than him...

And I know shaq at 18 would destroy Oden now and he had more upside then Oden...And Prime Shaq is arguably the most unstopable force in NBA ever....

the overrating of Greg Oden has officially gotten out of hand.


last time i heard michael olowankandi averaged 22 points anad 11 rebounds in his last year of college

LOL!

[VanillaThunder]

I think a better question right now would be... "Will Greg Oden be better than Sam Bowie?".

[VCMVP1551]

Oden I think already is an excellent defender and rebounder. He has shown that much. As far as scoring it's hard to say where he's at but it's obvious that he's not a guy you can throw the ball down low to and expect him to score consistently yet. Don't be surprised though if he comes back healthy and averages around or close to double digit rebounds as well as a couple of blocks.

If he knows his role like RoseCity mentioned then there's no reason why he can't be a really good rebounder and defensive player now. I expect in the 8-10 points per game range at best this season but with Aldridge, Roy, Fernandez and Outlaw he doesn't need to score much. His rebounding will help make up for Aldridge's weakness in that area.

[RoseCity07]

Yeah, Well I could be wrong but I recall him saying how Oden was the answer to all there problems and how he was going to make a major impact right away and how he already was better than Howard. But I could be wrong so if so my bad. I agree with everything you said wasnt saying he was wrong about what he said just that hes singing a different tune then he was before(mainly cause he said he has to come off the bench) and yes L.A is stacked but Portland is not a stacked team by anymeans

I said he was stronger than Dwight Howard and judging by how he back Bynum down with ease I stand by that statement. I never said he was better than Dwight though. Oden will have a big impact on the Blazers this year with his defense. Blazers main weakness last year was rebounding. It cost us a lot of games. Just last night the Rockets started getting all the rebounds at the end of the game.

We need a rebounder and a guy who is a threat to score if you leave him. Aldridge is going to see double teams in time, and that's when Oden will be waiting. That is a game changer right there. He doesn't need to be Shaq right out of the gate, he just needs to be Ohio State Greg Oden.

[Human Error]

Patrick Ewing or David Robinson maybe...

Shaq? No way.

[VCMVP1551]

His weight seems to be a big concern. I've read that he's 290-295 pounds now and he weighed 257 pounds back at the 2007 pre-draft camp. That wasn't long after that dominant game vs Florida. Oden should really be around 260-270 at the most for now.

He did look excellent in the preseason though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj9en6BXcHc

[Orlando Magic]

~~

[iDunk]

We're stupid.

[Rekindled]

Why is this pissing you off so much? You guys are hating on Oden and none of you have seen him play. You are guessing that he won't be as good as Shaq because he isn't a fat blob that throws his weight around. Davis Robinson dropped 72 in a game, and I'm sure no one thought he would ever do that. Greg Oden will be better than what a lot of people think he will be.
:roll: :roll:

[Lebron23]

Worst Case Scenario: Tyson Chandler
Best Case Scenario: Marcus Camby (With a better Offensive Game)

[LA_Showtime]

In the defense of Blazer fans, they admit Kevin Durant should have been picked ahead of Oden. Wait... they never did that either.:oldlol:

[Lebron23]

Shaq in his Rookie Season averaged 23.4 ppg, 13.9 rpg, and 3.5 bpg.

Rookie Shaq would be the best Center in the NBA today.

[gyu]

To this day RoseCity still rides Oden's jock as hard as he did back then.

[LA_Showtime]

Shaq in his Rookie Season averaged 23.4 ppg, 13.9 rpg, and 3.5 bpg.

Rookie Shaq would be the best Center in the NBA today.

I miss prime + motivated Shaq.

[Lebron23]

I miss prime + motivated Shaq.


He was the most dominant Center in NBA History. Even Orlando Shaq would destroy Dwight Howard.

7'1", 330-360 lbs. doing a 360 dunk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp_U2oF7a7M&feature=related

[LebrickJames84']

We're stupid.

lol nice bump and yeah all that hype. This could down in history as Picking Bowie over Jordan. The Blazers let history repeat itself picking Oden over Durant.

[Godfather]

The better question is will Greg Oden ever be better than Kevin Durant.

[unknown101]

This actually made me lol, dude on this page said better than Shaq no, maybe better than David Robinson and Ewing. Kinda funny what people say when a player is first being drafted.

[ShaqAttack3234]

There will never be another be another Shaq. The only player who I think could end up playing at a comparable level to prime Shaq is Lebron James if he continues to improve.

Oden will probably average a double double next season with about 2 blocks and Portland should be a very good player, but you could argue that Shaq at his peak(2000, 2001) was as good as any player in NBA history.

Shaq had some of the best footwork I've ever seen for a center, he may be the most athletic player ever when you consider size, he was one of the best passing big men, he blocked shots and rebounded so he was probably the most difficult player to guard one on one ever. Remember what he did to the 2001 DPOY Dikembe Mutombo in the 2001 finals? It didn't matter who he played against. Shaq could power into you with the drop step and dunk, shoot a jump hook, one-handed jumper, spin to the baseline for the little jumper, go to the middle, throw in an up and under or use his black tornado spin move. Hell he was even great with fakes. You simply couldn't guard him.

Oden will be a different kind of player. I think he'll have a pretty good jump hook, he'll be good with either hand and maybe have a short jumper offensively. Other than that he'll like score on a lot of putbacks and while he's very athletic and will get a lot of dunks he won't dunk at will like Shaq did. Could Oden become a better defensive player than Shaq? Of course, but he won't be the better player.

Shaq in his 2nd season was already averaging 29/13/3 and by his 3rd had a scoring title and a finals appearance under his belt. By his 6th season he had 2 60 win seasons under his belt as well and was battling Michael Jordan for the scoring title. 8th season? Forget about it. That's when the rest of the league was helpless.

[iDunk]

Patrick Ewing or David Robinson maybe...

Shaq? No way.
:lol

[Disaprine]

:lol

[sixerfan82]

What is the basis for this comparison??

basketball?
eating?
humor?

[Big_Dogg]

He's gonna end up as a better defensive version of Olowokandi soon if he's not careful.

[nbastatus]

What is the basis for this comparison??

basketball?
eating?
humor?
a comparison of who looks older.

[momo]

o_O

[D.J.]

At this rate, it would be a miracle if Oden's career lasts for five years. He is on pace to be out of the league within a short amount of time because of injuries. If he can remain healthy, he has the potential to become a defensive powerhouse. Oden has the potential to give Tim Duncan a run for his money. As for Shaq, I highly doubt it. A young/prime Shaq had the rare combo of size, strength, skills, agility, and athleticism.

[don juan de marco]

HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL MUTHA FU*KIN NO!!:hammerhead: :hammerhead: :hammerhead:

[don juan de marco]

Why is this pissing you off so much? You guys are hating on Oden and none of you have seen him play. You are guessing that he won't be as good as Shaq because he isn't a fat blob that throws his weight around. Davis Robinson dropped 72 in a game, and I'm sure no one thought he would ever do that. Greg Oden will be better than what a lot of people think he will be.







*in the back of the room away from everyone else silently giggling like a little girl*:roll:

[clayton]

What skills? Staying healthy.

[Go Getter]

Add this thread to your dossier of failures, threadstarter.

[blacknapalm]

defensively...potentially. free throw shooting...yes. everything else...:oldlol:

[RoseCity07]

At this rate, it would be a miracle if Oden's career lasts for five years. He is on pace to be out of the league within a short amount of time because of injuries. If he can remain healthy, he has the potential to become a defensive powerhouse. Oden has the potential to give Tim Duncan a run for his money. As for Shaq, I highly doubt it. A young/prime Shaq had the rare combo of size, strength, skills, agility, and athleticism.

His actually rookie year was more productive than LaMarcus Aldridge, and he played more games than both of them did their rookie years. Are those two on the way out?

[NugzFan]

what a stupid thread/question.

[Zan Tabak]

what a stupid thread/question.
....yep. I will go out on a limb and say that Greg Oden will NEVER be better than Shaq.

[rosonviyavong]

Why would you pick Shaq hes not gonna be better than a top 5 centre of all time come on now...

[Mr. Obvious]

No

[Burgz]

not a chance

[Finn T-Mac]

:no:

[Utahjazzforlife]

Compare Shaqs first two seasons with Odens....There you go

[sirkeelma]

No.

[Kjeldar]

I saw the title and ... :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :oldlol: :oldlol:


Seriously though... no ****ing way.

[Scottish Pippen]

This thread is so retarded, honestly, some people expect any young player with some skill to magically develop into superstar. How? Did Shaq ever struggle or ride the bench in the league? Oden will be a very good player if he can keep himself healthy (and that's a big "if") but expecting to become a better player than Shaq is stupid and unfair for him.

[Abraham Lincoln]

:lol

[west]

:lol
Don't be so mean.:oldlol:

[Lyin]

Why is this pissing you off so much? You guys are hating on Oden and none of you have seen him play. You are guessing that he won't be as good as Shaq because he isn't a fat blob that throws his weight around. Davis Robinson dropped 72 in a game, and I'm sure no one thought he would ever do that. Greg Oden will be better than what a lot of people think he will be.

:oldlol:

[TheAnchorman]

:lol
:roll: :roll: :cheers: :roll: :roll:

Sorry, just had to get my emoticons in. But hey, Shaq would also have screwed up those 2 free throws right?