Joe Knows

What does Joe know today? Frankly, very little. Fortunately for you, what little I do know is related to the Blazers. Yippee.



1) Gregory Wayne Oden, Jr.

First of all, WOW that is a cool name. I am humbled. Let it be known that Greg "Bruce Wayne" Oden has his 41st 31st 21st birthday coming up on Thursday, January 22. Praise de Lloyd that there's no Friday game.

Second of all, Oden-haters the world 'round wept into their piña coladas last night as Oden dropped a nasty, filthy, mean 24/15 on the Milwaukee Bucks, including 2 steals and 2 blocks. Granted, the Bucks were soft down low even before they lost Andrew Bogut to an "achy back." With Bogut out, Charlie Villaneuva, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, and Dan Gadzuric looked like Snuggles the bear falling onto a stack of 25 Snuggle-washed towels.


That said, Oden's energy was fantastic all night. Every game he plays he appears to have more quickness, agility, explosiveness, and stamina than the last. Chances are you all know this already, but in case you are Colin Cowherd, a giant moron, or both: THIS GUY IS GOING TO BE REALLY REALLY GOOD.



2) Martell? Are you there? Martell?

In Webster's absence, I keep forgetting that he is on the team, then I remember and get really excited. Lately, however, this excitement has turned toward unease over his extended absence. Ever since he re-injured that foot, the Blazers organization has been disturbingly mum about his recovery and return date. The official ESPN injury report says "Webster (foot) is not expected to return until around the All-Star break."

Now, maybe Martell's recovery has simply been lost in the shuffle. Between the Darius Debacle, the unceasing Oden coverage, and an ever-tightening Western Conference playoff race, the Blazers have had a busy season.

Frankly, though, I don't buy it. My worst fear is that his foot is not recovering well. As we have learned from the chronic foot problems of players like Yao Ming and Grant Hill, foot injuries can be nagging and career-disrupting. Get well, Martell!



3) I would be interested in this guy but I'm sure Kevin Pritchard already scouted him.



On a related note, our old friend Mambasucker T had this to say about last night's game between the LA Kobe and the Cleveland Lebron:

"Did you see Mamba's courageous playing last night? A humbling performance on the eve of a historic inauguration. It's almost like he said:

I have seen the promise land, I have lived King's dream, my children will not want for anything that their minds can comprehend. MAMBA MAMBA."

I don't know about the rest, but I have no doubt that he said "MAMBA MAMBA."



4) Brandon's gonna look DAYUM fine in one of these:



That's it for now, folks. Let's hope Lebron still has a cold tomorrow. And for God's sake, don't heckle him about his momma!