An Optimistic Outlook On Greg Oden's Injury Situation

Although injuring your knee is never good, it could be a blessing in disguise. Let's imagine Oden comes back next year at full strength. While the Blazers have gotten much better this offseason and had the best offseason besides the Celtics, in my opinion, they weren't really expected to contend with the Mavs, Suns, Spurs, or any other elite western conference teams. That was with Oden, now that he's out for the year, I don't think the Blazers will be making the playoffs in the stacked western conference. Because of this, they would have a lottery pick where they could get another great young player to an already youthful and promising Trail Blazers roster. Can you imagine Oden, Roy, Aldridge, and the rest of their young players along with a talent like say, OJ Mayo, Eric Gordon (Oden's former AAU teammate), Michael Beasley, or any other player who asserts himself in this year's NCAA basketball season? That would definitely look like a great team with unlimited potential. Be patient Portland fans, I have a feeling your day will come.