Oden or Durant?
When Greg Oden and Kevin Durant come into the league next year, there will be a debate that follows them their whole careers. Who went No. 1 and who went No. 2. The second guessing, hating and doubting will start before they even play their first regular season game. Forget about it, it began before they even declared for the draft, in which they will go 1-2 just like Tupac and Biggie. That much is certain. But who goes first? That is where the debate begins.
Kevin Durant is the kid that came out of nowhere. Well, not nowhere nowhere, because he was highly touted. But no one was supposed to steal Greg Oden’s thunder. The most hyped player since LeBron, Oden’s been seen as a once-in-a-lifetime player. The kind of center that only comes around once a decade. There was Bill and Wilt, Kareem, Shaq and now Oden – or that’s been all the hype the last two years. And Oden is like that for real… But is he more a young Patrick Ewing than Bill Russell? Is it even fair to compare him to a man who won 11 NBA titles?
And Durant must have a lot of nerve. Oden has been projected as the No. 1 draft pick since his junior year in high school. Without the new NBA age-minimum rule, he would have gone first last year. But Durant’s play this season for Texas has thrown Oden’s projection as the top pick into question. The critics say Durant is no more than a George Gervin-Bob McAdoo type scorer, hardly someone to lead his team to a championship. But last I checked both of those players were Hall of Famers and with Durant’s 37-point, 23-rebound monster of a game on January 31, you have to wonder. For all his ability Oden has yet to have a game like that, although the NCAA final was close.
Oden is as good as advertised with his game-changing defense, but we didn’t see the offensive explosion until the NCAA final. Is he a much improved Ben Wallace or can he ascend to greatness on both sides of the ball. Both players are young and have tremendous room for growth, but at this point Durant is clearly the more established and polished player. The Clippers drafted Benoit Benjamin on potential and Michael Olowokandi too and look where that got them. Not to compare Oden to them because he is definitely leaps and bounds above them, but Durant’s offensive prowness and rebounding is phenomenal right now while Oden has mostly held it down on the defensive end.
We’ll see what happens. Does the lottery winner take the smooth scorer with the sick boxscore line or the big man with the intimidating defense? It’s a question for GMs and talent evaluators around the league to answer. And whatever positions in the draft, 1 or 2, that they go the debate will be brought up for the rest of their careers. And rest assured it won’t be a Bowie/Jordan or Manning/Leaf type comparison.
Ryan TS Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 5:48 am
I’ll pick Oden anyway…despite the fact that Durant is a better player now…but unless one can be sure that Durant is going to reach the greatness of Bird…Magic or MJ…a center wif huge potential is more of a safe pick…looking at the history of NBA…no team can win a championship without a great…or very good center except for MJ’s double 3-peat Bulls in the 90s
biggame Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 6:08 am
It depends on what the team needs. If you need a center you get Oden. If you need a impact scorer you get Durant. Both are proven. You can’t go wrong with either or. Who ever get’d number 1 or 2 will definitely be satisfied with either one. Big ups to those kids. They have great futures ahead of them.
David James Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 7:19 am
Oden didn’t get a chance to show his scoring ability most of the season because Coach Mattas offense was a run and gun type offense rather than one that centered around the big man. When they did you saw what Oden could do in the biggest game of his life as yet. His attitude and drive make him that much more worth it. Durant didn’t lead his team to the Final Four not even the elite 8, don’t get me wrong he’s a great player but he’s going up against guys like KG and Tim Duncan night in and night out you think he can put those numbers up right away, again he’s a phenomenal player but he needs more weight, so he doesn’t get bumped around. Oden definitely safe bet.
joe blow Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 7:42 am
i agree with biggame. it does depend on team needs. if i was the rockets, magic, bucks, lakers or charlotte i’d pick durant becuz i already have a center and need a go-to scorer at pf. most other teams would pick oden because they don’t have a center.
kente Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 7:45 am
like my man said above, you have to go with what the team needs. i have oden going first on my draft board… UNLESS PHILY gets the number one pick in the lottery. if they are number one then you go with durant… WHY? well they already have dalambant. is he a dominant center? NO but defensively YES. he is among the best nba shot blockers and is a great rebounder. you also have a back up in steven hunter who blocks shots well so you have the lane ‘blocked’ up.. get it? anyway you also have a great supporting cast of rebounders. you have a.i. who gives you 6 a game and andre miller (a point guard!!!) who gives you 6 a game also. not to mention dalembant and veteran joe smith who rebound well… so you dont need a ‘dominant rebounder’, but there team rebounding is great especially when you add in durnant, who is a great rebounder in his own right. so defensively they are pretty sound i would say… so what do they NEED? they need a scorer. miller and a.i. are proven passers and get people open but they need someone who can create their own shot and be effective in late game situations. that is why my number one pick for the 76ers would be Kevin Durant! you put durant on that team they would actually be better than with oden. starting 5 pg miller sg a.i. sf durant pf joe smith c dalembant role players sf korver, sg willie green pg louis williams… phily makes playoffs in weak eastern conference 45-37. durant 21pts 9 reb 36% 3pt ROY award
i should be analyst… HOLLA
David Sardinero Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 8:06 am
I´ll also pick Oden, because I think that find a difference-maker C is much more hard than find a Durant-type player
http://basketdraft.blogspot.com/
Daze One West Illadelph's Finest Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 8:40 am
They are both going to be good players and I would hate to be the person with the first pick..that is a tough decision to make..
Aaron Ray Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 8:59 am
It definately comes down to what team it is. Celtics-Oden, Bulls (from the Knicks)- is a tought one…..hhhhmmmm……….Oden, Memphis-Durant, Portland-Oden….you catch my drift, it will be the greatest draft since at least the ‘03 draft. Maybe even better than Jordan’s draft…who knows, let me say this, I’m more interested in the NBA draft than the NFL draft.
Aaron Ray Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 9:04 am
It definately comes down to what team it is. Celtics-Oden, Bulls (from the Knicks)- is a tought one…..hhhhmmmm……….Oden, Memphis-Durant, Portland-Oden….you catch my drift, it will be the greatest draft since at least the ‘03 draft. Maybe even better than Jordan’s draft…who knows, let me say this, I’m more interested in the NBA draft than the NFL draft. Anyone else?
PE Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 9:56 am
David James… What are you talking about??? Oden lead his team to the Final Four??? How many games in the tournement did the Buckeyes win despite Oden being nonexistent, at least 2 games. I love how you neglect that Oden played with a MUCH better supporting cast. Durant literally had to put the Horns on his back. The only reason they lost to USC, is because DJ had a horrible game. Is that Durant’s fault???
Also, Durant will be a SMALL Forward in the NBA. Yes, He will need to add weight. But, he will not be matched up against TD or KG… More like, Shane Battier, Stephen Jackson, and Josh Howard, these are guys he will be matched up against, not POWER fowards!!!
PS- You can’t go wrong with either!!! Both will be studs!!!
Wing T. Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 10:08 am
I believe you build you franchise through your Point Guard and Center. Having said that, I think it would be wise to take Oden even if you have a CENTER already on the team. I am looking at the worst teams right now, and besides Memphis, no one have an Oden. Even Memphis should invest in an Oden, Twin towers for Spurs didn’t do too bad. I think Durant is going to be great, but quality big men are rare, so get them while you can can.
…And with the first pick of the 2007 NBA draft will draft, Greg Oden, Freshman from Ohio State University.
Jimbo Too Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 10:48 am
Oden is the next Olowokandi. Or the next Kwame Brown, if you prefer. Mark my words: Oden = Bust.
Legend33 Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 10:51 am
If Boston winds up with the first pick, they have to take Oden. I know Danny Ainge loves Durant, but Oden would help them so much. Right now Boston has K-Perk in the middle, that’s it. Unless you play Jefferson at the 5, but he is a 4. Imagine a front line of Oden, Jefferson, and Pierce? Durant belongs in the Western Conference with a team like Memphis. His whole game is west coast style.
thefigs Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 11:05 am
Well i think it comes down to team needs and preference. Oden will be a huge nba player, but the game is changing and versatile players r taking over. Especially after the suns win it all this year. I would take Durant, he is crazy good and will only get better. He;s a 28, 10 kind of guy. Where Oden will be a 20 13 and 3.5 guy great numbers.
thefigs Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 11:12 am
Oden will never be a dominant offensive player………but he will hold down the “d”. Durant will be a star….willl bring in the crowds and is great for marketing aswell. The big guys never have enough personality.
Dakid Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 11:40 am
Yall must not have seen to many Durant games dis year da kid is a monster, and he is a 3 not a 4, even though he can play both. Oden did not show me anything in any game this even the championship game da 2nd half he did nothing Conley held dem down da whole year.
Legend33 Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 12:51 pm
If the Bucks get the opportunity to pick either Oden or Durant, I would recommend they take Durant. Milwaukee deseparately needs an above-the-rim type player. Durant fills that role. Bogut is a decent center, the Bucks really don’t need Oden as much as they need Durant.
Derrick Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 1:55 pm
Oden is the #1 pick. You just can’t pass up game changing centers. The Olowokandi comparison is a bit unfair due to Olowokandi playing less talented people while he was at Pacific while Oden played top competition while at Ohio State. If Durant works hard and puts on twenty pounds he will be a force as well. Plus both players are only nineteen. They both have scary potential.
disappointed timberwolves fan Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
it really depends on the team thats picking. if the t-wolves get there, either way is a sure-fire thing, but Oden would be a better pick based on the stock of ”centers” the wolves have. mark blount is ok, but he’s more of a shooting center. thats not really what the wolves need. they need a guy who can suck the d more in the middle so theres more room for kg to operate on the block.
durant would be great too. him, kg, ricky davis. that just seems to say sellout crowds every night at the target, not to say oden wouldn’t draw, but durant would be a draw by himself. oden will be a good defensive center w/ descent offensive skills, but durant will be a stud for a while. but don’t get too excited minnesota. the odds of winning the lottery is about 5.2%
Oden Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 2:12 pm
Well… for the most part, Oden moves a lot like Dikembe Mutombo. He doesn’t seem incredibly athletic, but he gets where he needs to go defensively and makes big play after big play. He’s deceptively quick like Tim “Slow Motion” Duncan.
We haven’t seen the full extent of his offensive game with him shooting w/ his off-hand exclusively… so there’s a lot more room for more offense.
On paper, you have to take Durant. He’s the more complete, more versatile player TODAY. You can also say that at 9 months younger than Oden, he has more “potential” upside.
He’s the type of polished talent that probably would come close averaging 20/9in his rookie year, and only build from there. Statistically, he’ll likely blow away Oden, who may only come in as a 13ppg/9rpg type of player.
Regardless, I think this top two tandem is certainly an order of magnitude better than the center/forward 1-2 tandem of Bogut and Marvin Williams of 2 years ago, probably from day 1. Heck, their rookie numbers may dwarf both of these players’ numbers in their respective rookie and 3rd seasons.
Joe just a fan Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 2:22 pm
yea, u have to go with you teem needs & i see Oden going number one, not that i favor him over Durant(no disrespect). But i see Durant as a scorer n beleive me he has the skill to become one of the top scorers in the NBA, Oden will become a Dominant center for philly or the C’s and Durant will wind up with either MeMphis or the C’s and if he does wind up goin to celtics he probably wont get much playing time with wally comming back n Green becomming an offensive threat! idk ran out of time but ill write more…
mark c. Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 2:57 pm
people make it too hard. i go durant all day long. he has all the offense, 3point, midrange, low block. he rebounds and hits free throws and can be a great help defender and shot blocker with that length. this is what you already know he can do and his body hasn’t even matured. this is not potential, this is fact. oden’s body is already matured and he didn’t dominate at all against college level guys who will not be in the nba. he may be great, but right now he has no jumper, no ball skills and can’t play facing the basket. compare him to russell all you want, but this is a different game. why would you draft oden over durant, when your HOPING he will reach his potential, that at best, will give him the skills durant already possess’.
David Sardinero Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
I don´t see Kevin Durant as a full time PF.. I see him playing more the SF
http://basketdraft.blogspot.com/
Pete Pitsikoulis Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 3:18 pm
Oden all te way, I’m going to repeat a lot of you, but Durant is a going to be a very very good player like Josh Howard, Ginoblini, Tmac, Kobe, Maggette..theres a long list of player that are Durant type..
Oden will be a top 6 center the day he gets drafted and other than TD, Bwall, ming, camby, shaq
Oden will be the next dominate player for the next 10 years, Durant will be a good set filler not title winner
i pray bobcats get a hold of either.. one
dan Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 3:22 pm
IT REALLY DEPENDS ON THE TEAM!!!
for example
the mempis has the most overall chance of getting number one in the draft, i say they get oden becuase they already have rudy gay. pau may not be on the team next year and oden would seem to be a great pick since pau may not be there, oden would be surrounded by pretty good shooters
i would have to say the same thing about celtics too, gerald green is still developing and paul pierice is a good allstar vet, they already have all the young players there to build around oden, but most likely they will choose durant because mempis is most likely have first pick
i believe these are the rest of the team that would choose oden: (3-13)
atlanta, portland, minisota, charlotte, chicago.
and then these are who would choose durant
milwaukee, new orleans., los angles clippers
and the ones i had no idea:seattle philidalphia, phenoiox, sacramento
Izone80 Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 3:24 pm
I do believe Kevin Durant is the most complete prospect in this year’s draft. He can score from anywhere on the floor, handles the ball like a guard, has deep 3-point range, and is already one of the best rebounders in college basketball. He can play mulitiple positions at small forward, shooting guard, or a little bit at power forward after he add some weight. If Portland ever get lucky and get a number one draft pick, go for Kevin Durant. We already got LaMarcus Aldridge at center.
BlazerMan101 Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 3:44 pm
Being a Portland fan, the logical choice would be Oden…if we got the # 1. Oden is bigger, stronger, and the NBA style of basketball would better suit his game.
With that said, the RIGHT choice for Portland would be Durant. I watched quite a bit of college hoops this year and was awed almost everytime I watched him play. He was silky smooth, had NBA range, could put the ball on the floor and get to the hoop, and he was a darn good rebounder. With Portland (hopefully) changing their style of play to a more open-court offense, Durant would thrive next to Roy, Aldridge, Sergio, and the like…
Of course, Portland always makes logical choices…don’t they?
I really don’t see either guy getting the kind of production that people are anticipating. It is tough to be a rookie in the NBA, the body needs to adjust to an 82 game schedule, travel, etc. I think both will suffer through some injuries, but average in the 13-18 range with 6-8 rebounds.
Mark my words, this IS the year for the Trailblazers. I have a gut feeling we will land either one of these two, and with the new kids we got last year, should be a team to reckon with in the West.
Swish Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 3:59 pm
You have to go safe on this one. I will have to go Greg Oden. The reason, “Big Man”…Give him another 3-5years in the NBA the only centers we are all going to be talking about are Yao, Howard, amire and Oden. You got to look at it like this, a true center comes out every 5-10yrs. You can always get a SF in Free Agency or development them with the team. For example, look at Luol Deng, nobody wasn’t talking about him in the last 2-3yrs ago? That is what you call developing a player. Who knows, Oden and Durant might become busts, but you have to go safe on this one. GREG ODEN!
EasyCall Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 4:21 pm
This is a no-brainer. Oden is a solid pick who will give you a good big man. But is he really much better than Roy Hibbert? I really don’t think so. And, as big as he is, He’ll never be a 300 pounder like Shaq and a Diop/Dampier type of opponent can neutralize him some.
Durrant is gold. He’ll be a 10 rebound, 25 point Shooting Forward. When you go small and play open he can be a huge 4 or even alright 5. His talent package is select and his unside incredible. Durrant is the best choice.
G.I. Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 4:29 pm
it depends on the team that get the first pick ya dig!!!!! cuz like they said, if it’s memphis, you go for oden because u already have miller, gay, and a developing dahntay jones. but in boston, with perkins and jefferson, u go for durant and if u need another big man, i think they should trade wally.
Kings_Fan Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 4:51 pm
I say take the beast, durant is good, but oden is a perfect example of a rookie center with a ton of potential, and in today’s game, if you dont have a good center, you are pretty much dead meat………
PS: GO KINGS!
Boo Ya Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 5:04 pm
Want to be Executive of the Year? Trade away your whole team to get the first two picks in this years draft. Surround Durrant and Oden with scrubs for the first year and you’ll be on the right track to be a powerhouse in a few years.
Dball Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 7:23 pm
ODEN….part of the reason he didn’t get to show his ability on offense was because he couldn’t move his right hand…..with that in mind….he made steady improvements all season as he got his left hand back….and he now has the ability to shoot with both….
In addition, scoring will be much easier for oden in the NBA because the court is so much bigger and he it is more difficult to be double teamed. I would put money on the idea that Oden outscores Durant in his rookie season
davon Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 8:42 pm
oden - bust ….. hese no better than tyson chandler………. ummmmm must i remind u!! what happed when sam bowie(oden) was drafted ahead of mr jordan (durant)!!!!!! I feel so sorry for the kid oden!! because alla u guys and the media are nutss! buildin him up for the bust !!
Marq Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 11:58 pm
Hard decision, the team with the 2 pick is in the best shape.
Mark Esparaz Said,
April 27, 2007 @ 2:20 am
I think that Greg Oden should go number one no matter which team. Because i think that Greg Oden can make a team a contender because of the size and talent that he brings. And almost every team has a big man that brings them championships like shaq, duncan, olajuwon, kareem, russell… you know what i mean. What I can see is that Kevin Durant can give you better numbers, but Greg Oden can bring you championship rings. And each team is looking to be better for them to have a championship.
Bigal_nl Said,
April 27, 2007 @ 6:17 am
Celtics don’t need Oden. They already have Olowokandi.
GilT Said,
April 27, 2007 @ 8:19 am
I will not take the stance of “This is team based” All you have to do is look at what these two great ballers bring to the table.
Durant is a bigger, better TMAC that will allow him a great amount of Highlights during his career. His legnth and range is known the only question is can the Kid bring the Heart when needed to play the defense that is required in the “Association”??
Oden is more along the lines of the Gtown Pat Ewing. His court presence alone will change your shot selection. He may never score like Shaq or D Robinson, but then again if that day comes the world would be his.
One more thing on TMAC, he may win his first Playoff series this year…..
Thanks to a BIG MAN!
To me it will always come down to the ability to stop the shot.
So one team will have a consistent all Star and one will have the cornerstone of a Franchise for the next decade.
ODEN all the way.
Brownie Said,
April 27, 2007 @ 8:23 am
Anyone who would pick Durant over Oden is cray. Great seven footers who want to play on the block are a lost art. You have to remember that Oden played most of the season with one hand and the Ohio St. offense was perimeter based. He shot freethrows with his left hand at a better clip than almost any other center at any level with their strong hand. If you put Oden on any team in the lottery then they will be a playoff contender next season. Once his O develops then he will be top 5 at his position all time when it is all said and done. He also has a great work ethic and is someone who can be the face of a franchise. Durant will be one of the all time greats in 20 but Oden will have more rings. Which ever team gets Oden at worst will have the next Tim Duncan. You can’t teach 7 feet, espeacially one with true talent and not just potential.
CJ Said,
April 27, 2007 @ 8:33 am
I KEVIN CAUSE THAT MY CUZIN
David Said,
April 27, 2007 @ 10:55 am
The celtics, grizzlies and bobcats need centers - and would probably take Oden. The Bucks would probably take Durant because they have Bogut. The bulls and sonics could go either way, but I think
Oden is the better choice. With his defense alone, I don’t see how he could be a bust. Durant might be a very good player, not necessarily great, or it could take a few years.
ronaldo9 Said,
April 27, 2007 @ 12:01 pm
if i was (team) and i had the (#)number (one)1 pick, i would choose…
Atlanta - Greg Oden = they got no center. period.
Boston - Greg Oden = Al Jefferson and Greg Oden; scary thought.
Charlotte - Greg Oden = they need help for Emeka.
Chicago - Greg Oden = they need height.
Cleavland - Kevin Durant = they got big Z anyways.
Dallas - Greg Oden = they got Dirk.
Denver - Kevin Durant = they got Camby, Nene and even K. Mart.
Detroit - Greg Oden = they got Sheed, Dyce, and C. Webb.
Golden State - Greg Oden = Biedrins? Please… Oden can run.
Houston - Kevin Durant = they got Yao.
Indiana - Greg Oden = J. O. is here.
Los Angeles Cs - Greg Oden = Brand and Oden; another scary thought. unless you wanna 6′8 Brand and 6′9 Durant as your starting lineup.
Los Angeles Ls - Greg Oden = you can say Kobe needs another Shaq.
Memphis - Greg Oden = twin towers. Pau and Greg. II
Miami - Kevin Durant = Shaq kicks out to Wade, Wade drives and passes in the air to a wide open Durant.
Milwaukee - Kevin Durant = more shooters to spread the floor for Bogut.
Minnesota - Greg Oden = another twin tower, KG and Oden manning the paint.
New Jersey - Greg Oden = they need help, Jason Collins. =|
New Orleans - Greg Oden/ Kevin Durant = any, they got David West as PF and Chandler as C. they have to sacrifice the growth of one of those two for either Oden or Durant.
New York - Greg Oden = helps a weak rebounding Eddy Curry. it would be like the Tyson Chandler, Eddy Curry when the bulls made the Playoffs.
Philadelphia - Kevin Durant = Dalambert is here.
Phoenix - Greg Oden = everyone except Nash and Bell go back to their regular positions. Oden can run anyways.
Portland - Greg Oden = Zach needs help with his defense.
Sacramento - Greg Oden = Brad Miller is gifted offensively… Nothing more.
San Antonio - Greg Oden = twin towers, another championship right here.
Seattle - Greg Oden = they got no center.
Toronto - Greg Oden = twin towers.
Utah - Greg Oden/ Kevin Durant = either, Boozer and Okur are here.
Washington - Greg Oden = Jamison plays PF anyways.
Doug Said,
April 27, 2007 @ 12:47 pm
ronaldo9, instead of focusing on positions, you should focus on whether the individual team needs scoring or defense. Also, I think you need to understand that Durant is a SF. For instance, you said Indiana should take Oden b/c they have JO. If anything, they should take Durant b/c they have JO (who can play center and is a great shot blocker and rebounder, but has proven that he can’t carry a team by himself). And, as much as I would be interested in seeing Durant and Lebron together, Big Z is old and doesn’t fit with Cleveland’s style. And they have no backup C. They would take Oden.
Durant, right now, is the better player and safer pick. The one thing that Oden has going for him is that he is a legit center with potential. History has proven that if your team has one of the most dominant centers to ever play the game, your team will win championships: Wilt, Russell, KAJ, Shaq, David Robinson, Hakeem, etc. Oden is on pace to be SIMILAR to similar to some of these guys. It is a matter of how hard he works and who coaches him. His footwork needs a lot of help, his athleticism is below average, he gets lost on defense, and he needs to work on his offensive moves/shot/game. BUT, he has the body and the timing on blocking shots. He can rebound ok, but needs to learn to box out better and rebound out of position better. He is a project, but nothing like the usual projects. He should become a very good player. How good is up in the air.
As for Durant, he has shown that he can shoot lights out. He needs to work on his quickness and creating his shot. He also needs to work on beating opponents off the dribble and finishing stronger. His post game has improved, but it needs to improve more. Defenders in the NBA, especially small forwards, will be faster, quicker, and longer than those in college. He will need to lift his game up some. He will also need to learn how to create for others. But, even if he doesn’t improve at all, he is still a 6′10″ guy who can shoot lights out from anywhere on the floor. With some work on this athleticism, he could be unstoppable (think of a more athletic Dirk).
That’s my 2 cents.
noah Said,
April 27, 2007 @ 12:52 pm
Uh, the first three xs champion bulls teams had Bill Cartwright, clearly a “very good” center. The only team that shouldn’t take Oden if they get the number 1 is Houston, and even that is questionable. Houston certianly succeeded with two-seven footers before, and just like last time, they really do need two because one can’t stay on the court: Yao’s chronic foot injury is looking more and more like Ralph Sampson’s chronic back injuries. Miami at least has an argument, but how much time does Shaq have left and how devestating is Miami’s defense with Shaq and Oden anyway? Denver? Give me a break… Take Oden, trade Nene, takes the pressure off Camby, who has only played 70+ games twice in a season. Same for N.O. Take Oden, trade West or Chandler, or keep West as a sixth man. Defense wins championships. Watch out for a New Orleans team with Oden and Chandler inside.
David Gonadze Said,
April 27, 2007 @ 1:54 pm
I like to do thizz and shrooms yadadda. And I’m in love with Chris A. and Durant
Xcave Said,
April 27, 2007 @ 5:12 pm
A center like Oden wins championships, scorers like McGrady, Pierce, Iverson, LeBron, and Wade are nice, but they don’t win games. The two on that list that have the best record and have come even close to a championship (McGrady and Wade) also happen to have the two best ceters in the league on their team (Yao and Shaq respectively). Even to consider Durant over Oden is stupid, even though KD is one hell of a consolation prize.
David Sardinero Said,
April 27, 2007 @ 5:28 pm
Durant, right now, is the better player and safer pick
I don´t agree with this statement. For a GM, a the safer pick would be picking Greg Oden. Durant is more of a gamble
http://basketdraft.blogspot.com/
Mike Said,
April 27, 2007 @ 6:12 pm
Kevin Durant all the way baby! We got Rookie Of The Year this year, let have another Rookie Of The Year for next year too.
DaJackal Said,
April 27, 2007 @ 6:55 pm
I think every GM including Houston would take Oden, even if you already have a decent or even all star center Oden could play the 4 and now you have 14ft controlling the paint, I can hear some championship coming already
RickGray Said,
April 27, 2007 @ 8:22 pm
Oden came out the gates a step behind. He had a broken hand and missed preseason games that would have gotten him used to the college game, so he was left with a crash course and then thrown into the fire with limitations. Durant, who i give credit to, was given the ball from day one with the offense built around him to shoot and attack at will. While Oden was brought in with the best freshmen class in basketball since the fab five to go along with the returning regular season big ten champs. So it was more a “collective effort” from jump with no player averaging over 23 minutes per game, including Oden. He had been used to dominating the high school level with strength, size, and athleticism. He has skill but has never actually had to use a post move in high school career. So after his game is fine tuned and he finishes filling out an already manly physique, he will prove that he is deservant of the number one overall pick in the draft. The Championship game was just the tip of the ice berg!
richard coles Said,
April 27, 2007 @ 11:14 pm
When you start a rebuilding process,you have to start with a dominant Post.Size and speed,in BB cannot be substitued. Ogden has the size. Durant will be much easier to stop at the NBA level,going night in night out against defenders he never played against .Look at Reddick and Morrison.They struggle all year long.It doesn’t mean they will not adjust to the NBA game but it will take more time .Versus this you can picture Okafor or Brand who had make a more smoother transition to the NBA game.
I would go for immediate rewards definitely with Ogden.
ChefBoyAli Said,
April 28, 2007 @ 12:18 am
While it’s true that a specific team’s needs will influence the first pick, I’d take Durant with no trepidation.
Oden IS the safe pick, IS the defensive stopper but the old axiom about “Big Men” being the foundation is no longer true. Look at how the NBA has progressed/regressed these past couple of years. I grew up in Chicago watching the Bulls during the Mike years. Playing the Pisstons and Knicks was brutal. Now, you can’t even breath on an odffensive player without drawing a foul. No hands allowed. No incidental contact. Nowadays, the best “D” is a combination of drawing charges and flopping for a whistle. Some writer (whose name i can’t recall) said that defense is stopping your man from scoring, not jumping infront of him.
After Mike left, David Hitler Stern decided to attck the problems of decreased ratings by opening the game up. Changing the rules of Defense and Offense (the new 8 sec rule for example), Stern is speeding the game up to increase scoring (more possetions=more points). Ya’ll will see when the Suns!!! win the ’ship. That is the (immediate) future of the NBA. Who would you rather have, a defensive beast who runs (and looks) like he’s 63? Or just possibly, the most complete and polished offensive player the college world has seen in forever. Durant super sweet J, offensive insticts and long frame give him a higher ceiling. He also seems to have more drive than Oden, who can appear passionless at times. Given the new direction of The Leeg, who would you rather have?
Sean Said,
April 28, 2007 @ 3:57 am
If you don’t pick Oden you are making a mistake IMO. Not a huge mistake because both are amazing. But to have a guy like Oden anchoring your D at such a high level. He’s already got offensive game beyond his years, and a touch to boot as a Frosh in college. He barley scratched the surface in college using his off hand nearly all season going up to the tourney. I’d build my team around Oden over Durant 99 times out of 100. Durant is so versitile, but he demands attention all game and the ball is on his hands constantly. I was much more impressed with Durants constant activity and rebounding than I was with his shooting scoring ability. No one wins in the NBA with one player. And if you do as good as the NBA guards are today, it’s the dominant Centers that rack up titles…Walton,Chamberlian,Shaq,Mikan,Russell, Olajawan, Duncan. Plus Oden is fun as heck to watch. Is there one player in the NBA that you’d take over Oden right now? Not me. D12 prolly be the closest cuz of age, but I’d much rather have Oden. Assume all the YOUNG stars of the NBA were only a year or two in…Here’s where I win the argument. Same question for Durant…Wade, Melo, Lebron we would rather have wouldn’t we? Anyway Oden is the pick.
loz Said,
April 28, 2007 @ 4:01 am
Aside from what the team needs in picking Oden or Durant a team should consider what type of playing style would they excel into or what specific game would be advantageous to them..Oden is advertised in the likes of Shaq, Russell etc. In drafting Oden you need to have good perimeter shooters just like what Hakeem has in Houston or probably, 1 or 2 scoring options like a Kobe to Shaq or Parker and Manu to a Duncan. If you have Oden, it is your either as only as fast as San Antonio or even as slow as Miami. You can’t really be a Phoenix or Golden State.
If a team has a decent center/power forward that can run and get some stops effectively, then Durant is the man to be picked. With the evolution of NBA basketball and the trend of playing ’small ball’, if a team wants to join the run-and-gun bandwagon, currently lorded by Phoenix, then pick Durant because imagine how wild it would be if you run having an athletic and very talented 6-10 forward who can rebound the ball and finish the break in the very same possession.
Yes, it is boring to say but the answer for the great Oden-Durant debate is relative to the team’s needs and style of play.
Riq Tan Said,
April 29, 2007 @ 9:55 pm
I’ll take Oden over Durant everytime.
You can’t deny that Durant can fill stat sheets & stands nite in & nite out. But he’ll only be good for FANTASY Basketball championships. (see KG)
If you study you NBA history, save for a few exceptions. NBA champions have been anchored on dominant back-to-the-basket big men (DUNCAN, SHAW, OLAJUWON, KAREEM, RUSSEL etc.).
Dan dan05 Said,
May 1, 2007 @ 1:02 am
Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. Neither is another LeBron. But…
Oden’s rare style of play, his defensive dominance, will be a sparkplug
for anyteam. And Durant rare size and shooting ability combo makes
any team think twice. I agree with the most of u that it depends on the teams drafting first. If Memphis gets first choice than they’d be better off with Oden. They already have a simular durant player-in Rudy Gay who’s also making waves. If Celtics get first choice than i’d suggest going with Durant. they have an uptempo game with a shooting guard and pg in Pierce and Telfair. Along with the athletic Gerald Green. Durant could tie the knot in the competitive need and determination the celtics really need. I feel safe saying, though, that Oden, no matter what team, will pick Oden. He lead his team further in college and that doesn’t go unoticed, even if Durant did win all the indivual awards. Oden also played an amazing game in the ship and finally showed a little emotion. The game is changing and getting faster. So Durant is the perfect future pf/sf. But is he just another Rudy Gay, Tyrus Thomas,etc. A great Post is more rare than a shooting forward that weighs less than i do. Especially a post with such a defensive mind set. I can’t compare many current players to Oden. I just know that right now Dwight Howard is the future. And he’s offensive minded. Oden is more NBA ready. Period. Oden will go first in the draft.
Homeslice Said,
May 2, 2007 @ 5:27 pm
Here’s what I don’t get when GMs draft guys on “potential.” Most rookie contracts are only a few years, right? You can give them a max extension after three years (like Lebron and ‘Melo signed this year) but if they want out after that, they can get out pretty easily, and you end up with nothing.
Say Oden by his third year has reached his potential - if he’s still on the same sh!tty team that drafted him, no way does he stay. So take Durant, who will be more help to your sh!tty team right away.
Otherwise, you spend 2-3 years developing Oden, only to have him leave.
There’s a reason teams the same teams are always in the lottery - they’re poorly run and make lousy moves in the draft. Atlanta, the Clippers (with the exception of last year) etc.
Reason Said,
June 7, 2007 @ 8:45 am
Portland will take Durant if they have a brain….
Jack
Roy
Durant
Randolph
Aldridge
That is a young, very good player at every position.
Jack
Roy
Udoka
Randolph
Oden
With that one, you have a gaping hole at SF. I would rather take Durant to fill it and let Aldridge start at C. (15-8 at the end of last season)
Arizona Auto Insurance Said,
June 26, 2007 @ 11:37 pm
I think it is easier to predict greatness for Oden. He is very mature and a beast underneath, where this is far less excellent competition. Durant likely will be a superstar but the position he plays is just so much harder to predict.
Gay Incest Gay Male Sex Gay Brothers Said,
January 11, 2008 @ 4:28 pm
Gay Incest Gay Male Sex Gay Brothers
I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view