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The Blazersedge Mock Draft: Pick #1

Kitten_tiny by Dave on in News

With the first selection of the 2007 NBA Draft the Portland Trailblazers select...

We're going to hear those very words in less than three weeks.  

And so begins our Blazersedge Mock Draft.  The GMs are (mostly) set.  The picks are ready.  Let's get to it.

All Blazer picks will be decided by popular vote.  Register your vote (one per customer) below.  Because I have unbreakable commitments this afternoon the rest of the draft will commence tomorrow.  You have a full day to vote.

For many of you this will seem like a "DUH!" decision but pretend it's not so.  Assume that Kevin Pricthard really is on the fence over these guys and YOUR analysis could push him one way or another.  Who do you say we pick?

--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)

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Of course
Greg Oden

by Monochromo on Jun 10, 2007 11:40 PM PDT   0 recs

Oden
Portland has flirted with a title/dynasty? twice with solid but not superstar centers (Duck and aging Sabas; Brian Grant).  We stood toe-to-toe with Jordan, with Shaq and Kobe, with Magic, with Isiah, and competed to the end.  Not having a Durant type, and even facing a Durant type, has never been an unleapable hurdle.  But we have always come up short at center.  We can build a championship combination in spots 1-4, and we have.  A 5 is much harder to get.  

We have the best center in ten years past, and who knows how many years future, dropped in our lap.  He plays defense, he moves, he fast-breaks, he can score.  He wants to prove himself, to win, to put his best foot forward for his team, and and put his best foot up somewhere else when it comes to the opposition.  He's upstanding and team oriented.  And he would be the best center we've had since Walton.  He has the potential to be mentioned in the same breath as Walton.  He is physically as NBA ready as you could expect.  He can reach like you wouldn't believe.  

As long as he's here, you have a centerpiece.  A Shaq, a Dream, a Redhead.  A player who can take a mediocre supporting cast farther than a Garnett, a Kobe, a Wilkins, a Dr.J, even a young Jordan.

Oden! Oden! Oden!

Not knocking Durant, but just seeing Oden's name just brings out an irrepressible smile.  Keep me smilin'  KP.  Keep me smilin'.

Oh, Nancy! The Superpan is not magical, it will burn you.

by supremepuntiff on Jun 10, 2007 11:46 PM PDT   0 recs

excellent post
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

by mcmillion on Jun 11, 2007 4:39 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Greg Oden
I hate the "you have to draft the big" logic.  The Blazers shouldn't draft Oden because he's a center.  They should draft him because he's going to be a dominant player.  His college stats compare favorably to some of the great centers of all time, and he did much of it with his off hand.  He's going to be more athletic and stronger than his man the vast majority of games.  I love Kevin Durant, but not as much as I love Oden.

by jksnake99 on Jun 10, 2007 11:47 PM PDT   0 recs

no doubt
he is not just a center, a basketball player, or a guy who might sell a lot of shoes... he is BLAZER!

Greg Oden

Thank God for Comcast this year...

by TB Fan on Jun 10, 2007 11:51 PM PDT   0 recs

Durant.
I've switched.

by howlingfantods on Jun 11, 2007 12:06 AM PDT   0 recs

What caused you to switch?
Got anymore of those great articles? I could read that stuff all day long.

by JMblazerfan on Jun 11, 2007 1:17 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'll probably do a diary on it
in the next couple of days.  It's a pretty long thought process that went into it, and I'm unreasonably excited about spilling my guts.

No particularly great articles, although I'm looking forward to this one, not sure if it's on newsstands yet (I don't subscribe).

by howlingfantods on Jun 11, 2007 10:18 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Greg Oden
spencer

by Eugenefan on Jun 11, 2007 1:07 AM PDT   0 recs

Durant.
Still sticking with my man for the time being. But I love Oden too.

by JMblazerfan on Jun 11, 2007 1:12 AM PDT   0 recs

Greg Oden
He's fast, can use either hand, touch the top of the backboard, and has a genuine personality. Oh yeah, and defense wins championships!

by Blazerholic on Jun 11, 2007 1:15 AM PDT   0 recs

Odeeeen
backboard shatter noise
ROTUNDITYDOTNET

by damir on Jun 11, 2007 1:27 AM PDT   0 recs

Oden

by archemed on Jun 11, 2007 1:35 AM PDT   0 recs

Oden
Love his attitude, love his natural ability, love his work ethic, love his skills, love waiting for him to break a backboard.

by sergioFTW on Jun 11, 2007 1:36 AM PDT   0 recs

Two for LaRue!
Oh Yeah Rip City

Dynasty.

Portland, Oregon, progressive capital of America
selects

ODEN

by bandwagonfan since 72 on Jun 11, 2007 2:57 AM PDT   0 recs

Perhaps the easiest decision in my life
ODEN
nobody makes me bleed my own blood

by dcblazer on Jun 11, 2007 4:48 AM PDT   0 recs

Greg Oden
Oden for sure
Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.

by ratbastird on Jun 11, 2007 5:17 AM PDT   0 recs

Greg Oden
best player EVER
Please KP, Give Portland a little bit of Oden...

by berrygraham on Jun 11, 2007 5:28 AM PDT   0 recs

Oden
Just no way I can pick anybody else, even if it is Durant.

by jc burg on Jun 11, 2007 6:07 AM PDT   0 recs

Oden
The obviouse selection.

by Renegade on Jun 11, 2007 6:18 AM PDT   0 recs

Oden
  Nuff said.

by graybeard on Jun 11, 2007 6:27 AM PDT   0 recs

I'm still leaning...
toward Noah.  NOT.

Oden.  I can't figure out a way to make this not a duh selection.

Still, If Pritchard and company go with Durant I won't be upset.

by ken on Jun 11, 2007 6:46 AM PDT   0 recs

Oden
I can't wait for him to be a blazer.

by usmcr3049 on Jun 11, 2007 6:57 AM PDT   0 recs

Odie
Apart from all the qualities mentioned above, the guy's presence is just flat out intimidating! That's something the Blazers have lacked for some time.
"...though you may fail...aim at something high." Henry David Thoreau

by Dr Dave on Jun 11, 2007 7:13 AM PDT   0 recs

And...
...if the LOOK doesn't cause your knees to buckle, that gap-tooth smile will surely dis-arm you.
"...though you may fail...aim at something high." Henry David Thoreau

by Dr Dave on Jun 11, 2007 7:16 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Oden
Unless Durant becomes Jordan this is an easy call.  I don't see him becoming Jordan after his performance in the pre-draft drills.  Yeah, there's more to basketball than drills; but a guy who supposedly did hundreds of push-ups a day can't lift 185?

by tssbro on Jun 11, 2007 7:18 AM PDT   0 recs

Good point
I thought the same thing when I heard it....wondering how true all that hype is.

by porterfan30 on Jun 11, 2007 8:22 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Oden
I'm a sucker for beards.

by TearsforDuckworth on Jun 11, 2007 7:55 AM PDT   0 recs

Oden
I'm starting to spend more time on this side of the pendulum...  I reserve the right to change my mind, though I'm not sure what would change it.  

by jorga on Jun 11, 2007 8:02 AM PDT   0 recs

Maybe this will help...
Thanks to you, I've been playing around with your anagram solver. Here's one that came up for Durant. It doesn't bode well for his interview: "anti-Kev nurd".

And, for Oden, this defines his Star level: "genre: god". (I added punctuation of course)

"...though you may fail...aim at something high." Henry David Thoreau

by Dr Dave on Jun 11, 2007 8:45 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Oden
I just like the guy from the interviews I've seen.  He'll be a bigger personality than Durant, and in a good way.  In a high tech city like Portland, it's kind of fitting to have a basketball star who enjoys math.  And hey, the beard is way cool...

Ok, there are basketball reasons too... defensively, Oden and Aldridge will be utterly awesome, and Zach Randolph won't hurt us nearly as much by staying than if we drafted Durant instead.  But I'm a firm believer in Oden's offensive potential.  I believe in his ability to work and to teach himself new things, and that he is better than he showed at OSU.

If we draft Durant, I'll be ok, but I want Oden.

by ranma on Jun 11, 2007 8:08 AM PDT   0 recs

Oden
Just look at the finals so far. Duncan has a huge impact on a well disciplined team; when he draws a double, it opens up room for everything else that team  does - wider lanes for the PG to penetrate, more open looks for the 3 point shooters. On the defensivce end, he anchors a defense that makes up for the indivdual failings of the perimeter players. An all star wing player wins games and sells shoes; an all star big man wins championships. The Houston element: Just having one big man and one wing isn't enough. The rest of the team must compliment the key elements.

Oden gets us closer to filling all of our needs than Durant, and brings us closer to a championship.

by skyman375 on Jun 11, 2007 8:08 AM PDT   0 recs

oden.
i was initially for durant, but i've come around.

by game sink on Jun 11, 2007 8:08 AM PDT   0 recs

same
im for oden

by dougall5505 on Jun 11, 2007 8:10 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Oden
I'd be ok if Durant turned out better than Oden

I'd BE VERY ANGRY if Oden was better than durant if we picked Durant.

Tim Duncan here we come

by Blazerhopeful on Jun 11, 2007 8:20 AM PDT   0 recs

Greg Oden
I like the idea of him wearing 53 too.

by porterfan30 on Jun 11, 2007 8:23 AM PDT   0 recs

wow
figured there would still be a few durant fans but...GREG ODEN prevails.

by trail time on Jun 11, 2007 8:34 AM PDT   0 recs

Greg Oden
because he will be a unique big man. This isn't just some normal huge slow guy. He's just as athletic as everybody else. Dwight Howardish. Oden will keep us in the playoffs for the next 12 years KP. Make the right decision. A front court of LMA/Oden, and/or even Zbo and Oden right now, will just crush other teams. Not to mention a player like Roy. It could almost be to easy.
Welcome Greg Oden

by junit3123 on Jun 11, 2007 8:36 AM PDT   0 recs

Oden
If there was any doubt before, I think Orlando removed it.  I won't say that Durant's poor showing has anything to due with his talent not being up to par, but it sets off alarm bells for me that he wasn't in that great of shape and that he didn't seem to particularly care about it.

Not only do I think Oden is going to be a fantastic player, but I already like him, and I think he'll fit in Portland wonderfully.

by leeroyjenkins on Jun 11, 2007 8:36 AM PDT   0 recs

Oden
In what will obviously be a landslide fan-choice.

by Steve The Hedge on Jun 11, 2007 8:40 AM PDT   0 recs

Durant
my name must be Swirsky.

by myemic23 on Jun 11, 2007 8:43 AM PDT   0 recs

hahahahahahahahahaha
love it.
Welcome Greg Oden

by junit3123 on Jun 11, 2007 8:50 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Pinch Me I Must Be Dreaming
With the first pick in the 2007 draft, the Portland Trailblazers select...........

Greg Oden,

Did I really just say that?  

The man could become a larger than life figure, both on and off the court.

Need I say anymore?

It doesn't get much better than this. The dream begins now.

by Heymoe on Jun 11, 2007 8:51 AM PDT   0 recs

Spencer Hawes

Just kidding, folks.

Oden.

Though I wouldn't be sad to see Durant in a Blazer uniform.

by EngineerScotty on Jun 11, 2007 9:06 AM PDT   0 recs

Kevin Durant!

He's so cute!

by gcb on Jun 11, 2007 9:31 AM PDT   0 recs

Semi-Official Scorecard
Looks like that's...

Oden             -  36
Durant           -  4
Spencer Hawes    -  .5
Joakim Noah      -  .5

Kevin Durant is quickly turning into Ross Perot! The man needs votes!

Out of curiousity, a couple days ago J-Quick reported that the Blazers had turned down at least 2 Hall Of Fame caliber superstars from the Western Conference for the #1 pick (and I actually think it was 4 different All-Stars). Any idea who was offered?

by Champs2009 on Jun 11, 2007 9:44 AM PDT   0 recs

I've heard alot of speculation
that 1 was Carmelo.. although he's no hall of famer, but I'm sure he will be..

Tough to guess who the other one might be. Maybe Ray Allen? But would Seattle offer Allen just to move up 1 spot? Or maybe it was Allen for #1 so they could have both..

Maybe Shawn Marion was the other?

Welcome Greg Oden

by junit3123 on Jun 11, 2007 10:17 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Given the attitude of Les Alexander
towards uptempo, I wouldn't be surprised if the other HOFer was Yao Ming.
Oh, Nancy! The Superpan is not magical, it will burn you.

by supremepuntiff on Jun 11, 2007 11:55 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

oDEN
Bay BE!

by OBF on Jun 11, 2007 9:54 AM PDT   0 recs

ODIN, GOD OF FURY
Uh, Greg Oden, that is.

by rockingharder on Jun 11, 2007 10:02 AM PDT   0 recs

Kevin Durant.
Besides salavating over an athletic Larry Bird, my choice is also influenced by a couple of WEAK negatives lingering in my mind regarding Oden:

It's a long grueling 82 game season. I guess what concerns me a bit is Oden's  extraordinary need for sleep ... often rejecting offers to go out with friends and such so that he can take a nap. Will he have enough energy for the long season?  And this is probably stupid but it's also a little concerning to me that at 19 years old he looks like he's 35.  Probably just genetics, but I wonder how he eats?  I've read that Durant is very much in tune with eating healthy. Haven't heard anything about Oden's diet.

Man oh man, we need to pick the one with the least likely chance of having career ending/limiting conditions.  Don't know how to go about that, but I'm sure it's been investigated by K.P. and his crew.  

By the way, I'll fully support and be extremely excited with either pick (which looks very much like Oden -  I doubt if even K.P. would have enough guts to go against him even if he wanted to).        

 

by TwoDeep on Jun 11, 2007 10:15 AM PDT   0 recs

2deep
I think your nitpicking..

and what about Durant? Can't even bench 185 pounds..

Welcome Greg Oden

by junit3123 on Jun 11, 2007 10:22 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Oops, forgot to mention:
I think some forget that we already have a fantastic big man on our team (LMA) who can also rebound, defend, block shots, and run the floor.  Plus, with his very difficult to block shot, Aldridge  is in possesion of an excellent offensive game (which Oden has yet to develop).

What we don't have on our team - the missing piece - is a superbly talented small forward!

by TwoDeep on Jun 11, 2007 10:38 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

yes but Aldridge
is a PF.. and a scary combo of Oden/Aldridge is way more intriguing then a combo of Aldridge/Durant. Oden and Aldridge will dominate the paint offensively/defensively and we will probably be one of the best rebounding teams in the league.

Now Durant, while I believe will be special, we can find someone to play the 3 who will be able to provide what we need.

Welcome Greg Oden

by junit3123 on Jun 11, 2007 10:43 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Rebounding/Defense?
How ca you argue that Oden will be better at those 2 things than Durant? Based on what? Cuz he's 7 feet?

Durant was 2nd in the country in rebounds and was one of the best defensive  players in his conference if not the entire country. This doesn't mean he'll automatically be better than Oden, but I have to give Durant credit when credit is due.

by JMblazerfan on Jun 11, 2007 12:17 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Oden
will be like a Timmy, David Robinson, D12, averaging 12 rebounds a game. Not to mention alongside Aldridge, we will be one of the best rebounding teams in the league. Then when you factor in Randolph if we have him, and Przybilla off the bench, our front court is amazing.
Welcome Greg Oden

by junit3123 on Jun 11, 2007 1:08 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Excitement . . . Yawn
Yeah, everybody knows a team full of talented big guys is super exciting to watch. I remember when Robinson and Duncan were playing together and how entertaining that was. I stopped partying during that period it was so exciting. I also think watching Shaq post up time after time after time and bullying his way to the basket is awful fun to watch. I can't wait.
Coreydm

by coreydm on Jun 11, 2007 9:35 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

repeat, and still wrong
you posted this exact same thing elsewhere, so I'm just going to copy and paste my response:

His body fat is under 8%, which is ridiculous for anyone, let alone a 7-footer. I'm pretty sure he's in fine shape. He was clearly in better shape than Durant at the workouts last week.

And as a dedicated basketball player, isn't it better that he'd want to rest rather than party? I don't understand that logic. A teenager burning that much energy needs to sleep a lot. I'd be shocked if Durant was out partying with his friends either.

Oden looks older because his beard and relatively deep folds in his facial skin. Its very simple and obvious, and completely superficial and has nothing to do with his body or energy. No offense, but his is the most silly concern regarding either player I've seen. I'm not sure what the genetics comment means.

I'd be much more concerned about Durant lasting a full 82 than Oden. Oden is phenomanal athlete and is in superb shape.

by matthewcc on Jun 11, 2007 10:59 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Umm,
it's the 'extra ordinary' amount of sleep (naps) that somewhat concerns me.

But it dosn't matter does it?  I'm not picking and neither are you.  

by TwoDeep on Jun 11, 2007 7:30 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I change my vote
I just found out that Oden's favorite movie is american pie 2. I no longer want him on my team and he looks scary. Durant for life.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070610/SPORTS0403/706100443/1247/SPORTS

by Sabonis4Ever on Jun 11, 2007 11:11 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Coffee? In Portland?
Sure hope the Blazer's staff can find him some coffee, too bad this isn't Salt Lake CIty.

by hightide on Jun 11, 2007 2:46 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

The Big Oh
Greg Oden.

by mcmillion on Jun 11, 2007 10:18 AM PDT   0 recs

Oden Please
Is there any question.

by DropstepJ on Jun 11, 2007 10:24 AM PDT   0 recs

Telfair
But, since he's not available, Oden will do in a pinch, I guess.
Rusty the Metroblogger

by RustyBlog on Jun 11, 2007 10:53 AM PDT   0 recs

Technically....
Telfair is available (I believe)...

The Boston Celtics cut him after his latest weapons charge, meaning that for basically pennies on the dollar, we could re-sign our "future franchise point guard."

Wouldn't that be funny? Blazers sign Oden and Telfair, Sebastian Telfair suddenly becomes Iverson Reincarnate (or Tony Parker as the kids are saying nowadays) and somewhere far-far-away Danny Ainge quickly becomes an alcoholic?

"So let me get this straight Danny... You like the Blazers so much, you'll take a locker room cancer (Ratliff) and help our struggling point guard develop for a year in a bad Eastern Conference, and when it's all said and done you'll throw in Brandon Roy and Greg Oden? Hmmmm... I'm just not quite sure. Can we add Darius Miles for Paul Pierce into the mix?"

by Champs2009 on Jun 11, 2007 11:27 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

close
he's actually still a Celtic. They didn't cut him, I think they just sort of banished him. There's talk they might even be bringing him back next year.

by matthewcc on Jun 11, 2007 11:29 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

You're right...
I just read an article in the Boston Herald that was surprised to announce Sebastian Telfair is and may remain a Boston Celtic...

But, he's far from the protected "blue-chip prospect" that Mo Cheeks thought he was...

by Champs2009 on Jun 11, 2007 11:57 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Telfair will still collect a paycheck
from the Celtics (unless he is traded), but I doubt he'll ever wear a green and white uniform again.

by DrCoffee on Jun 11, 2007 12:48 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

"The Greg Oden Draft"
I've been hearing that for at least 2 years....

by PortersPal on Jun 11, 2007 11:05 AM PDT   0 recs

Greg Oden.

by EnglandDan on Jun 11, 2007 11:44 AM PDT   0 recs

Oden
no matter what

by BlazerBandit on Jun 11, 2007 11:50 AM PDT   0 recs

oden

by nrefvem on Jun 11, 2007 12:09 PM PDT   0 recs

Oden
I was leaning toward Durant early on. I'm now 100% in the Oden camp.

by BlazerMunky on Jun 11, 2007 12:09 PM PDT   0 recs

oden
oden oden oden oden=rings!
Can't wait for the season to begin! GO BLAZERS! ROY is ROOKIE of the Year! Blazers have the #1 pick of the 2007 draft!

by blazerbrads1 on Jun 11, 2007 12:12 PM PDT   0 recs

Oden
nuf sed
I am the master of my fate, I am the Captain of my soul. - Charles Wesley

by Earl on Jun 11, 2007 12:25 PM PDT   0 recs

Oden
Oden

Oden

Oden

that is all.

Draft Oden

by zenbowl on Jun 11, 2007 12:35 PM PDT   0 recs

This makes me nervous
that almost everyone wants Oden and last year there was that big "draft the stache" push. On the other hand, I think that was just a vocal minority, while the votes for Oden, on the other hand, seem overwhelming...I wonder what happens here and around the league if Pritchard drafts Durant...

by Blazerholic on Jun 11, 2007 12:47 PM PDT   0 recs

not the same
True, but there were quite a few experts who thought Morrison was near-certain bust, and extremely overrated. A lot of the Morrison stuff was regionalism.

Oden is a different type of prospect altogether. I've never seen a credible expert or writer doubt he'll be a star. A few believe Durant might be better, but no one thinks Oden will be a bust.

Which might be a jinx, but oh well.

by matthewcc on Jun 11, 2007 1:32 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed
I actually think the Draft the 'Stache folks were in the minority.  Weren't those radio guys behind a lot of it?  I think most fans were pretty thrilled with Roy as the pick, even before the season started.  

by leeroyjenkins on Jun 11, 2007 2:03 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Oden
I'm shocked by how one sided this is. What happened to all the Durant lobbyists that were swarming the site a few weeks ago?

by Bretski on Jun 11, 2007 1:00 PM PDT   0 recs

Oden
I'm curious what the ratio is exactly

by fromagnon on Jun 11, 2007 1:01 PM PDT   0 recs