The Blazersedge Mock Draft: Pick #1
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)
0 recs |
134 comments
Comments
Oden
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'.
by supremepuntiff on Jun 10, 2007 11:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
excellent post
by mcmillion on Jun 11, 2007 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Greg Oden
by jksnake99 on Jun 10, 2007 11:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
no doubt
Greg Oden
by TB Fan on Jun 10, 2007 11:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
What caused you to switch?
by JMblazerfan on Jun 11, 2007 1:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll probably do a diary on it
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 up reply actions 0 recs
Durant.
by JMblazerfan on Jun 11, 2007 1:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Greg Oden
by Blazerholic on Jun 11, 2007 1:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oden
by sergioFTW on Jun 11, 2007 1:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Two for LaRue!
Dynasty.
Portland, Oregon, progressive capital of America
selects
ODEN
by bandwagonfan since 72 on Jun 11, 2007 2:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps the easiest decision in my life
by dcblazer on Jun 11, 2007 4:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Greg Oden
by ratbastird on Jun 11, 2007 5:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Greg Oden
by berrygraham on Jun 11, 2007 5:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oden
by jc burg on Jun 11, 2007 6:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm still leaning...
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 reply actions 0 recs
Oden
by usmcr3049 on Jun 11, 2007 6:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Odie
by Dr Dave on Jun 11, 2007 7:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oden
by tssbro on Jun 11, 2007 7:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Good point
by porterfan30 on Jun 11, 2007 8:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oden
by jorga on Jun 11, 2007 8:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe this will help...
And, for Oden, this defines his Star level: "genre: god". (I added punctuation of course)
by Dr Dave on Jun 11, 2007 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oden
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 reply actions 0 recs
Oden
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 reply actions 0 recs
oden.
by game sink on Jun 11, 2007 8:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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 reply actions 0 recs
Greg Oden
by porterfan30 on Jun 11, 2007 8:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
In the name of all that is holy ...
by castle on Jun 11, 2007 8:24 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
wow
by trail time on Jun 11, 2007 8:34 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Greg Oden
by junit3123 on Jun 11, 2007 8:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oden
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 reply actions 0 recs
Oden
by Steve The Hedge on Jun 11, 2007 8:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
hahahahahahahahahaha
by junit3123 on Jun 11, 2007 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pinch Me I Must Be Dreaming
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?
by Heymoe on Jun 11, 2007 8:51 AM PDT reply actions 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 reply actions 0 recs
Semi-Official Scorecard
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 reply actions 0 recs
I've heard alot of speculation
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?
by junit3123 on Jun 11, 2007 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Given the attitude of Les Alexander
by supremepuntiff on Jun 11, 2007 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ODIN, GOD OF FURY
by rockingharder on Jun 11, 2007 10:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Kevin Durant.
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 reply actions 0 recs
2deep
and what about Durant? Can't even bench 185 pounds..
by junit3123 on Jun 11, 2007 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oops, forgot to mention:
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 up reply actions 0 recs
yes but Aldridge
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.
by junit3123 on Jun 11, 2007 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rebounding/Defense?
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 up reply actions 0 recs
Oden
by junit3123 on Jun 11, 2007 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excitement . . . Yawn
by coreydm on Jun 11, 2007 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
repeat, and still wrong
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 up reply actions 0 recs
I change my vote
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070610/SPORTS0403/706100443/1247/SPORTS
by Sabonis4Ever on Jun 11, 2007 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Coffee? In Portland?
by hightide on Jun 11, 2007 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Telfair
by RustyBlog on Jun 11, 2007 10:53 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Technically....
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 up reply actions 0 recs
close
by matthewcc on Jun 11, 2007 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right...
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 up reply actions 0 recs
Telfair will still collect a paycheck
by DrCoffee on Jun 11, 2007 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"The Greg Oden Draft"
by PortersPal on Jun 11, 2007 11:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oden
by BlazerMunky on Jun 11, 2007 12:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
oden
by blazerbrads1 on Jun 11, 2007 12:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oden
by Earl on Jun 11, 2007 12:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oden
Oden
Oden
that is all.
by zenbowl on Jun 11, 2007 12:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This makes me nervous
by Blazerholic on Jun 11, 2007 12:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
not the same
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 up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
by leeroyjenkins on Jun 11, 2007 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oden
by Bretski on Jun 11, 2007 1:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oden
by fromagnon on Jun 11, 2007 1:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oden
Work ethic has been compared to Pistol Pete... that is almost as bad as it is good. Pistol Pete didn't make it though the NBA without becoming a drunk.... Great player who seemed to go crazy after years of being pushed (than again this is in the "Does Oden sleep to much category). However stories of Durant's mom telling the coach to... um, censor... to break him out of a slump, makes me wonder if he will snap at some time.
The biggest concern is the main reason to draft Durant is that he will turn into a LeBron or Jordan.... The fact is he isn't strong enough to push around a defender like Bruce "Dirty" Bowen makes me wonder if he will ever reach that level (to everyone, Durant doesn't have a body that could put on much more weight around the chest, so he will never reach the strength of LeBron.) I wish Rashard Lewis would have played college to see how he would have done, since that is the closest comparison as of right now.
Too sum it up, the questions I have about Durant are:
- Why the sudden switch from good high school prospect, to super college player, while playing for a bad coach?
- Has he been pushed to the point one day he'll snap, a la Pistol Pete?
- Will he never reach superstardom because he can't push around defenders?
by hightide on Jun 11, 2007 2:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
In another sport
anyone remember former USC quarterback Todd Marinovich?
Folks called him "robo-QB" coming out of high school. Raised to be the perfect football player.
As soon as he got to college, and out of the gaze of his psychotic lineman daddy, he hit the bong and his career went in the toilet. Complete bust as a pro.
Not saying Durant will be anything similar--Durant seems to be self-motivated, rather than forced to become a hoops star by overbearing parents--but burnout is always a risk with people (including athletes) who focus on one thing at the expense of all else. Those who don't burn out and have talent to match the hard work, though, often excel above everyone else.
Still, I like Oden at this point. To consider Durant, I'd have to be certain that he's the next Larry Bird or Rick Barry; rather than the next Carmelo or Rashard Lewis.
by EngineerScotty on Jun 11, 2007 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In this sport...
Owens had been overly trained and micromanaged by his coach/father. Looked like the next coming.
Owens had flashes but he was mainly on cruise control his entire career. Early burnout????
by Eugenefan on Jun 11, 2007 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since I'm one of the few Durant guys...
1b) I'm not sure what you mean by Thad Young showing up Durant at the McDonalds. I didn't watch it, but Durant got co-MVP while putting up 25pts on 10 of 18, 5 reb 4 ast 2 steals in 18 minutes. Seems like a pretty good line.
1c) Durant's been the #2 prospect behind Oden in this class at least since a year ago. He exceeded expectations partly because he actually did bulk up a lot since he graduated; I think he was probably around 190 a year ago from looking at the his high school clips.
1d) Yeah, no question Barnes isn't the greatest coach. It's actually something that makes Durant's performance this year even more impressive. It's like Barnes was deliberately trying to make it harder for Texas to win. Often, Durant would end up taking a buzzer beater after a busted play for Augustin would end up in his hands, and he'd just heave a 25 footer at the buzzer. I believe they won a game against Oklahoma State just like that. Texas also blew at least one OT game when they only gave the ball to Kevin maybe twice the entire OT. Ridiculous. Or the game they lost to SC in the tournament, Augustin only started feeding KD after the game was already out of reach after Texas fell behind by 20.
- Pistol Pete's a little before my time. Nutcase, right? Don't see much indication of that. He doesn't seem to have been domineered (is that a word?), so much as self-driven.
- I think Durant will end up around 240 in a couple of years. I think 25 pounds heavier than when you're 18 is an easy call myself. Rashard's a nice player but Durant is already better than Rashard is now, and KD is 9 years younger. Durant's got better moves, can drive better, has a much better developed low-post game and is a significantly better defender. David Thorpe (pro scout writes for ESPN) thinks KD can be a 2,3,4, or 5. I personally think 5 is a bit of a stretch, but definitely a 3 or 4. I'd actually rather have him as a 4, but if we take him, we're loaded at that slot.
by howlingfantods on Jun 11, 2007 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jordan Classic
by hightide on Jun 11, 2007 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pistol's
Once put up 68. Led the league with 31.1 one year.
All NBA first team twice. Named one of the 50 greatest.
Numbers aren't as eye-popping as in college, but that's nobody's idea of a bust.
And being on teams as bad as he was would have led anybody to drink.
by hugs on Jun 12, 2007 2:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Would have to say
Very impressed with him at the moment, now thats not to say that I won't change my mind about 10 times before the draft but at the moment i'm sticking with Oden.
Big men with skills don't come along very often.
by Bairdy on Jun 11, 2007 2:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oden
by blackterritory on Jun 11, 2007 2:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
oden
by lyfefindsaway on Jun 11, 2007 3:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
ODEN
by harperdc on Jun 11, 2007 4:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oden
As your agent, I'm going to be frank. You're a young guy. You make a great living and love your job. We've got to face facts, though. While you're the boy wonder now, look around you and see how the mighty have fallen. Think Danny Ainge will get another GM job? Isiah? Only takes a couple bad moves; we both know that.
So, onto the 2007 draft. You're under a microscope. We both know you've got a soft spot for Durant. But if you take the kid and Greg Oden cleans the floor with your guy, it won't be pretty. Think anyone will give you another job - when that job is to bring in players to slow down Oden? Cruel world if you screw this up. Hope you're feeling lucky.
What if Durant is the next MJ? You did the sensible thing and no one will blame you. Oden won't end up that bad and the Blazers will contend either way.
You have to ask yourself, at 39, are you really ready to take a gamble like this? Sure, if you're wrong, you'll still have a job as an advance scout travelling 250 days a year. Not a bad life, but it isn't exactly the corner office, now is it Kevin?
You know what you have to do. For the sake of your career, go do it.
Sincerely,
JM
by Engineering Problem on Jun 11, 2007 4:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Greg Oden
by MattD on Jun 11, 2007 6:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oden
by bustabucket18 on Jun 11, 2007 6:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Although I love Durant more
by jessieptb on Jun 11, 2007 7:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
In fear and trembling
I think Oden's the way to go, but I have an awful nagging feeling when I see a pic of Durant. He will look awful in green and he just might be the One, the Jordan to LeBron as Bird/Magic. We'll be OK with our neo-Olajuwon. But to have a chance at Durant and not pick him, well, it may be right, but it sure is unsettling.
by hugs on Jun 12, 2007 2:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vote early, vote often.
by Steve The Hedge on Jun 11, 2007 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i've gotta go against the popular vote
by saregister on Jun 11, 2007 8:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to vote for Oden again.
That hurts my feelings. :(
by Earl on Jun 11, 2007 9:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This vote for Oden
by Earl on Jun 11, 2007 9:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oden again
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___/
U
by Earl on Jun 11, 2007 9:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
ODEN ODEN ODEN
by DetriquesAngst on Jun 11, 2007 9:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Here's to redundancy
by bbfred on Jun 11, 2007 9:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
If we take Durant, how's Seattle gonna stop him?
They're not.
by Blazerholic on Jun 11, 2007 9:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
thats
by JPop on Jun 11, 2007 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I watched multiple texas games last year
by myemic23 on Jun 11, 2007 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
heres how you stop durant
Heres how Durant will stop Oden: He'll jump on his back and Oden will carry him and dunk with Durant on his shoulders. Hmm.. guess that didn't really stop him.
by junit3123 on Jun 11, 2007 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love Oden
by myemic23 on Jun 11, 2007 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Durant to
I also didn't like Oden, because I hate Ohio State.
But Oden is scary. He is insanely athletic and crazy gifted, and a fantastic guy as well.
Durant is scary also.. but a scary center (paired with the lineup we currently have) is more fearsome then a scary SF.
Paired with Aldridge, we will own the paint. We will always be able to score when we truely need that bucket. If Roy misses the shot, we have 2 talented big men who grab the oreb, and slam it home. It's just ridiculous to think about.
by junit3123 on Jun 13, 2007 1:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gred Oden
by chickenmelt on Jun 11, 2007 11:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Greg Oden
by chickenmelt on Jun 11, 2007 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oden
Lets see durant drive into the paint with those two down there.
If the number two pick in the draft went to a team in the east, then I wouldn't mind picking Durant who is a stud. But I wouldn't want Oden to go to another western confrence team.
by JBlazer on Jun 12, 2007 1:30 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Greg Oden, not in an "of course" way.
by QualityPie on Jun 12, 2007 10:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
ODEN
by Bucky Blazer on Jun 12, 2007 11:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

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