Greg Oden out for the rest of the season
Portland Trail Blazers centre Greg Oden will undergo micro-fracture surgery on Friday 19 November to repair ligament damage in his left knee that will force him to miss the entire 2010-11
season, the team announced on Wednesday 17 November.
Oden, who was drafted by the Blazers as the first overall pick in 2007 ahead of Kevin Durant, was recovering from a broken left patella and is preparing for his return before an MRI revealed
that Oden sustained another injury and that he will need to undergo his third season-ending surgery.
“It's just really sad, shocking news to hear,” said Portland head coach Nate McMillan in a press conference on Wednesday 17 November. “Some things you just can't explain.”
McMillan also added that the former Ohio State standout, who has only played in 82 games since he was drafted in 2007, was obviously devastated upon learning that he will need another surgery.
“As you can expect, the young man is devastated by not having the opportunity to play this season,” McMillan said. “It's like 'Here we go again' for him.”
Portland team trainer Jay Jensen, on the other hand, said that Oden started feeling some pain two weeks ago during a workout for his impending return this season. Jensen also admitted that
he was shocked when the MRI revealed the damage in Oden’s knee.
“We sat there and it was like we'd been kicked in the stomach,” said Jensen. “We didn't know what to say. We were shocked. He doesn't deserve this. He's worked his tail off.”
Portland general manager Rich Cho was also surprised with the unfortunate development, but he believes that Oden will be able to recover from it and will be more motivated to show his worth
when he gets back on the court next season.
“I expect him to work hard,” Cho said. “He wants to be a very good player, and he has shown the ability to rebound from injury.”
The 22-year-old centre, who averaged 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds in 82 games, will be a restricted free agent next summer, after he did not receive a contract extension before the 1 November
deadline, but the Blazers are expected to match any offer to keep Oden in their fold.
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