Boston.com: Oden on what could have been

Greg Oden may literally be the biggest Kevin Garnett fan in the building tonight.

“It’s my first time seeing [him] in person,” the seven-footer Oden said before the game. “Being able to see what he does in real life. You see it on tape all the time. You don’t really get to sit up in the front row and see it.”

Oden, the No. 1 draft pick who had microfracture surgery on his right knee before the season even began, is traveling with the Trailblazers while he rehabilitates. Oden said he still can’t run or jump, but he rides the exercise bike and elliptical machines and also does some swimming.

He said he’d much rather be traveling with the team than rehabbing in Portland.
“[My teammates] keep my spirits up,” said Oden. “They’re all fun to be around. They keep me involved.”

Not being able to play this season was devastating to the big man out of Ohio State who many feel can one day become the league’s best center.

“I was looking forward to playing myself and to see what I can do against this veteran talent out here, and to play against these guys who are greats,” he said. “That I have to wait another year kind of [stinks].”

As far as his rehab, Oden said his knee is getting stronger. He also said he’s gaining muscle, but he wouldn’t divulge how much.