Greg Oden vs Kevin Durant
A debate on who should be picked number one in the 2007 NBA Draft
There is much debate over which player will be selected as the top pick in June's NBA Draft, which is often thought to be the best draft since 2003.
Depending on who you ask, either center Greg Oden or forward Kevin Durant should be selected as the first pick of the 2007 NBA Draft this June. So, let’s breakdown their strengths and weaknesses to get a better understanding of what makes them so special.
Greg Oden - Ohio State University
- position: center
- listed height: 7-0
- listed weight: 280lbs
- class: freshman
- 2006-2007 statistics: 15.3 ppg, 9.4 rbpg, 3.6 bspg, 62% FG, 18 games played
- strengths: Combination of such size, strength, quickness, jumping ability and athleticism is extremely rare. Incredible defensive presence and shot blocking savvy. Great basketball IQ and lauded work ethic.
- weaknesses: Still unpolished offensively with back-to-the-basket. Offensive footwork needs refinement. Needs to learn how to finish plays after contact.
- NBA comparison: David Robinson
- SIDE NOTE: Oden has been playing with a hurt wrist on his stronghand side for the entire season. It would be interesting to see if his numbers improve when he gets healthy again.
Kevin Durant - University of Texas
- position: forward
- listed height: 6-9
- listed weight: 225lbs
- class: freshman
- 2006-2007 statistics: 24.9 ppg, 11.4 rbpg, 1.8 bspg, 49% FG, 25 games played
- strengths: A dynamic wing player with great length (7', 5" wingspan), athleticism and a scorer's mentality. Very polished offensively, with the ability to post up as well as shoot the outside jumper. And, he's a year young for his grade!
- weaknesses: Though he has the potential to be a great defender with his athleticism, quickness and length, he sometimes gets caught standing still at the defensive end (think Carmelo Anthony). Has added a lot of bulk since high school, but could stand to add more.
- NBA comparison: Tracy McGrady (with Andrei Kirilenko's length)
The Verdict
Both players have upside through the roof. Yet, they bring such different things to the table. The consensus seems to be that Oden should go number one, but there are still a few experts who think Durant is a better pick by a mile. The truth of the matter is that Oden has said repeatedly that he would like to stay in school, but most don't believe him. Even his mother has said he would go pro after his freshman season. Of course, that was before he suffered the hand injury last summer.
Unless the team picking first has no need of a center, Greg Oden should be the first pick. His combination of size, strength, coordinate and work ethic is a very rare find. However, the debate continues and there are valid arguments for both sides. You make the call.
