Oden Durant revisited

[Scott M]

I just feel bad for Oden now...

PORTLAND, Ore. — For the third time in four years, Greg Oden's knees have betrayed him.

The Blazers hastily called a news conference late Wednesday to announce that Oden, the No. 1 pick in the 2007 draft, will miss the season after he has microfracture surgery on his left knee.

Oden's rookie year was postponed because of similar surgery on his right knee, and last season he broke his left kneecap early in December and required surgery. He was still rehabbing when the latest problem was discovered.

"As you can expect, this young man is devastated about not having the opportunity to play this season, being so close to getting back on the floor and just all of a sudden, this situation comes up and it's like, 'Here we go again' for him," coach Nate McMillan said.

Oden's latest surgery is scheduled for today in Vail, Colo. The microfracture procedure will repair damaged cartilage that is not related to the kneecap injury, the team said.

Trainer Jay Jensen said the latest problem became apparent about two weeks ago when Oden had pain and fluid in the joint. "We sat there and it was like we'd been kicked in the stomach," Jensen said.

Oden, 22, has often has been compared to former Portland center Sam Bowie, whom the Blazers famously selected in front of Michael Jordan in the 1984 draft. The Blazers picked Oden instead of Kevin Durant, who went to the Oklahoma City franchise and has blossomed into one of the NBA's best players.

Oden had just started easing into practices when the latest issue was discovered. He has played in 82 games, missing 176.

The Blazers said last month that they would not offer Oden an extension, so he will be a restricted free agent next summer.

[mrklean]

very sad new, i wouldnt compare him to bowie, kid just hasnt played enough if he can stay healthy he can be a solid player but he just needs to be healthy.

[curtistodd]

and Durant led the league in scoring last year! 3rd best player in the world is what I call him, and he'll be the best in the world very soon. 2 or 3 years.