More power to him. I hope he does go overseas and comes back as an NBA draftee.
The other silly rule of Sternfish and company is their rookie minimal contracts. Now that EuroLeague is getting some bucks they are keeping draftees from NBA teams, ie Splitter the 7 footer who spurned the Spurs and signed with a Euro team.
Oden may well turn Portland into a contender again. Which means mass revenue for Portland and the NBA. Why should he be limited to 5 million or so spread out over 3 years when the amount he generates in revenue far exceeds. I know i was ready to buy tickets to Clippers hosting Blazers before the injury.