The Emerging Brook Lopez vs. Greg Oden Debate
NBA January 13th. 2009, 6:30pm
Nets rookie Brook Lopez had another strong game last night - career-high 31 points to go with 13 rebounds - and the Nets rallied to beat the Thunder in overtime. The Nets are a surprising 19-19 in the East, and Lopez has been a central figure in the resurgence, averaging an impressive 10.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. With OJ Mayo and Derrick Rose hogging all the early ROY spotlight, Lopez hasn’t gotten much pub.
Meanwhile, he’s completely outplayed fellow rookie Greg Oden through nearly 40 games (granted, Oden missed six games due to injury). It isn’t even close, really; Lopez is a legitimate factor on offense for the Nets, while Oden seems to still be learning the offense for the talent-laden Blazers. Lopez even has doubled-up Oden in the blocked shots department, 76-35 (to be fair, Oden is only playing 22 minutes a night vs. 29 for Lopez). And no playing the age card in this one: Oden turns 21 next week; Lopez turns 21 in April.
All of this - plus the fact that Oden’s Blazers travel to NJ Thursday for a game against the Nets - has led to the half-baked idea (from at least one emailer) that maybe Lopez will be a more productive pro than Oden. Obviously we’re in the tank for Oden, and normally we’d poop all over junk like this. But …
Did the Blazers not totally account for the potential of LaMarcus Aldridge not adjusting well to Oden? (At the time, we thought Durant was the pick; we stand by it today.) Obviously Oden’s “upside” is through the roof (a Bill Russell-type defensive factor?) and he has the potential to be a game-changing center, but do his health risks cancel that out?
(You know who really deserves getting drilled for missing on Lopez: Minnesota. Just another strike against Kevin McHale. Lopez got the better of Kevin Love twice last season, and yet McHale not only passed on Lopez, but then traded Mayo for Love. That’s a debacle. Prior to the draft, we had Lopez going 3rd to Minnesota, and we’re fairly certain the Wolves would be much better off right now with Lopez starting alongside Jefferson. The Knicks also deserve a bit of a jab for missing on Lopez guy, too. )
Hopefully, Oden will go into the Swamp on a mission and drop 20-10 on the Nets Thursday. That’s doubtful, though. We’d give Oden at least another year before even beginning to adhere the bust label.
99 Responses to “The Emerging Brook Lopez vs. Greg Oden Debate”
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January 13th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Who the hell wants to take that debate!?
January 13th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Oden never had a chance. He was already 38 as a rookie.
/boy, that joke never gets old.
//guilty of abusing it when he was in college.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
somewhere, somebody is concocting a Greg Oden-Benjamin Buttons joke.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Go back and read some of my old posts on ESPN and other sites and I said Minnesota should have taken Lopez. Our biggest need coming into this year was a center. Big Al is a PF, so why trade for Love. Keep Mayo? Sure. But not Love.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Already been done in a simmons mail bag
January 13th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
the family guy manatees are hard at work.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Per 36 minutes, Oden’s a better scorer, rebounder, and passer. Lopez edges him slightly in steals, blocks, fouls, and turnovers. Lopez is shooting 47%, which is pretty awful for a Center. Oden 54%.
Oden is coming off a reconstructive knee surgery that generally takes a full 2 years to come back from…why is this always overlooked?
Did you really have to italicize April? It’s 3 months away.
/Threw Love in that link, also. He’s the best rebounder of the 3. As soon as he learns how to shoot, he’ll be a good bit more productive.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
A tall white woman vs. a 52 year old black man, for the title “best rookie center”? The NBA has fallen off quite a bit.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
i love the ‘per 36 minutes’ stuff. oden has played over 36 minutes ONCE this season.
he’s played over 30 minutes like six times.
I’m an Oden guy, too. at this stage, more minutes are just as likely to equate to more fouls as they are points, rebounds, etc.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
actually, Nick, if you look again, Lopez is up in scoring per 36, 13.3-13. also, two key stats: Oden is at 6 fouls, Lopez isn’t.
also: FT % 80-64.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
The fouls tell me that Greg isn’t moving well due to the knee yet. When he does and he stops committing “not moving the feet” fouls, his minutes and numbers will continue to rise.
I get a little worried about Oden, but then I remember that he played 1/2 a year of college ball (and that was with 1 arm) and missed the entire year last year. Give him a year to adjust, then batten down the hatches.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
giving the new 90210 a second chance. missed like 4-5 episodes … looks like i haven’t missed jack.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
thanks, WW. i figured a moderately negative Oden post would lead to some sympathy for the guy.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Fetch -
Little started tonight.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
TBL -
Ku 9 - 0. KSU has 3 tos in 4 possessions.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
fuck you’re kidding me, why? They want to throw away a full season where they could potentially win the national title for half a season where they will be at best 3rd in the conference?
January 13th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Why is ESPN360 not showing the game? I’m not happy.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
11 - 0. KSU 4 tos in 5 pos.
Fetch - KU doesn’t want a JUCO player taking a scholoarship in 2 years. That’s the conventional wisdom. In reality, KU needs all the help they can get. Also, Little hasn’t played competitive ball since last March. 18 months off? I dunno. It is done.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
giving the new 90210 a second chance. missed like 4-5 episodes … looks like i haven’t missed jack.
TBL: The last time 90210 was watchable (and relevant) was when Shannon Doherty was flapping her buck teeth all around, Luke & Laura were sporting the Mike Greenberg sideburns, and Tiffany Amber Thiessen had boobs that grew before your eyes on a weekly basis.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Why is ESPN360 not showing the game? I’m not happy.
Big 12 has it’s own “network” now. No more ESPNplus. I’m not exactly sure how all that works.
Little isn’t wearing anything on his hand.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Brook Lopez has peaked.
I wish people would lay off Kevin Love. He may have not been the right pick for the Wolves but kid isn’t/won’t be a bust either. Only 20 years old and is going to become a better shooter. Lay off.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
KC- I mean 360, it’s online. I got it now tho no worries. I’m all excited to overreact to Tyrell Reed sucking up the place, and fellate Cole Aldrich 45 times per game.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
TBL -
You bet is looking safe. KSU has a 112 RPI and their signature win this season is against Cleveland St. Comedy.
16 - 0 6 minutes in.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
18 - 0. Wow.
Fetch - Gotcha. I’ll quit with the updates.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
No no, KC. Keep on goin no worries, then we can banter back and forth. By the way K-State is like 20th or something in the Pomeroy Ratings. I love looking at them this early in the season.
QQ- I can’t wait to watch Kevin Love in person (in the NBDL that is)
January 13th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Damn you, Fetch. KSU has gone on a 3-2 run since you started watching. Granted, the three pointer was from a tall as scrawny goofy looking white boy.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
3 months before his 21st bday? and kevin love hasn’t?
no, keep the updates coming; game not on in my area. got my own hoops game at 9, so hopefully it will end well. 18-0 is a good start.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
TBL. He averages more points (slightly), but he does it inefficiently. Doesn’t mean **** in my book. That’s why I said Oden was the better scorer.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
24 - 12. Fetch logs on and KSU goes on a run.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Yeah I just turned it off. I’m done.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
nice winnipeg jets logo. if i get a teamu jersey, will that logo be on it?
January 13th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Good question TBL. I would imagine you can still find Jets jerseys out there. It will either be that logo or this one.
By the way, the Coyotes back to Winnipeg train is starting to pick up steam
January 13th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Bingo. Self doesn’t like wasting a scholarship.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
When I play NCAA 09 and I see a JUCO player on my recruiting board, I remove them, regardless of how many stars they have.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Little would be their second leading scorer in two years. I don’t see how that’s a waste.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
37 - 24. Half. KU had 18 points at the 14 minute mark. Ahhh, Freshman.
Fetch - If anything else, it is a state of mind. KU has the mindset that they are too good to recruit JUCO players. A bit arrogant, sure, but that’s how it is. Little is here because Self knew this year’s team was going to be really young. Also, Self has some Beasts lined up the next couple years. I dunno if it is good or bad, but it is what it is. Little looked ok in the first half.
Fun fact… He has Orlando Woolridges’ kid committed. He is 15.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Turk’s dead, Turk’s dead, Turk’s dead…
Turk’s fine, Turk’s fine, Turk’s fine….
January 13th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
KC- I saw on Rivals they’re in on a few of the top 20 guys so that’s big.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Hey TBL, it’s The Times vs. The Atlantic!
January 13th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Damn, courtney cox has still got it.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
I was being a bit facetious RE Lopez. My point is that I don’t believe his upside in the NBA is much over where he is at now. He should become a more efficient scorer but beyond that…I don’t see much growth. Love, on the other hand, is in a system that doesn’t fit him, playing alongside a great player who plays the same position as him. Love has also been a much better shooter throughout his career than he is showing now. I think he will find his stroke and, like Lopez, grow to become a more efficient scorer.
Oden is in a different league as those two. I’m not a Blazer fan but live in Oregon so I see about 75% of his games. The guy is a physical freak of nature along the lines of Dwight Howard. I am not saying he compares to Howard right now but physically (even with his recently rebuilt knee) there are only a couple players in the entire league, regardless of age, who can match up with him. He is a comparable player right now to Lopez and his upside is HUGE. Advantage: Oden. Easily.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
fetch, there is zero chance of the Jets moving back to Winnipeg.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Yes she does.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Tennessee - Uk is on right now. Would be a good game if the Cats had a 3rd scorer to go with Double-P and Meeks.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Scrubs has still got it as well. Good to see.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Although Tennessee just had “Kiss Me” playing over the loud speakers. So maybe this game isn’t for everyone.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
The second episode last week easily the best in 3 or 4 seasons.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Someone go watch Meeks put on a show for UK.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
“I can feel little J.D. five!”
January 13th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
btw, ABC will not allow the todd to appear in a thong at all this season.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Thank God for some miracles.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Fetch -
Looking good. However, stay off 360.
Oh, Sherron. Keep your head on your shoulders and your brain between your eyes. Goodness. That kid is something else when he plays within himself.
/coachspeak.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Well, stomp on my dreams why don’t you?
January 13th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Why the brothas gotta fight? Go read the Free Darko article on the NBA in the post-Bush world. Why can’t we just enjoy these 2 guys for what they are without creating this imaginary statistical steel cage death match? Lopez is playing very well, very fast. Oden will be dominant one day. Can we just leave it at that for now?
January 13th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
How I Met Your Mother on Mondays, Scrubs on Tuesdays, Lost on Wednesdays, The Office and 30 Rock on Thursdays, Battlestar Galactica on Fridays, Blackout Drunk on Saturdays and Big Love/Flight of the Conchords on Sundays.
This three degree weather can’t take away my midseason TV, dammit!
January 13th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
bsanders -
I though Lost was on Thursdays? It starts up again next week, right?
January 13th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
What a finish to the Memphis game. That was crazy. Memphis pulls it out. How do you let a guy get to the basket in 4.5 seconds? Awful defense.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Crap, you’re right. Well I guess I’ll have to get blackout drunk on Wednesdays, too then.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Sarah Chalke has always had it though.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Love me some Sarah Chalke…..
January 13th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
basanders -
Haha. I thought Blackout Drunk was some show I never heard of on E or VH1. Holy Jebus. Booze. Sweet, delicious booze.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
I’d marry Sarah Chalke, no questions asked.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Sarah Chalke. Her voice would be delightful to wake up to.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
/fixed
January 13th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
umm, that didn’t come out exactly right…
January 13th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Want a retake on that one, tallguy?
January 13th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
That was bound to happen though (not going to spoil it but if you saw it you know)
January 13th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
D-Miles getting run tonight.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
I’m watching 2nd season of 30 rock on dvd right now. Show is fantastic. Tracy Morgan is spectacular.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
He just missed a breakaway dunk!
/Fuck KG
January 13th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
They’ve been hinting at that since last season.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Alec Baldwin playing every member of Tracy’s family is one of the best TV moments of this century. “Hey dummy, I love you, too.”
January 13th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
eh, my point got across, I think.
Gotta hit the sack anyways, night folks.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
thats the episode im watching right now! creepy…
January 13th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Benjamin Linus owns both Oden and Lopez.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
I know that because I’m looking into your living room…
January 13th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
never go with a hippy to a 2nd location.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
The Critic is on on Reelz Channel. I loved this show, even if Jon Lovitz’s voice is excruciating.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
D-Miles getting run tonight.
Portland getting fucked tonight. Again.
/That’s right. Dollar signs.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
@bsanders: One of the funniest thing I ever saw was when Jay gained back the two pounds he lost at fat camp so he could once again play a trumpet solo with his belly button. That show was just a bit too ahead of it’s time. Saw the entire series on DVD at wal-mart a while back, should’ve bought it.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
“Jay, the spastic colon people are on the line and they are not happy. Can you hold? Oh…you can’t.”
January 13th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
“You’ve lost 30 pounds, great job! See you next month, Oprah!”
January 13th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
7 3 pointers for Meeks tonight. He’s not human.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Meeks with 38…still 13 minutes left in the game.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Meeks with 52 and now Jimmy Dykes wants him to be in the player of the year discussion. I think thats a little much.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
holy shit is anyone watching Meeks? 52??????
i just saw the last few minutes … we got smoked in our season opener. new team, random guys. we have the potential to be decent, but we lost to a bad team
January 13th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
yeah, POY is a bit much unless he can carry Kentucky to great things …. nice heat check there
January 13th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
best performance he’s ever seen? really? does he only call SEC games?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
this is an ass-whoppin’
So Tenn had won 37 in a row at home, and now they have lost two in a row, and this second one was a beatdown to an unranked team? Gotta wonder if the Vols are in trouble.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Just unreal.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Tennessee is so undisciplined. I know they usually are but this time they don’t have Chris Lofton to bail them out. A bunch of one on one guys, it’s hard to watch them. Their game against Memphis will be the sloppiest basketball game all season.
Dykes used to call a bunch of WCC games when Morrison was there. I thought Dykes was doing the game when Morrison dropped 37 in the second half to beat Loyola Marymount here in LA.
Meeks was awesome tonight but nothing beats what Curry did in the Gonzaga game in the tourney last year.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
anyone just see the lebron highlights? WTF? the guy is not human. he can’t possibly be. he is ridiculous.
i think they were onto something with that whole “witness” campaign. i swear i want to drop “most physically gifted athlete since Bo Jackson”
January 13th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Better check with Randy Moss first.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
moss is a freak, too. sanders, did i tell you a buddy of mine went to HS with he and jason williams? said that moss ran back the opening kickoff of the season for a TD all four years (among many, many other things).
huge moss fan here, joe buck be damned.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:00 am
Moss is amazing. IMO, he’s the biggest single difference maker in NFL history. Randall Cunningham and Culpepper were both MVP candidates with him playing at his best and Tom Brady had 22 more TD passes than any other season in his career when Moss arrived. Most physically gifted NFL player I’ve ever seen. I’d still rank Marvin Harrison higher than both he and T.O. all time because of his consistency, route running and ball security, though.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:03 am
Hey nuthuggers, Lost is back on Wednesday’s this year
January 14th, 2009 at 12:05 am
Harrison licks Moss’ jock
January 14th, 2009 at 12:58 am
BSand. I thought you might go with, ummm, Barry? I was just guessing tho.
January 14th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Talentwise, absolutely. But I’d rather have a guy who up until his knee injury was a lock for 1,300 yards and 10 TD’s every year than someone who could quit on you at any moment.