Q&A with Portland center Greg Oden

BY MIKE BALDWIN, Staff Writer, mbaldwin@opubco.com Comments 1
Published: November 8, 2009

Did you feel pressure being the No. 1 overall pick?

No. It was just difficult to sit out that first year when I was injured that first year and some last year. This year I’m just trying to help a good team get better, not look at it as pressure on me just because I was a No. 1 pick.

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With a season under your belt, how much more comfortable are you this season?

I still have a lot to learn. I’m a young guy. This is really just my second year. But my body feels better. Getting two years away from my injury my body feels fluid and more easily moved.

What have you learned the most the past two years?

Getting to know the personnel, getting to know what some of the veteran players can and can’t do, get to know their strengths.

What’s the biggest hurdle for the Trail Blazers to be a viable contender for an NBA title?

Dedication. If we all put all our energy and heart into it, sacrifice, we do have the talent to get to that point.