Oden signs, gets ready for summer league
(AP)Updated: 2007-07-04 00:07
 In an image from video, fans hold a welcome-home sign for Greg Oden during his introduction to several thousand cheering Portland Trail Blazers fans at a rally in Portland, Ore., Friday, June 29, 2007, the day after the team picked him in the NBA draft. The team ended months of debate Thursday night when they chose the Ohio State center over fellow college freshman Kevin Durant with the top pick. [AP]  |
According the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, Oden's deal will be for two years, with team options for the third and fourth seasons. Oden will make $3.885 million as a rookie and $4.176 in Year 2. If they pick up the option in the third year, his salary will be $4.476 million.
Oden, a 7-foot center from Ohio State, signed his contract Sunday and the team announced the deal Monday.
Oden immediately started working out with the other players on Portland's summer league roster, impressing teammates with his powerful dunks and ability to block shots.
"One shot I couldn't block, and he came over my shoulder and blocked it; I was amazed," said power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 draft. "And he dunked everything around the rim."
Oden, Aldridge and second-year guard Sergio Rodriguez headline Portland's Las Vegas Summer League team, which opens its five-game schedule Friday against the Boston Celtics.
The Trail Blazers also signed second-round picks Josh McRoberts, the forward from Duke, and Florida guard Taurean Green.
Petteri Koponen, the Finnish point guard who was the final pick of the first round, signed a waiver that allows him to play in the summer league.
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