You have the first pick, who do you take?

If you want to make it situational based on what team ends up with the first pick (the Celtics, for example) go ahead.

For me, it's got to be Oden. When you have a chance at a dominant center, you have to take him. There's too many other stellar swing-type players (I know Durant is 6-10) in the NBA to take one ahead of Oden. Oden right now has similar game to a young Dikembe Mutumbo with better offense. In a few years, once he learns more offensively, he's going to be scary good.

Durant, I think is KG with a better outside shot, his game seems like it would translate directly into the NBA. He would be my first pick

I think Oden is a talent but after watching him a lot this season, he is reaping the rewards of being 7 ft against C who are 6'7 to 6'8. In the two OSU wins against MSU he had good games but was less productive than against most teams because MSU has legit size. In the NBA he is going to find that size a lone isn't enough most days. Durant is an athletic player who can play all 3 Front court spots, Oden is a little too stiff. Maybe Oden's early season injury is the reason for him looking less like the next great thing, if so he gets a pass but if it is matter of him being raw, I think teams need to go after Durant. Plus Chad Ford is higher on Oden.

I'd really like to see Oden with his hand healed. I voted for Durant, but my hunch is I would change my mind and agree with the true center argument had Oden been playing healthy.

Durant can play all 5 positions on the court, and can flat out play. He makes his teammates around him better, he takes over games, he can shoot, has a QUICK first step, great around the basket, strong, good rebounder... I mean do I need to go on?

I've only seen Oden play a couple times but he doesn't look aggressive enough to be a dominant NBA player to me.

oden, if he were coming out this year. if he stays in school 4 years, he'll be top 20 alltime. if he comes out now, he could be top 50 no question. not to take away from durant, but imo oden couldnt be improved upon... just give him a little time.

I'll take Darko....

Seriously though, you can't go wrong with either but My Money's on Durant

Durant is pretty amazing, but I'll still take Oden. Durant will put up bigger numbers and win rookie of the year and all that stuff, but Oden will win more games in his career.

I would take Oden, since he is putting up 15ppg playing with practically his left hand!

This years experience will make him ambidextrous, and only add to his development - "insert routine true centre argument"

Also, does Durant get most of his points from jump shots?

I've only seen Oden play a couple times but he doesn't look aggressive enough to be a dominant NBA player to me.
Greg Oden at 18 is where Emeka Okafor was when he graduated. I think there's plenty of upside to be had, here.

Durant's probably more valuable in today's NBA, but will today's NBA persist? Just how exciting is watching Wade shoot FTs?

I'd really like to see Oden with his hand healed. I voted for Durant, but my hunch is I would change my mind and agree with the true center argument had Oden been playing healthy.

I'm changing my vote to Oden. After the domination of Michigan with his off hand I am convinced he'll be amazing when he finally gets to use his whole arsenal.

I love both guys, and I'd almost rather have the 2nd pick, just because I wouldn't want the pressure of deciding between the two. I don't think one will be a bust and you'd look foolish for taking him (a la Darko over LeBron would have been, or Ryan Leaf over Peyton would have been). I'd take Oden though, just because of his size. It's an old cliche, but it's true: you can't teach size. If he keeps improving his game, he could easily have the career of Shaq, as he expands his offensive game. Then again, Durant could have the career of Garnett. Either guy is one you'd kill to get and would be amazing to contruct your team's future around.

With each guy's hype and potential, I'd love to see the deals Boston and Memphis are turning down for their 1st rounders. More likely though, teams aren't even bothering with offers, knowing their untouchable.

^There was a big guy drafted ahead of Michael Jordan, too.

You can't teach size, but that can't be the only golden rule whilst drafting.

It's not the golden rule, which should be taking the best guy available every fucking time.

It just so happens that the best guy available is usually a dominant big man because they are so rare. 6'10" players with "perimeter skills" aren't rare anymore.

If you could have drafted Duncan or KG which one would you have picked? That's what this boils down to IMO. And I would take Duncan every single time.

And while we're mentioing where guys were drafted:

Paul Pierce was drafted 10th, behind guys like Larry Hughes, Mike Bibby, Raef LaFrentz and Michael Olowokandi.

And Vince Carter was drafted 5th that year, too.

The only way I would take Oden first is if I was positive that Stern wouldn't change the rules anymore, he has taken defense out of the NBA which hurts guys like Oden. The only reason why Ben, Artest, Bowen and Deke get away with playing physical D is because they are vets with that rep.

At least with Durant he is a flexible player who has a diverse array of ways to hurt you. Oden is a pure post player and defender, neither attribute sadly is in tune with the present direction of the NBA. I might sound a little dramatic but I am sick of watching games where players like Wade can't be defended without a whistle blowing for looking in his direction.

The only way I would take Oden first is if I was positive that Stern wouldn't change the rules anymore, he has taken defense out of the NBA which hurts guys like Oden. The only reason why Ben, Artest, Bowen and Deke get away with playing physical D is because they are vets with that rep.
he's killed perimeter defense. but on the inside i still think a big guy can still be dominant defensively. jmho

^There was a big guy drafted ahead of Michael Jordan, too.
Two big guys, and few people ever seem to question the wisdom of drafting Olajuwon at #1 ahead of Jordan at #3. Olajuwon won it the first time without a HOF player next to him. Jordan's never so much as had a winning season without a HOF player in Pippen next to him. During the peak years of Jordan's Bulls in 1991-1993, they were 1-5 against Olajuwon and Houston (and 1-5 against the Spurs with Robinson). Not meaning this to start "who's the greatest" nonsense, just wanted to give props to Olajuwon since y'all had me thinking about him.

I definitely never said, "You can't teach size" (ie take a big guy over a smaller guy) was the golden rule. An old cliche yes, but golden rule, not so much. In my opinion, both guys are can't miss prospects, and that can only be said for a very select few. I don't claim to know the history of the '84 draft, but I'd bet against Sam Bowie being considered a can't miss prospect.

Either way, I'd both love and hate having the number 1 pick.

(Oh, also, interesting stuff on The Dream. Thanks.)

I definitely never said, "You can't teach size" (ie take a big guy over a smaller guy) was the golden rule. An old cliche yes, but golden rule, not so much. In my opinion, both guys are can't miss prospects, and that can only be said for a very select few. I don't claim to know the history of the '84 draft, but I'd bet against Sam Bowie being considered a can't miss prospect.

Either way, I'd both love and hate having the number 1 pick.

(Oh, also, interesting stuff on The Dream. Thanks.)

From the June 17, 1984 Chicago Tribune:


"The Bulls' decision to select Jordan, a 6-foot-6-inch All-America guard with unlimited potential was dictated by their No. 3 position in the draft order. Lack of a dominating center is the major reason they have lost 111 games in the last two seasons, but there are only two can't miss pivotmen this time - and both will be gone by the time the Bulls make their choice."

Haha, beautiful. Sam Bowie is a god.

jon (portland): Did you see hollinger's draft rankings. wow. I know you were already a KD fan, but you think this can swing anyone, specifically the blazers to bypass oden and take durant.

David Thorpe: (12:28 PM ET ) I still think Durant is going one.

Well that questions is now answered. I'd bet a lot that Durant will now go 2. Who is going number 3 is the biggie.

nba.com's mock has durant going #1...

Bucher reporting that Oden has been notified by Portland that he's #1

nba.com's mock has durant going #1...

It was on ESPN breaking news thing

EDIT...But Oden's agent is saying that the Blazers haven't told him anything.

bump/discuss

Stupid.

You can't sign Oden to a multiyear contract owing to the over-35 rule.

Blazers told Greg Oden's mgmt earlier this week they will tender 1yr, $8.8 mill qualifying offer 2 make him a restricted FA, sources tell Y!

Actually, it turns out that Oden's contract was invalidated because he was over the maximum draft age.

So, now he's a 55 year old free agent.

Yay!

Epic necro-bump. Pretty great read going through the pre-draft posts.