Outcome of the 2007 NBA Draft
This has been one of the most talked about drafts in a while, at least since the 2003 draft with Lebron James and his class. Greg Oden, a 7 foot center from Ohio State and Kevin Durant, a 6-10 forward for Texas lead the group of NBA hopefuls this year. There has been a lot of discussion lately about whether or not the Portland Trailblazers, the team with the first pick, will select Oden. They have flirted with the idea of picking the highly talented Durant who comes in with a array of skills. Durant can play multiple positions and has a knack for getting to the hoop and for scoring from the outside. However, swingmen players like him are not as important as a center who, usually has more control of the game. Centers, ones that are good are hard to come by, something that Oden is. Oden has been talked about since his junior year in High School where he simply dominated his opponents night in and night out. It appears that he is destined to be a great because of his ability to control the defense with swift blocking skills and to score close in.
There are several issues that one may make for Oden, such as that he has a low risk factor as he will impact the game. He also has some health problems, such as a bad wrist that may make teams second guess picking him. However, they may say that Durant has more potential and can become a better overall player in a few years to come. This has been a show, with people raving about one of the players and making comparisons that leave the ball court. Some people have even said that Durant is weak, unable to bench press 185 pounds, the lowest amount of the draftees. However, Portland made the right move by selecting Oden, as he is a franchise center. A good team usually needs to have a good center.
Other significant players in the draft include, Corey Brewer, picked seventh, Mike Conley, picked 4th, Noah at 9th, Hawes at 10th, Wright at 8th. Some players picked later seem to have large upside, including Net"s Sean Williams of Boston College. He is considered to be a great defensive player. It is a wild event but some teams made progress which cannot be said until the players have really played.
Blazers notebook Oden stars in ads supporting Obama; Blake still out - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com
ESPN Blazers notebook Oden stars in ads supporting Obama; Blake still out The Oregonian - OregonLive.com, OR - Trail Blazers rookie center Greg Oden made headlines in February when he publicly endorsed Illinois Sen. Barack Obama for president. ... NBA Rookie of the Year? Oden okay after rolling ankle Oden misses Blazers practice with ankle injury -