This blog represents my sincerest wishes for the Portland Trailblazers, and center Greg Oden. If you weren't already aware, the big man is out for a while with an injury he suffered in the Blazers' opener earlier this season. My wish, and I say this with all sincerity, is that Oden doesn't have to suffer through the same injury misfortunates that other big men have had to face throught their careers.

One big man that comes to mind is Sam Bowie, the former Kentucky center who was drafted by Portland ahead of Michael Jordan. That one move alone may have set the Trailblazers franchise back 30 years, and caused mant a Trailblazer fan to seriously consider jumping off a tall bridge. I know Blazer fans who are familiar with Bowie are already breaking out in a cold sweat right now, and I'm not trying to rain on their holiday season. I'm just concerned.

Remember how Bowie was talented, but his legs and feet kept bothering him? He never really turned into a franchise player. Greg Oden will be that franchise player that Bowie never was, provided he doesn't suffer the same fate as Bowie. And let us not forget that Oden missed all of last year and was hurt this year before he could even score a point.

The Blazers have the makings of a special team. They could conceivably do what Bill Walton's Blazers did: win it all. I don't think they can compete and win it all unless Oden is out there healthy and dominating. I know it's only his second year in the league, but the trend makes me a little nervous. If Oden is hampered by the same injuries as Bowie, Blazers season ticket holders are going to flee in droves. I think Oden can be special at both ends of the floor. I just don't want him in the street clothes.

Keep your prayers up to date for the Blazers and Oden that the injuries will go away and stay away. I know Greg Oden looks old enough to be a guy who's body is beat up, but looks can be deceiving. Get healthy Greg!