My New Home
I'm in Portland, Oregon. it is a very beautiful place, a place that i can now call home for a long time. Being drafted # 1 is great but to be drafted by Portland and # 1 is the best thing in the world. I'm feeling really good right now in my life. I'm finishing off the greatest year of my life. Enough about my feelings, let me tell you about how great the place im going to be living is and representing for sometime. The summers here are the greatest thing in the world. It rarely rains in the summer, the temperature is always perfect, there is no humidity, and when there's a breeze, you can feel it. Now the winters on the other hand, that's a different story. I haven't experienced it but from what people have told me, it rains but not very hard, and not a lot at a time just slow drizzled spread out through a long time. I'm sure i'll be able to handle it. The people here are great, they love their Trailblazers. When i got here i went to the Rose Garden and met the staff, they all had on ODEN shirts and gave me a big welcome. I loved all of it. They showed me the video of what had happened draft night when people went crazy and stormed the court after they called my name. The staff is really cool. i cant wait to get to know all of them. After i met the staff the staff and i went to downtown Portland where they had a rally for me. There was a whole lot of people there. When i'm in interviews and i say i dont want to put a lot of pressure on myself, it is very hard when you see all of these people and the excitement they have for the Trailblazers, how they look at me as the savior. It's hard cause you want to be, to make everyone happy and just have a good time and enjoy basketball. A lot of people do not get to do that for there city or themselves. The rally was fun. i got to introduce my family. I introduced my brother first so he got all excited. He thinks he's gonna get every lady in Portland now. After the rally i went and did media, where the length of the week really hit me. I just had nothing in me, but after that i had a photo shoot, jumbo tron video and an audio voice over. Actually the guys who were doing all that stuff gave me energy so those were fun. I also got to see one of my good friends that night, Josh McRoberts. He's here with me and thats gonna make everything that much better. To be here in this great city with one of my good friends is awesome. I love it here and i'm glad to represent this city and i will do everything in my power to give this team the chance to bring back a NBA championship, and i know it will not be easy.
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Heather said July 01, 2007
Yankees338 said July 01, 2007
malakafett replied July 05, 2007
Its a quick Max ride to Portland and you'd only have to pay 280 in rent!
Ok, you can stay for free, but I get home court advantage on nba 2k8 when it comes out
cleblazer1 said July 01, 2007
The Blazers are pretty much guaranteed a championship with present core of you, Aldridge, and Roy.
Take it easy, and good luck with Summer League. I want to see some domination...especially of Bynum and the Lakers.
albguy said July 01, 2007
Have you seen the write in on Mike Barrett's Blog to select a nickname for you. Some really strange ideas.
I think everyone who comes into the paint trying to score will call you, "Mr Oden."
Good luck in summer league. Get in good shape over the summer. Talk to the other guys on the team about Coach McMillian's training camp in the Fall.
FanProphet replied July 01, 2007
Oden is as good as 'GOLD' so how couldn't that fit.
marazul said July 01, 2007
Don't think about the savior stuff, you will have some pretty good
fellows playing with you at all times so start off for the fun of it all.
The weather isn't near as bad as people think. Some places are much
worst.
Watch out for Sergio in Vegas, his passes can come anytime.
Blazersrock said July 01, 2007
No pressure, just play ball and have fun. Give it 100% and make time for yourself. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, fans, and food! Remember you will always be a part of a team, unless we play tennis and then I smoke you one on one! ...or grab LaMarcus and I'll smoke both of ya 2 on one! Although both of you at the net would be hard to lob :)
Peace.
billdorr said July 01, 2007
LITTLEbuck replied July 06, 2007
JanetW said July 01, 2007
You will fall in love with Oregon as we have fallen in love with you. Oregon has always attracted the best from all parts of the country. And you, dear, sweet soul are the best! Even if you didn't play basketball we would still love you. Mr. Russell gave you the best advice: have fun and learn something new every day. The rings will come in due time and I'm wishing that you also get a
andeen said July 01, 2007
SlyPokerDog said July 01, 2007
1. Stay away from the Blazer fan forum on the Oregonlive website. While most who post on there are great fans and ecstatic to have you on the team there are a few who are...... ummmm......... I'm sure you know what I mean.
2. As far as a nickname goes call your rep at Nike and tell them to reserve
SlyPokerDog replied July 01, 2007
andeen said July 01, 2007
I agree with Marazul (above) - don't worry about the "savior" stuff. You're not alone - you'll have some great talent around you...and so long as y'all play team ball, the W's will follow.
Thanks for arriving on the MAX train - I hope you'll be a regular face in the crowd around town. Best of luck in Vegas - can't wait for the regular season to begin.
TheHombre said July 01, 2007
Dont worry about the pressure from the fans. Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, Jerome Kersy and Buck Williams never won a title here but are LOVED for life in this city. All you have to do is play your heart out on the court and represent the city well off the court and you'll become a hero here, with or without rings. So in other words, just be yourself.
Goodluck and btw- I go to a bar called the Hot Seat in Tualatin by the Blazers practice facility and see guys like Outlaw in there all the time shooting pool. Maybe I'll see ya in there.... when your old enough of course, lol. ;)
malakafett replied July 01, 2007
unless you got a good fake id, but I got a feeling your going to be kinda recognized in Portland =)
erikpdx replied July 05, 2007
CaptKirk said July 01, 2007
artisteric replied July 01, 2007
Great comment...lol, but seriously Greg, listen to the guy.
CaptKirk replied July 01, 2007
ladybug said July 01, 2007
VolcanoSounds said July 01, 2007
I hope he makes the team and gets some minutes next year!
Blazersrock said July 01, 2007
G.O. Blazers!
petshop_40 said July 01, 2007
TheFish said July 01, 2007
Dessakill said July 01, 2007
O-den.
O-den.
IONKA_PDX said July 01, 2007
YOU'RE ONLY ONE PERSON, SO DONT GET CAUGHT UP IN THE PRESSURE(EASY 2 SAY)- JUST DO WHAT YOU DO BEST. HAVING YOU HERE IS REFRESHING FOR THE CITY!!!!!
Rip71252City said July 01, 2007
DRAFTODEN said July 01, 2007
BennyBlanco said July 01, 2007
CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU IN THE ROSE GARDEN...BIG BUCKEYE FAN AND BIG BLAZER FAN. THANKS FOR BEING YOU!!!
malakafett said July 01, 2007
I agree with everyone else here, dont over pressure yourself, we dont just look to you as the savior, we were thinking Roy and Aldridge would be our saviors before so your just the icing on the cake. Have fun out there, try your best, thats what we want to see. (Look how much we love Drexler and he never brought a championship)
Portland has a lot of useless fun facts (i.e.. we have the smallest park in the world) but heres one you might like (probably know) Matt Groening, who created the simpsons, is from here. When you look around Portland you see alot of signs of that. Lovejoy street, the Trojan Power Plant, etc...(theres heaps) but another connection you might like is that one of Matts relatives is my best friends dad and hes a dentist! I know its stupid but I heard you like both of those things. They go down and visit him every year, maybe you could join =)
anyways, welcome. Glad to have you and am really glad you are representing Portland to the world (we are very proud of our city.)
p.s. If you really want to make Portland love you even more, get a "green" house (Solar powered and all that jazz) we love that hippy stuff here
DeRaiL said July 01, 2007
jason42180 said July 01, 2007
Welcome to Portland. We are so lucky to have you. You fit this team perfectly. No pressure to ya cause we all know you can play. As long as you come out every night and give it all ya got everyone in Portland will be happy. You have some great teammates too as I am sure you have seen. What a future you and the Blazers have. I was listening to the draft lottery while driving down the road. When I heard the Portland would be picking 1st I was so crazy I almost wreaked my car. I could wait to hear your name called as the next Trail Blazer.
mgbkab said July 01, 2007
I was a half season ticket holder until we won the lottery, then I upgraded to full season! :)
Can't wait to see you play in person!
Btw, it's not rain it's liquid sunshine. :)
Michael/mgb
notasfamous said July 01, 2007
My brother, Cameron had one of the greatest years of high school as a member of the Lawrence North basketball squad. Although shot lived, lol! I am just mad that he never got me a signed basketball or photo of you that I requested on numerous times. He has always said that you are a kind and genuine person. May these qualities serve you well. I hope that Cameron will have more exciting days ahead at Purdue this fall. He was blessed with an academic scholarship...I guess I'll forgive him for not getting that autograph! Have a very bright and blessed future! I wish you and your family well!
barrister replied June 09, 2008
fr0arenas said July 01, 2007
ivylily said July 01, 2007
ptowncboy said July 01, 2007
BenGoodrich said July 01, 2007
MaxPower said July 01, 2007
Jibblestix said July 01, 2007
nwjuggalo said July 01, 2007
1playerinpa said July 01, 2007
FanProphet said July 01, 2007
Oden is as good as 'GOLD' so how couldn't that fit. I coined this it's gonna stick and when you ever come to Cleveland maybe you can have somebody shoot me a comp for a couple free hot dogs.
artisteric said July 01, 2007
As an Oregonian and a huge Blazer fan, thank you so much for all the great things you've said about the area. It shows the kind of character that you really possess, and it's extremely refreshing. I would like to give a little insider advice though, not on basketball, but on Oregon. Remember that the Blazers are Oregon's only Pro Team, so they're not just Portland's team, but all of Oregon's team. I'm not telling you all this to add any pressure on you, but more so you get comfortable enough to venture out of Portland to see some of the other stuff Oregon has to offer. First off, you've got to go the coast and see some of the sights. Early October is one of the prettiest times to go the beach. The Tillamook Cheese Factory is awesome!!! They have the best ice cream in the world, but what they sell in the grocery stores is a different recipe than what they sell at the factory, so it's worth the drive. Florence has huge sand dunes that you can play on, those are fun. Depot Bay is a great little town in between Lincoln City and Newport. Then in the valley there's Salem (the Capitol), nice town, but not a whole to do, but lots to see. Silverton is nice, there's the Oregon Garden and Silver Falls state park. Silver Falls is pretty awesome, it's a long hike but there are about 10 big waterfalls along the trail. Some of the little towns can surprise you. There's a town called Stayton that has this Summerfest thing every year that's like a big street fair with a 3 on 3 basketball tournament for the kids and a ton of booths with food and other stuff, and it's packed every year. All in a town of about 7000. Over east there's white water rafting down the Deschuetes River and lots of snow boarding and skiing on the mountains. Sun River is kind of a resort town over by Bend that's really nice, that would be a great place to take your family for a few days. OOOOHHH and you have to see the fireworks on the 4th over the river in Portland next week. It's the best fireworks show west of the Mississippi!! Anyway, the point is: Oregon has a lot to offer, you just have to be willing to look for it, and travel a little. A lot of stuff is available 2 or 3 hours from Portland. Above all else, have a lot of fun here, it's worth it. Thanks for everything,
Eric
artisteric replied July 01, 2007
lakeshoredave said July 01, 2007
DRAFTODEN said July 01, 2007
Blazermaniac said July 01, 2007
(BTW it did look like your bro was scouting the crowd for females at your rally)
artisteric replied July 02, 2007
artisteric replied July 02, 2007
Blazermark said July 01, 2007
Blazermark replied July 01, 2007
Duckworthfever replied July 02, 2007
mgbkab said July 01, 2007
Thanks, Eric, for reminding me.
Btw, I was at the Rose Garden for the party too, but being in a wheelchair I couldn't rush the court. :)
Great having you and your family here!
SalemBlazer said July 01, 2007
SalemBlazer said July 01, 2007
jessealan said July 01, 2007
unc23b said July 01, 2007
yojimbo said July 01, 2007
You probably never saw Arvidas Sabonis play as a Blazer, but he was one of the best centers ever, just that he came to Portland after several injuries slowed him down.
Sabonis was one of the players who could body-up on Shaquille O'neal, but many times Shaq was just too quick for old Sabas and would get to the rim and dunk, hang on the rim, swing his legs into Sabas and push him to the ground.
Judge, if there's player I'd love to see you dunk on and posterize, it is Shaquille O'neal. Shaq never showed any mercy, so I am hoping you show no mercy in your ruling on Shaq . It may involve your getting a T for hanging on the rim or leering at Shaq, but it'll all be worth it for long-time Blazer fans.
yojimbo said July 01, 2007
One suggestion - your TV commercial character should be, of course, a Judge. Put on the Judges robe and get your gavel.
You rule the court!
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MamaToney said July 01, 2007
MamaToney said July 01, 2007
Kelspeed said July 01, 2007
Judge Oden
BankerMike said July 01, 2007
We are proud to have the Blazers back in our community. The past few years have taken a toll on the city and regardless of your athletic ability, we are happy to have person representing Oregon who understands values and taking care of his family. Greg, life is about making a difference in the lives you touch. Your in a position today to make a difference to many and give hope to the people that anything is possible!
Welcome to Portland!
rat_bastird said July 01, 2007
Welcome to Portland. I recently moved out to Salt Lake, but the blazers are still my team and always will be. You've really entered into a GREAT situation considering you're a number one pick. KP has been doing an excellent job of cleaning house and Roy is a great floor leader.
I've been rooting for durant in blazersedge.com. Part of it is a concern that you might want to leave us for LA, and another is it's just fun to have debates and to keep the excitement going! In the end I'm estatic that we have you.
All that portland really asks is that you do your best, you play hard, you don't quit, don't get your name in the paper for negative junk, and DONT leave for LA!!! LA IS BAD!!! LA is the team we want you to smash and stomp on bully around more than any other team in the league!
There will be some with unrealistic expectations, but if you do the above things, the people of portland will love you forever. Of course, championships are good too, and with the team you have, we definitely expect it!
Rico24 said July 02, 2007
dacelts34 said July 02, 2007
BustABucket said July 02, 2007
Eat 'em up big guy.
bgaubryl513 said July 02, 2007
ursportspro said July 02, 2007
markcogan said July 02, 2007
I want to join in welcoming you to Oregon. I grew up in Portland, and returned home after living on the E Coast for many years. This is a great place to live, to raise a family, to enjoy the natural surroundings, and to be appreciated for who you are. I am glad that you show enthusiasm for your new home. As long as you play hard, stay out of trouble, and are the best you can be, this area will love you to pieces. Talk to the former Blazers who came here from other parts of the country, and find out why they came to cherish this area and make their homes here long after their playing days ended. You have arrived here at the most splendid possible time, so enjoy your time in Oregon to the utmost. After the Rose Festival ends in mid-June, the weather turns spectacular, and stays pretty much this way until the end of September. We don't have oppressive heat or humidity like other parts of the country. Portland summers are glorious, so be a true Oregonian and make the most of it while you can. By all means, spend some time at the Coast and the Mountains, and check out Central or Eastern Oregon as well. You might enjoy hiking in the Gorge, or fishing, or canoeing or whatever. Give it a try, and you will soon have a passion for our outdoor activities. In your line of work, you have the opportunity to kick back a bit and enjoy your summer. There is no place better than Oregon to spend the summer. I laugh when people ask me if I'm going to travel during the summer. Whatever would make me want to do that? This is absolutely the best place to be in the summer. Enjoy yourself, Greg, and we will be looking forward to seeing you play in the fall!
Best regards,
Mark
PDXpower said July 02, 2007
You're doing a kick-ass job of dealing with all the media attention and everything. I don't know how you have the energy to do all the promotions, while keeping your head on straight for business. It's uncanny! Just want to say, on behalf of myself, my friends, and family (of Portland) your doing a great job.
Keep having fun with this stuff. That's the key. And don't read the negative, garbage posts that some of these jelous idiots/degenerates write on your blog. Just laugh at those toolbags.
P.S.
Please dunk on Yao, Tim Duncan, Drew Gooden, Anderson Varejao and Rasheed Wallace.
OregonAlex said July 02, 2007
jetcity said July 02, 2007
Peace,
Dave
WebGuru said July 02, 2007
If you live life with integrity and passion and everything else will take care of itself. Good Luck!
Rosecity07 said July 02, 2007
MykelPDX said July 02, 2007
Also, I was there in the square (hey, it rhymes! lol) on Friday and it was great. You came out and the sun shined! How crazy was that lol. It was also cool how much love you show your Mom - good family values are huge and it is apparent you got that in spades :)
Also (again) we were happy to see your boy McRoberts called at the draft party we had at my house. We knew it would make your transition that much easier (not to mention that he was a steal at 37.....how lucky are the blazers to get all that talent at such a bargain price!).
Cant wait to see you on opening night! And if you are at the Nate McMillan basketball camp later this month I'll try to say hey at the BBQ!
artisteric replied July 02, 2007
Although you couldn't go wrong talking to Terry Porter, Clyde Drexler, Jerome Kersey, Kevin Duckworth, Cliff Robinson, or Mark Bryant either. Yeah, I even through in Mark Bryant people....Say what you want, the guy worked his butt off up here! lol
MykelPDX replied July 02, 2007
egret74 replied July 03, 2007
BlazerChris replied July 05, 2007
RustyPDX said July 02, 2007
RustyPDX said July 02, 2007
Happy to have you here. I think I speak for many Blazer fans when I say that we are impressed with you as a person as well as an athlete and are thrilled to have such a great fit for the city on our team. And though many expect you to be the savior, most of us are just excited to have such a talented addition to our squad. We absolutely do expect great things down the road, but don't put too much pressure on yourself. It's a team game.
By the way, I started your first Portland-area unofficial fan club. The "Oden's Hammer Fan Club." There are no benefits, membership is free, and all people need to do to join is come by and sign up. http://rustypdx.blogspot.com/2007/07/i-declare-myself-president-and-founder.html .
BASKETBALL_FAN said July 02, 2007
Could you ask Josh McRoberts to make a Yardbarker? Thanks
Dedicated Josh and Greg fan
GoJMcRoberts replied July 03, 2007
ripcityryan said July 02, 2007
aso426 said July 02, 2007
gmbrash said July 02, 2007
gmbrash said July 02, 2007
stevareeno said July 02, 2007
I don't want you to impress us, I want the city to impress you. Many NBA players have always known how great the fans and the city are here and like most people say, we don't need a championship, we want a good character player who brings back
stevareeno replied July 02, 2007
JAYLN04 said July 02, 2007
egret74 said July 02, 2007
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bruno89 said July 02, 2007
Bruno Baltazar
Rua Jose Afonso nº1 cav. esq.
2735 - 538 Agualva
Portugal
thanks
jimtaylor31 said July 03, 2007
BCSJunkie replied July 05, 2007
RIP City is the best! Can I get an email? LOL
scnbenstein said July 03, 2007
BlueberryTea said July 03, 2007
GET SOME SLEEEP! :)
StephenJ said July 03, 2007
How is the summer league going? I heard you were flat out amazing today... slamming the ball home and getting your share of blocks. Can't wait to see you when the season starts. Oh, and congrats on officially signing on with the team. It has got to feel good.
Later,
Stephen
janysabins said July 03, 2007
jaxsunguy said July 03, 2007
odensthereme2 said July 03, 2007
Matt
RipCity2010 said July 03, 2007
GoPDXGo said July 03, 2007
I read most of the comments, but not all. I'm very excited to have you aboard. The last decade has been a rough one. This last year has been a breath of fresh air, apart from Z.R., and scoring you in the draft has definitely put the icing on our good fortunes.
Suggestion 1 - Ditch the umbrella! (Huge out-of-towner give-away.) Rain is pleasant, enjoy it!
Suggestion 2 - Don't think of it as
Buckeye said July 03, 2007
GO BUCKEYES
GO TRAILBLAZERS
Graham said July 03, 2007
daunte said July 03, 2007
What's your take on the July 4th Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Championship? Will American Joey Chesnut win it all or will Kobayashi reign supreme?
SportsSaturday said July 03, 2007
download it at 1080thefan.com in the fan audio vault.
Oh, it's on now!!!!!
TyroneTasty said July 03, 2007
Then later championships.
chrispdx said July 03, 2007
jacobfoo said July 03, 2007
mr2311 said July 04, 2007
Just wanted to tell you that you handle yourself great and we couldnt have asked for a luckier year to win the lottery. I spend a lot of time on the phones with people from the midwest and east coast and i was tired of having to defend my city and team beacuse of the
LITTLEbuck said July 04, 2007
hoopsteralex said July 04, 2007
BrandonRoyFan said July 04, 2007
marknotmike said July 04, 2007
BrandonRoyFan said July 04, 2007
BrandonRoyFan said July 04, 2007
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showfloormike said July 04, 2007
Team Kennedy
tajart said July 04, 2007
I also wanted to say that I purchased and read
DRAFTODEN said July 04, 2007
joannat said July 04, 2007
Don't be too hard on yourself. Relax and enjoy your game. I'm sure it must be the love of the game that got you to this pinnacle in your career. You have outstanding coaches who really understand the game and what it takes to win. Try not to let all this attention and the high expectations get to you. LET YOUR GAME COME TO YOU and when the time is right, you will no doubt be unstoppable.
All the very best, Joanna Tompkin
GOD_OF_WAR said July 04, 2007
Now, let's talk about your nick-name, because every monster player must have one. Your nick-name is already decided for you. It's your last name. GOD OF WAR!!! Although it's not the same spelling, ODIN, was the supreme deity in viking / norse mythology, serving many roles, but primarily the GOD OF WAR. In several viking myths he is the BRINGER OF VICTORY. When we do battle this year against the best basketball players in the world, your nick-name will send shudders down the spine of your opponents. It will strike fear into the hearts of anyone who dares enter your kingdom in the paint. People will remember to respect the GOD OF WAR!!!
GOD_OF_WAR said July 04, 2007
DJJONES said July 04, 2007
bucknut said July 05, 2007
quest99 said July 05, 2007
artisteric replied July 05, 2007
Turab2 said July 05, 2007
MykelPDX said July 05, 2007
Was just doing some surfing and thought you might want to get a glimpse of your teammates. They got some fire in them unlike before!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iREdsAiaBW0&NR=1
At the end is a Jack/Odom getting into it link - watch that one too :)
Mike
erikpdx said July 05, 2007
BlazerChris said July 05, 2007
PDXTRLBLZRFAN said July 06, 2007
I saw that Michael Conley, Jr. is a Yardbarker now !! Let's work on your friend Josh McRoberts and some of the Florida Gators (Taurean Green ) who are with the PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS now !! The more Yardbarkers the better big guy !! Look forward to seeing you play in the 2007 Vegas Summer league against Kevin Durant next week. Show Durant who is the ROOKIE OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE FOR 2007 2008 NBA SEASON. GOT TO KEEP IT IN THE BLAZER FAMILY !!!!
wirth4fun said July 06, 2007
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guttersnype said July 07, 2007
That was damn bananas!
can't wait to see 2.5 of them a game!!
141312109876 said July 07, 2007
BCSJunkie said July 07, 2007
Just remember this....any new job takes a minimum of 2-3 months before you are into the groove of things and being able to perform like 2nd hand nature. It even takes someone that long to start moving people through a check-out stand at a good pace.
Just remember to employ your instincts to catch up to this new game...Youre gonna be just fine.
ptowncboy said July 07, 2007
youknowit said July 07, 2007
jackbeanstack said July 08, 2007
DaveCarpenter said July 08, 2007
JakeN1985 said July 08, 2007
Douglas said July 08, 2007
Douglas said July 08, 2007
bf2cat3106 said July 08, 2007
Just curious, are you going to sign autographs after the game in the parking lot?
why5th said July 09, 2007
twinsfan33 said July 10, 2007
06Vivian said July 15, 2007
Get well soon (the tonsils that is).
CR
aaltotig said July 16, 2007
Best of luck to you in the league, win or lose, were already happy your here! Go Blazers!!!
HECTOR_SSC said July 19, 2007
junior6434 said July 23, 2007