By Jim Taylor
TrailBlazers.com

Tualatin, OR – Greg Oden took to the practice floor for the first time as a Trail Blazer Sunday as Portland began preparations for NBA Summer League, which tips off later this week in Las Vegas. By all accounts the #1 pick in last week’s NBA Draft made a big first impression.

"He’s very big," said Trail Blazers guard Sergio Rodriguez. "He’s impressive."

Oden was solid in his Trail Blazer debut despite not being be in top physical condition and still feeling the effects of a sinus infection.

"He’s real big," said Blazers guard Jarrett Jack, who watched Sunday's practice from the sidelines. "It’s my first time seeing him in person. He’s really athletic. He’s a nice guy. I got to meet with him yesterday and I’m just looking forward to playing with him."

Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen attended the first Sunday session, as did Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard, who felt Oden had a "good" practice and then some.

"We probably need to get a better brace for the backboard because he about tore it down a couple of times," said Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard. "He’s an impressive player. And, you better know where he is on defense and you better know where he’s at on offense at all times."

Trail Blazers assistant coach Monty Williams led the first of several "two-a-day" practices while head coach Nate McMillan was away attending his son’s college orientation.

"He’s overall just a fun guy to be around and we need that," said LaMarcus Aldridge playing along side Oden and seeing his first action for Portland since being sidelined toward the end of the regular season with a minor heart condition. "We had some guys in the past that weren’t really fun to be around, but he is."

The combination of the 7-foot Oden and the 6-11 Aldridge was a glimpse of things to come for Portland in what could develop into one of the more formidable front lines in the NBA.

"The first play I think I got a dunk and after that I just gave the ball to him (Aldridge) and went to offensive rebounding, which I didn’t have to do a lot because he was out there killing," said Oden. "To be able to play with someone like that with so much skill and so quick, thank you for bringing me here."

Portland takes on the Boston Celtics Friday night in the first of five Las Vegas Summer League encounters.