Blazers' Oden Scolded for Pickup Game

Injured C Greg Oden was reprimanded by the Trail Blazers for playing pickup games at a neighborhood gym.

"We called him and we told him he can't do that," Portland Coach Nate McMillan said yesterday.

Oden, the top pick in last year's draft, is out for the season after microfracture surgery on his right knee. The 7-footer said he played two games Wednesday night when he was at the fitness center with friends.

McMillan called Oden's actions "pretty innocent," but the coach wanted Oden to know he must avoid risky situations. "He's got too much value."

Oden seemed surprised at the attention the games received. About a dozen reporters and television crews showed up to talk to him after practice yesterday.

"I don't think he thought he was doing anything wrong," McMillan said. "But he just can't do that."

Oden played one season at Ohio State before he was drafted in June. Knee surgery in September ended his rookie season before it started.

He recently started participating in light drills with the team but will not play this season or in a summer league, McMillan said.

¿ RANDOLPH OUT FOR KNICKS: New York F Zach Randolph missed last night's game against the Raptors because of flulike symptoms.

¿ PACERS' O'NEAL EYES RETURN: Indiana F Jermaine O'Neal sat out his 33rd straight game with a bone bruise on his left knee, but says he expects to return to the court soon.

O'Neal had surgery last April to repair torn meniscus cartilage in his left knee. He came back to start this season but occasionally played through swelling and pain. He has missed 132 games the past four seasons with injuries, illnesses or suspensions.

-- From News Services