Oden's Microfracture Surgery: Portland Trailblazer's Down, but Not Out

The NBA was devastated in September when the news spread that Greg Oden would miss the entire 2007-2008 basketball season. Oden was the first overall selection in the 2007 NBA draft and widely considered to be the next great big man in the league. Oden's professional debut will have to be postponed for a year, because he needed to undergo microfracture knee surgery.

Basketball fans will miss out on a lot of things with Oden on the sidelines for the season. Fans were anxious to see him and Kevin Durant (the second overall pick in this year's draft) battle it out for 'Rookie of the Year' honors. Oden was also going to lead a young Portland Trailblazers team that includes such fresh faces as Brandon Roy and Jarrett Jack; they were set to be one of the most exciting teams in the league.

'Microfracture knee surgery' is a phrase that makes basketball fans cringe. Thoughts of Alan Houston and Jamal Mashburn struggling toward the end of their careers immediately enter one's mind. Recently, however, players have had better luck with micro fracture surgery.

Jason Kidd and Amare Stoudemire have recently become the poster boys for the surgical procedure. Kidd underwent the operation in 2004. Since returning, he has continued to play at the high level that has made many consider him among the best point guards in the game. As recently as this summer in the Olympic Games, Kidd dazzled basketball fans with his amazing passes and plays.

Stoudemire's recovery is perhaps the most impressive recovery of all. Amare missed nearly the entire 2005-2006 season after his microfracture surgery in the offseason. His biggest asset on the basketball court is his explosiveness. Standing nearly seven feet tall, Amare's ability to drive past and dunk over defenders helped him earn 'Rookie of the Year' honors in 2003. When word spread that he would need microfracture surgery, many feared that he wouldn't be the same player. Amare proved everyone's apprehension to be unwarranted by averaging nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds per game in 2007.

Greg Oden should look at Amare Stoudemire's recovery from microfracture as motivation. With Oden's youth, enthusiasm, and dedication, there is no reason to believe that he won't make a full recovery. Portland fans can still look for Oden to be the face of the franchise for many years to come. However, that's not to say he won't be missed in 2007.