http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_y...LYF?slug=aw-redflags091307&prov=yhoo&type=lgn
“From our (trainers and doctors), there were red flags everywhere,” he said.
[...]
The executive started listing the troubled spots – the bulging disc in the back, wrists, the ankles, the hands, a right leg that was an inch longer than the left, and yes, the knees. He wasn’t alone. Several pulled files this week with news of impending knee surgery, and kept wondering if maybe the breakdown of his body was just a matter of time.
[...]
Suddenly, he’s no longer the promise of the next Bill Russell.
Suddenly, he’s the fear of Sam Bowie.
Until there’s proof that his body isn’t breaking down, there’s a natural and legitimate worry that the Blazers could’ve passed on a Jordan-esque talent – Kevin Durant – to take a center who will turn out to be more defective than dominant.
[...]
Several NBA executives conceded that the revelation that an MRI showed a need for exploratory surgery on Thursday didn’t completely surprise them. Some medical staffs who studied Oden’s pre-draft physicals expressed differing levels of concern, on different parts of his body.
“Our trainers did say they thought he had somewhat of an issue (with the right knee), but they weren't sure to what extent,” one Western Conference executive said. “I guess we're starting to see now that it’s more serious than some people thought.”
As one high-ranking basketball official with access to several trainers at the Orlando pre-draft camps remembered being told, “There were some things about (Oden’s knee) that were interesting and that if they had a chance (to draft) him, they would have to look a lot closer.”
All in all, one Eastern Conference personnel man said, “It was not a good physical.”
[...]
One day Russell, the next Bowie.
Nobody else in the NBA dares say, “I told you so,” but deep down they sure did fear it.