2007 NBA DRAFT - ODEN and PORTLAND CRIPPLED (1 Viewer)

[Assani Fisher]

My wish list for the Milwaukee Bucks......8) Kansas 5 Julian Wright - Upside is there and he has that long NBA type body. Upside is there but how long would we wait for it to show on the court?9) North Carolina 4 Brandan Wright - A notch below Julian (the other) Wright imo but they are very similar. However, I expect Brandan Wright will get much more love than Julian by NBA scouts and could go before the Bucks even pick....

Is this crazy talk?Brandan Wright seems to generate a lot of positive words...or is Julian just being underrated right now?

Julian Wright seems like a passive player. He does a lot of little things, and hes a very good passer and unselfish. But its hard to see him being a superstar. Brandan Wright has much more upside.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Shaq hasn't won a thing without Kobe and Wade....i really really dislike how you just look at things from one perspective when you argue, man. Its frustrating.

the point is that every non-Jordan championship team in recent history had a dominant interior player.Kobe and Wade both won rings...but what was the common demoninator? they both played with the most dominant Center in the league.

I'm not looking at things from one perspective. If you try and look at the main reason teams win championships, it almost always comes down to interior play. Phoenix isn't going to win a title with Nash and Marion but the presence of Stoudemire gives them a shot. San Antonio doesn't win any of their 3 rings without Duncan. Do you think they win a title with Garnett instead of Duncan and the same surrounding talent?

You are most definitely looking at things from one perspective. You're ignoring the fact that nearly every team also had a dominant perimeter player! If we define "dominant" as a guy that we think will one day be in the all of fame:

I'll answer "yes" or "no"...first I'll list the big man, then the perimeter player

I think the presence of the dominant interior player generally makes things easier for the great perimeter player and not the other way around. So, a great perimeter player generally won't win without a great interior player. Obviously, a great interior player needs some quality surrounding talent to win, but I think it makes the most sense to build from the inside out if you have a choice.when trying to build an NBA championship contender,

if given a choice between Duncan and Garnett, I take Duncan.

if given a choice between Shaq and Kobe, I take Shaq.

if given a choice between Oden and Durant, I take Oden.

I just think having a center who can dominate on both offense and defense is so rare that you take them everytime...and I think Oden is a very safe pick so it's not like Detroit taking a flyer on Darko. Even if Oden and LeBron were in the same draft class, I think I'd go with Oden. But, I think Oden, Durant, and LeBron are all pretty close to equal. The difference is that dominant bigs are almost always more valuable than dominant perimeter guys.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I think we agree that Oden is not a perfect fit in Portland because they'd likely have to trade away a guy and not get full value for him if they drafted him.

We do not agree here. I think Oden is a PERFECT fit for the people who he will be playing with. Randolph is insignificant - he's a perfect example of addition by subtraction.

 

[trader jake]

My wish list for the Milwaukee Bucks......8) Kansas 5 Julian Wright - Upside is there and he has that long NBA type body. Upside is there but how long would we wait for it to show on the court?9) North Carolina 4 Brandan Wright - A notch below Julian (the other) Wright imo but they are very similar. However, I expect Brandan Wright will get much more love than Julian by NBA scouts and could go before the Bucks even pick....

Is this crazy talk?Brandan Wright seems to generate a lot of positive words...or is Julian just being underrated right now?

Julian Wright seems like a passive player. He does a lot of little things, and hes a very good passer and unselfish. But its hard to see him being a superstar. Brandan Wright has much more upside.

Do you see Noah and J. Wright being that much different?And by upside do you mean like Marvin Williams has or real upside?

 

[No. 16]

Shaq hasn't won a thing without Kobe and Wade....i really really dislike how you just look at things from one perspective when you argue, man. Its frustrating.

the point is that every non-Jordan championship team in recent history had a dominant interior player.Kobe and Wade both won rings...but what was the common demoninator? they both played with the most dominant Center in the league.

I'm not looking at things from one perspective. If you try and look at the main reason teams win championships, it almost always comes down to interior play. Phoenix isn't going to win a title with Nash and Marion but the presence of Stoudemire gives them a shot. San Antonio doesn't win any of their 3 rings without Duncan. Do you think they win a title with Garnett instead of Duncan and the same surrounding talent?

You are most definitely looking at things from one perspective. You're ignoring the fact that nearly every team also had a dominant perimeter player! If we define "dominant" as a guy that we think will one day be in the all of fame:

I'll answer "yes" or "no"...first I'll list the big man, then the perimeter player

I think the presence of the dominant interior player generally makes things easier for the great perimeter player and not the other way around. So, a great perimeter player generally won't win without a great interior player. Obviously, a great interior player needs some quality surrounding talent to win, but I think it makes the most sense to build from the inside out if you have a choice.when trying to build an NBA championship contender,

if given a choice between Duncan and Garnett, I take Duncan.

if given a choice between Shaq and Kobe, I take Shaq.

if given a choice between Oden and Durant, I take Oden.

I just think having a center who can dominate on both offense and defense is so rare that you take them everytime...and I think Oden is a very safe pick so it's not like Detroit taking a flyer on Darko. Even if Oden and LeBron were in the same draft class, I think I'd go with Oden. But, I think Oden, Durant, and LeBron are all pretty close to equal. The difference is that dominant bigs are almost always more valuable than dominant perimeter guys.

I'd go Oden and Durant over LBJ in a heartbeat.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Very much disagree here. While its certainly possible that he can improve, Prince shoots a higher percentage from NBA 3 against NBA defenders than Brewer did in college. Hes also a better foul shooter. Brewer is quicker and more athletic. Prince is longer. Shooting is close, but as I said I see no reasonable evidence that points towards Brewer being better.

well, if his upside is Tayshaun Prince, that's still very good.in 4 years at Kentucky, Tayshaun shot 32.8% from 3pt range.in 3 years at Florida, Brewer shot 35.6% from 3pt range.so, he's already a bit better than Tayshaun was at the same point in their careers.

 

[Assani Fisher]

I think the presence of the dominant interior player generally makes things easier for the great perimeter player and not the other way around

And "not the other way around"? Seriously? Like at all?This is entirely your opinion and you don't really back it up with any stats or facts.

Clearly I think that both are helped by each other. Without good guard play, big men will get double teamed much more frequently.

So, a great perimeter player generally won't win without a great interior player

I think I showed above that while this may be true, it is even more true the other way around. The facts back me up.

if given a choice between Duncan and Garnett, I take Duncan.

I'm not really sure why you differentiate between KG and Duncan here. Both are big men. Both are listed at the PF for their teams and have been listed there for their entire careers. Both are listed at 6ft 11in.I do think Duncan is the better player(although its close), so I agree with you that I'd take him.

if given a choice between Shaq and Kobe, I take Shaq.

I agree with you here as well, as you could see on my list posted earlier. But I'd take Jordan over Shaq. I'd take Magic over Hakeem. I'd take Bird over RobinsonAgain, I think you're focusing on a few comparisons that make your case look good and ignoring the whole. We could easily go back and forth saying "I'd take Player A over Player B." What good does that do?

just think having a center who can dominate on both offense and defense is so rare that you take them everytime

Of the players that played in my lifetime here were the players that could dominate on both sides of the ball:Big men

Shaq

Hakeem

Robinson

Ewing

Duncan

Garnett

Kareem

Moses

Parish

McHale

Nance

Mourning

Perimeter Players

Jordan

Pippen

Kobe

Stockton

Payton

Kidd

Dumars

Thats 12 big men and only 7 perimeter players

I could've forgotten someone, as this was just off the top of my head. But once again: The numbers don't support your point whatsoever.

and I think Oden is a very safe pick so it's not like Detroit taking a flyer on Darko

agreed completley. I think that Oden's downside is higher, I think that Durant's upside is higher.

But, I think Oden, Durant, and LeBron are all pretty close to equal.

agreed

The difference is that dominant bigs are almost always more valuable than dominant perimeter guys.

Yet another time you state your opinion without providing any facts or stats to back it up whatsoever.

 

[dstroop]

at Phoenix's week. I can't wait to hear all the people crying on sportstalk tomorrow. Comedy gold!

 

[Assani Fisher]

I think we agree that Oden is not a perfect fit in Portland because they'd likely have to trade away a guy and not get full value for him if they drafted him.

We do not agree here. I think Oden is a PERFECT fit for the people who he will be playing with. Randolph is insignificant - he's a perfect example of addition by subtraction.

I do agree with your second statement. But trading away Randolph will be a -EV(to use poker speak) trade for the Trailblazers. Do you not agree with that? I'll be shocked if the Trailblazers get anything close to full value for Randolph.That is why Oden isn't a perfect fit.If they took Durant, they wouldn't have to trade anyone or let any talent waste away on the bench.

 

[Capella]

Randolph is insignificant - he's a perfect example of addition by subtraction.

 

[Assani Fisher]

My wish list for the Milwaukee Bucks......8) Kansas 5 Julian Wright - Upside is there and he has that long NBA type body. Upside is there but how long would we wait for it to show on the court?9) North Carolina 4 Brandan Wright - A notch below Julian (the other) Wright imo but they are very similar. However, I expect Brandan Wright will get much more love than Julian by NBA scouts and could go before the Bucks even pick....

Is this crazy talk?Brandan Wright seems to generate a lot of positive words...or is Julian just being underrated right now?

Julian Wright seems like a passive player. He does a lot of little things, and hes a very good passer and unselfish. But its hard to see him being a superstar. Brandan Wright has much more upside.

Do you see Noah and J. Wright being that much different?And by upside do you mean like Marvin Williams has or real upside?

I like the Noah/Wright comparison. Not sure who I prefer right now. Wright can play the 3, while Noah would probably only be able to play the 4. I like Noah better as a rebounder. Wright has higher upside though imo.LOL..Marvin did have huge upside. Sometimes they hit; sometimes they miss.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Very much disagree here. While its certainly possible that he can improve, Prince shoots a higher percentage from NBA 3 against NBA defenders than Brewer did in college. Hes also a better foul shooter. Brewer is quicker and more athletic. Prince is longer. Shooting is close, but as I said I see no reasonable evidence that points towards Brewer being better.

well, if his upside is Tayshaun Prince, that's still very good.in 4 years at Kentucky, Tayshaun shot 32.8% from 3pt range.in 3 years at Florida, Brewer shot 35.6% from 3pt range.so, he's already a bit better than Tayshaun was at the same point in their careers.

fair point

 

[tommyGunZ]

well well well, Chad Ford thinks Durant is a better "fit":

The skinny: Jackpot! The Blazers are a good fit for Oden. With Oden, LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy, the Blazers have an extraordinary young core and will be a playoff contender next year.Durant may be a better fit, and GM Kevin Pritchard told me he's keeping his options open, but at this point I think Oden is just too good to pass up here.

 

[the moops]

Big men

Shaq

Hakeem

Robinson

Ewing

Duncan

Garnett

Kareem

Moses

Parish

McHale

Nance

Mourning

Perimeter Players

Jordan

Pippen

Kobe

Stockton

Payton

Kidd

Dumars

Thats 12 big men and only 7 perimeter players

I could've forgotten someone, as this was just off the top of my head. But once again: The numbers don't support your point whatsoever.

Drexler, Pippen, Isiah, Nique

 

[Assani Fisher]

Randolph is insignificant - he's a perfect example of addition by subtraction.

Wow, the Randolph hate here is unreal. I'm no huge fan, but hes a decent scorer ala Eddy Curry. He averaged 23.6-10.1-2.2 this year...hes not a bad offensive player at all. One thing that I do like about him is that even after getting a huge contract he continued to get better.Hes a top 50 or 60 player in the league imo, and he can dominate at times.

 

[Assani Fisher]

well well well, Chad Ford thinks Durant is a better "fit":

The skinny: Jackpot! The Blazers are a good fit for Oden. With Oden, LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy, the Blazers have an extraordinary young core and will be a playoff contender next year.Durant may be a better fit, and GM Kevin Pritchard told me he's keeping his options open, but at this point I think Oden is just too good to pass up here.

I agree completely.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Big men

Shaq

Hakeem

Robinson

Ewing

Duncan

Garnett

Kareem

Moses

Parish

McHale

Nance

Mourning

Perimeter Players

Jordan

Pippen

Kobe

Stockton

Payton

Kidd

Dumars

Thats 12 big men and only 7 perimeter players

I could've forgotten someone, as this was just off the top of my head. But once again: The numbers don't support your point whatsoever.

Drexler, Pippen, Isiah, Nique

Pippen is on the list.Drexler, Isaiah, and Nique have exactly ZERO All defensive teams combined. I don't remember any of them as great defenders, and I certainly don't think they were "dominant" defenders.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I think we agree that Oden is not a perfect fit in Portland because they'd likely have to trade away a guy and not get full value for him if they drafted him.

We do not agree here. I think Oden is a PERFECT fit for the people who he will be playing with. Randolph is insignificant - he's a perfect example of addition by subtraction.

I do agree with your second statement. But trading away Randolph will be a -EV(to use poker speak) trade for the Trailblazers. Do you not agree with that? I'll be shocked if the Trailblazers get anything close to full value for Randolph.That is why Oden isn't a perfect fit.

If they took Durant, they wouldn't have to trade anyone or let any talent waste away on the bench.

WTF? Why the Zmen-like comments?The reason the Blazers won't get much value for Randolph is b/c his contract is so bad, not because Oden is on the team.

 

[Assani Fisher]

I think we agree that Oden is not a perfect fit in Portland because they'd likely have to trade away a guy and not get full value for him if they drafted him.

We do not agree here. I think Oden is a PERFECT fit for the people who he will be playing with. Randolph is insignificant - he's a perfect example of addition by subtraction.

I do agree with your second statement. But trading away Randolph will be a -EV(to use poker speak) trade for the Trailblazers. Do you not agree with that? I'll be shocked if the Trailblazers get anything close to full value for Randolph.That is why Oden isn't a perfect fit.

If they took Durant, they wouldn't have to trade anyone or let any talent waste away on the bench.

WTF? Why the Zmen-like comments?The reason the Blazers won't get much value for Randolph is b/c his contract is so bad, not because Oden is on the team.

LOL...Zman would've explained what EV was. I agree with you about his contract. But the best thing for a team that has a good but overpaid player is usually to just keep him because you won't get equal value for him.

 

[tommyGunZ]

regardless, we're all winners the way the lottery went tonight. Look at the great debate and excitement. OVER PING PONG BALLS!

 

[sts911911]

My wish list for the Milwaukee Bucks...

School - Position (1-5) - Player - Comments

Out of reach...

1) Ohio ST 5 Greg Oden #1 pick Right Assini?

2) Texas 3 Kevin Durant #2 pick

Top options I hope fall to #6...

3) Ohio ST 1 Mike Conley - The Bucks could really, really use an elite PG. This guy is just sick off the dribble. Defenders can't stay in front of him and he already is accustomed to playing with bigs and on the big stage.

4) Florida 4 Al Horford - This guy is the next Horace Grant. The Bucks could use a player who's willing to do all the little things necessary to win.

After the top 4 I'm torn...

5) Florida 2/1 Corey Brewer - Great, great defense but can he knock down the longer NBA trey? If only he played the point more...

6) China 4 Yi Jianlian - He's more Dirk than Yao...I'm down with that. Is he really what the Bucks need though?

7) Florida 4/5 Joakim Noah - Great team 1st guy but is he big enough to bang in the trenches? Could be a nice combo with Bogut...or a complete disaster.

8) Kansas 5 Julian Wright - Upside is there and he has that long NBA type body. Upside is there but how long would we wait for it to show on the court?

9) North Carolina 4 Brandan Wright - A notch below Julian (the other) Wright imo but they are very similar. However, I expect Brandan Wright will get much more love than Julian by NBA scouts and could go before the Bucks even pick.

10) Washington 5 Spencer Hawes - Back to the basket game is nice but is he another stiff?

Not a fan of...

- G'Town 5 Roy Hibbert - Big-time NBA stiff in the making. He's way too slow to be a success at the next level. I bet his stock drops as the draft gets closer.

- G'Town 3 Jeff Green - He was a solid college player but he'll be nothing special in the NBA imo. SF are easy to come by and he disappeared in the Final Four game.

- Florida ST 3/4 Al Thornton - He's a tweener in the NBA and I just see him having more matchup problems than he presents.

Brandan Wright will get much more love than I'm giving him here and could easily be the Bucks pick at #6. Thoughts?

You should visit realgm.com, take a look at the bucks message board under their forums. Lots of posts and discussions about who the bucks should draft. The consensus is the bucks need a big man who can play some D, b/c Villaneuva is just plain awful and Bogut is a below average defender. Horford would just make too much sense for the bucks, but hopefully he'll fall to us. I'm hoping someone gets enamored with Yi and takes him early along with the Hawks taking Conley. This will leave us with either Horford or Brendan Wright.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Basketball phenoms Greg Oden or Kevin Durant would have been a huge boost to the Memphis Grizzlies or Boston Celtics, both of which had the best percentage chances to land the No.1 pick in Tuesday’s NBA Draft Lottery.

But how quickly would either player greatly affect the Portland TrailBlazers, who actually did win the lottery?

The Blazers find themselves in a unique position. They have what every other NBA club wants – the No.1 pick and the opportunity to select the face of a franchise.

But Portland, who is coming off a 32-50 season, has oogles and oogles of young talent. It’s deep and versatile, athletic and sturdy.

Three rookies played significant minutes last year – LaMarcus Aldridge, Sergio Rodriguez and 2007 Rookie of the Year Brandon Roy – and the team was still able to compete night in and night out, allowing energy and raw talent to make up for lack of experience.

What the Blazers need is not Oden’s defense and knack for rebounding, nor Durant’s long-range bombs and killer first step.

What they need is experience. Veteran leadership. A few players who can mentor the youth, help hone skills and bring the Blazers to the next level – the playoffs.

They have the youth. The pieces are in place.

Most NBA teams who win the lottery are of the 25-wins-or-fewer variety, where a jump to 32-33 wins the next season is considered a nice improvement.

But Portland can afford to look further ahead. Now, 43 or more wins in 2007-08 is not out of the question.

Oden would give Portland what it already has in Zach Randolph and Aldridge. Randolph is a 20/10 talent (he averaged 23.6 points and 10.1 rebounds last season), and Aldridge is an athletic power forward who can score and block shots (five boards and 1.16 blocks per game in 22 minutes per).

Durant would offer a healthy dose of perimeter firepower, shooting from deep, nailing fallaway jumpers, or using his length and height to post smaller wings.

The only thing is the Blazers already have such offense from their perimeter. Roy will become one of the better all-around talents in the game, able to penetrate and knock down jumpers at will, and 2005 first-round pick Martell Webster is a dead-eye scorer who has yet to approach his 21st birthday.

In short, Oden or Durant would not fill Blazers needs. They’re strictly wants. And, despite what many might feel or think, the draft is a chance to fulfill needs; to fill pieces that are missing. Not to get a player whose skills would not be a considerable upgrade from what you already have.

So what should Portland do? Easy. Talk deal.

Memphis and Boston would love the pick. Neither team won more than 24 games, and both are desperate to find a franchise player who can lift their respective clubs back to relevance.

And they both have assets Portland could use.

The Grizzlies could dangle Pau Gasol and their No. 4 pick, who is a smooth, agile frontcourt player who can shoot or score with his back to the basket.

The versatile, 7’0” Gasol would bring relief for Randolph, who would get more open looks. Gasol, 27, is also a great passer, which would help for slashers like Jarrett Jack and Roy.

The Celtics would likely be willing to offer Paul Pierce and their No. 5. Pierce would give the Blazers a wing player who can shoot and drive with aggression, earning countless trips to the free-throw line.

It would work out well either way for Portland. But Oden and Durant won’t immediately help until three years from now. Pierce and Gasol would make the Blazers competitive now.

A starting lineup of Randolph (center), Gasol (forward), Webster (forward), Roy (guard) and Jack (guard) could pose problems in the West, particularly when you consider a bench of Aldridge, Darius Miles, Fred Jones and Rodriguez.

Already, they’d be better than the Lakers and Nuggets, not including what free-agent additions the team would make.

It surely would be an unpopular choice. Everybody is intrigued by potential and the thought of what could be.

But, for Portland’s sake, it might be wiser to think of what should be.

Wasn't I getting bashed for suggesting this earlier?

 

[Assani Fisher]

Interesting post I just read on 2p2:

I mean really, how many Portland games did you watch this year? I was amazed at how quick Zach looked. He dropped like 20 lbs and it was evident in the way he played. He is a nightmare one on one matchup against most PF's in the league because he is really quick and he has the ability to hit an outside shot OR post up. Most of the people who have voted don't know enough about Z-Bo's game and are buying into the Oden hype.

 

[Master of Past and Present]

I would say you don't seem to understand the value of a dominant center.

That is the best and easiest way to put it.

For the last time,I'm not saying that they shouldn't take Oden. I'm not saying that a dominant center isn't valuable. I'm just saying that hes not a perfect fit because they'll have to make some trades to fit him in.

why do they "have" to trade anybody? since when does an NBA team = just the starting lineup?why don't you think an NBA team can make good use of a rotation with Randolph, Aldridge, and Oden?

Starting Randolph and Oden with Aldridge backing up both looks like a pretty sweet setup to me. Plenty of minutes to go around too.

$1000 bet, right now:If the Blazers draft Oden, before the season starts I will be able to find at least 5 reputable sports writers that mention the Blazers having thoughts of trading Randolph.

Before getting lucky with the #1 pick there has been talk of getting rid of Randolph.

 

[Your Mother]

I am sad my Celtics did not get the #1 or #2. Like I posted previously, the breaks have not gone their way in the last 20 years.I think this is more proof that the lottery is not rigged. I don't know who is the better player b/w Oden & Durant. I am not an NBA GM, just a fan. However, there have been many successful teams that played with two good low post players, including Kareem/Worthy for the Lakers, McHale/Parish for the Celtics, and Robinson/Duncan for the Spurs. Both Portland and Seattle were big winners tonight. Congrats to both franchises and good luck.

The chances of Boston getting 1 or 2 were just under 40%. Not sure what's rigged about this.

 

[Britney Spears]

GM and Britney Spears have to be pretty psyched about all this.

I'm way drunk I;m gonna empty the uberbaseball rosters and give us Pujos. I wish GM was here.

 

[cacksman]

Horray for Seattle! They aint going anywhere either.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Drexler, Isaiah, and Nique have exactly ZERO All defensive teams combined. I don't remember any of them as great defenders, and I certainly don't think they were "dominant" defenders.

Drexler is 6th all time for steals, and Isaiah is 12th. I wouldn't call either of them dominant, but they were both excellent team defenders.

steals is a horrible way to measure defensive ability imo. I'm not saying they are bad...they just aren't dominant imo.

 

[Britney Spears]

as for Assani's claim that Seattle is a "great fit" for Oden, what about the fact that SF Rashard Lewis is a free agent and they spent their last 3 1st round picks on Centers?

None of those three centers have shown much. They can resign Lewis. Again with my example: Suppose that Portland had the #5 pick. Do you disagree that Portland would target a SF like Green or Brewer instead of WRight, Horfort, or Jianlian?That should tell you what their biggest need is. Thats ALL I'M SAYING.

Seattle can't play Wilcox, Collison, and Oden on the floor together either so I guess they should take Durant?

Wilcox and Collison are not very good players. You send them to the bench if you can draft someone better.Randolph and Aldridge are very good players. You'd rather address other areas of need before drafting someone at their position.

Call me crazy, id like to have Wilcox on my team rather than Zach Randolph. Zach might be the worst PF defender in the NBA. I also think LA's natural fit is PF not C, making Oden a great fit.

Wilcox not a very good defender either, but he;s young and runs the floor well. I like him more than Randolph too ($$$).

 

[Your Mother]

I would say you don't seem to understand the value of a dominant center.

That is the best and easiest way to put it.

For the last time,I'm not saying that they shouldn't take Oden. I'm not saying that a dominant center isn't valuable. I'm just saying that hes not a perfect fit because they'll have to make some trades to fit him in.

why do they "have" to trade anybody? since when does an NBA team = just the starting lineup?why don't you think an NBA team can make good use of a rotation with Randolph, Aldridge, and Oden?

Starting Randolph and Oden with Aldridge backing up both looks like a pretty sweet setup to me. Plenty of minutes to go around too.

$1000 bet, right now:If the Blazers draft Oden, before the season starts I will be able to find at least 5 reputable sports writers that mention the Blazers having thoughts of trading Randolph.

Before getting lucky with the #1 pick there has been talk of getting rid of Randolph.

Portland was trying to unload him less than a year after they signed him. He does score, and I think if Portland was to try and deal him, they'd need to get another proven scorer back in return. Like I mentioned before, the idea of a Randolph-for-Lewis sign-and-trade seems pretty intriguing to me.

ETA: That said, I don't think Portland's frontcourt is too crowded for Oden. Randolph played 35 mpg last year. Aldridge played 30 in the last month of the season before he was shut down with the heart ailment. That leaves 31 minutes for Oden. It does mean that Przybilla is squeezed out to garbage time/injury minutes/foul emergency minutes, but I think he may have some trade value. LaFrentz has a player option for this year which I'm sure he'll take, unfortunately for Portland.

And they also have a lot of young prospects they could couple in a trade for a good SF: Outlaw, Webster, Rodriguez, etc. Or, Outlaw or Webster might develop and be able to take over SF.

 

[Britney Spears]

BEST SONICS DAY SINCE 1996

 

[Iron_Far]

F'N if those stupid Portland people pass on Oden....

Oden-Wilcox-Lewis-Allan-Watson = Title Contender.

Finally a glimmer of hope for us Seattle sports fans since the huskies shared National Title ('Hawks and 116 wins notwithstanding).

 

[Assani Fisher]

F'N if those stupid Portland people pass on Oden.... Oden-Wilcox-Lewis-Allan-Watson = Title Contender.Finally a glimmer of hope for us Seattle sports fans since the huskies shared National Title ('Hawks and 116 wins notwithstanding).

true, but if they let Lewis go then they will have a ton of cap room. They could very easily make a play for Billups.PG BillupsSG AllenSF DurantPF WilcoxC CollisonThats not bad at all.

 

[Saints-Man]

I am sad my Celtics did not get the #1 or #2. Like I posted previously, the breaks have not gone their way in the last 20 years.

I think this is more proof that the lottery is not rigged.

I don't know who is the better player b/w Oden & Durant. I am not an NBA GM, just a fan. However, there have been many successful teams that played with two good low post players, including Kareem/Worthy for the Lakers, McHale/Parish for the Celtics, and Robinson/Duncan for the Spurs.

Both Portland and Seattle were big winners tonight. Congrats to both franchises and good luck.

The chances of Boston getting 1 or 2 were just under 40%. Not sure what's rigged about this.

Your Mother, I am not sure what you mean. I posted that this was further proof that the lottery is not rigged.

 

[RedRaiders]

Aldridge is a PF, he's not really a back to the basket kid anyways. Man, Portland is going to be good.

Nothing wrong with him coming off the bench to backup both the PF and C positions initially. I'm sure Portland can deal with having Aldridge, Randolph and Oden in the front court. Trading out because Aldridge can play center makes me Guy barely played his rookie year.

Aldridge played 63 games, averaging 22 minutes per game. He played 24% of Portland's minutes at center, and 10% at PF.

It's a positive that he's versatile, they'll need that with the 96 minutes to split between Oden/Randolph/Aldridge. However, 22 mpg and 24% at center doesn't inspire any confidence to pass on Oden. Aldridge is not a defensive anchor. However, he'll be a much better defensive player (at least stat wise) knowing Oden is behind him.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Simmons heart attack!

Have we heard from Simmons yet? Is he officially on suicide watch? I'm so glad that the tanking teams didn't get rewarded.

 

[Spiderman]

I would say you don't seem to understand the value of a dominant center.

That is the best and easiest way to put it.

For the last time,I'm not saying that they shouldn't take Oden. I'm not saying that a dominant center isn't valuable. I'm just saying that hes not a perfect fit because they'll have to make some trades to fit him in.

why do they "have" to trade anybody? since when does an NBA team = just the starting lineup?why don't you think an NBA team can make good use of a rotation with Randolph, Aldridge, and Oden?

Starting Randolph and Oden with Aldridge backing up both looks like a pretty sweet setup to me. Plenty of minutes to go around too.

$1000 bet, right now:If the Blazers draft Oden, before the season starts I will be able to find at least 5 reputable sports writers that mention the Blazers having thoughts of trading Randolph.

Before getting lucky with the #1 pick there has been talk of getting rid of Randolph.

Portland was trying to unload him less than a year after they signed him. He does score, and I think if Portland was to try and deal him, they'd need to get another proven scorer back in return. Like I mentioned before, the idea of a Randolph-for-Lewis sign-and-trade seems pretty intriguing to me.

ETA: That said, I don't think Portland's frontcourt is too crowded for Oden. Randolph played 35 mpg last year. Aldridge played 30 in the last month of the season before he was shut down with the heart ailment. That leaves 31 minutes for Oden. It does mean that Przybilla is squeezed out to garbage time/injury minutes/foul emergency minutes, but I think he may have some trade value. LaFrentz has a player option for this year which I'm sure he'll take, unfortunately for Portland.

And they also have a lot of young prospects they could couple in a trade for a good SF: Outlaw, Webster, Rodriguez, etc. Or, Outlaw or Webster might develop and be able to take over SF.

If the Oden-Conley alliance is for real, any thought that Zach Randolph and a point guard ends up in Atlanta for the #3 pick, and cap filler to make a deal work ?I haven't looked at ATL's $$$ numbers to see if a deal like this could work, and, on paper, they do have Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Sheldon Williams, and ZaZa Puchulia so maybe a 3 team deal where ATL gets an established point guard, Portland the #3 pick to take Conley, and Randolph goes elsewhere ?

 

[RedRaiders]

Simmons heart attack!

Have we heard from Simmons yet? Is he officially on suicide watch? I'm so glad that the tanking teams didn't get rewarded.

One tanking team that I haven't seen mentioned here is Milwaukee - who has the 6th pick now after having the third best chance going into it.

 

[RedRaiders]

I would say you don't seem to understand the value of a dominant center.

That is the best and easiest way to put it.

For the last time,I'm not saying that they shouldn't take Oden. I'm not saying that a dominant center isn't valuable. I'm just saying that hes not a perfect fit because they'll have to make some trades to fit him in.

why do they "have" to trade anybody? since when does an NBA team = just the starting lineup?why don't you think an NBA team can make good use of a rotation with Randolph, Aldridge, and Oden?

Starting Randolph and Oden with Aldridge backing up both looks like a pretty sweet setup to me. Plenty of minutes to go around too.

$1000 bet, right now:If the Blazers draft Oden, before the season starts I will be able to find at least 5 reputable sports writers that mention the Blazers having thoughts of trading Randolph.

Before getting lucky with the #1 pick there has been talk of getting rid of Randolph.

Portland was trying to unload him less than a year after they signed him. He does score, and I think if Portland was to try and deal him, they'd need to get another proven scorer back in return. Like I mentioned before, the idea of a Randolph-for-Lewis sign-and-trade seems pretty intriguing to me.

ETA: That said, I don't think Portland's frontcourt is too crowded for Oden. Randolph played 35 mpg last year. Aldridge played 30 in the last month of the season before he was shut down with the heart ailment. That leaves 31 minutes for Oden. It does mean that Przybilla is squeezed out to garbage time/injury minutes/foul emergency minutes, but I think he may have some trade value. LaFrentz has a player option for this year which I'm sure he'll take, unfortunately for Portland.

And they also have a lot of young prospects they could couple in a trade for a good SF: Outlaw, Webster, Rodriguez, etc. Or, Outlaw or Webster might develop and be able to take over SF.

If the Oden-Conley alliance is for real, any thought that Zach Randolph and a point guard ends up in Atlanta for the #3 pick, and cap filler to make a deal work ?I haven't looked at ATL's $$$ numbers to see if a deal like this could work, and, on paper, they do have Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Sheldon Williams, and ZaZa Puchulia so maybe a 3 team deal where ATL gets an established point guard, Portland the #3 pick to take Conley, and Randolph goes elsewhere ?

I see what you're saying, but Atlanta would probably want Aldridge (with a clean bill of health) instead of Randolph's bloated contract. That said, they could certainly use a solid PG. They also didn't need the #3 pick because Conley would have been there at 4,5,6 imo but I think that's where they go with this pick. Works out for Memphis if they want Horford or the Chinese dude.

 

[packersfan]

I am sad my Celtics did not get the #1 or #2. Like I posted previously, the breaks have not gone their way in the last 20 years.

Bucks fan here - it's been over 30 years since the Bucks got to the Finals. Forgive me if I'm not feeling sympathy for a team that has had three dynasties in its history and two since the Bucks last got to the championship series.I do think there's some incredible irony that the two teams that tanked the hardest - the Bucks and Celtics - fell as far as they could possibly fall. I'd be more inclined to think the process is rigged if Stern had sent the greatest big man prospect to come into the league in years somewhere other than a place where few people are going to see him play.No offense, Portland, the same could have been said if he ended up in Milwaukee.

 

[Sammy3469]

I would say you don't seem to understand the value of a dominant center.

That is the best and easiest way to put it.

For the last time,I'm not saying that they shouldn't take Oden. I'm not saying that a dominant center isn't valuable. I'm just saying that hes not a perfect fit because they'll have to make some trades to fit him in.

why do they "have" to trade anybody? since when does an NBA team = just the starting lineup?why don't you think an NBA team can make good use of a rotation with Randolph, Aldridge, and Oden?

Starting Randolph and Oden with Aldridge backing up both looks like a pretty sweet setup to me. Plenty of minutes to go around too.

$1000 bet, right now:If the Blazers draft Oden, before the season starts I will be able to find at least 5 reputable sports writers that mention the Blazers having thoughts of trading Randolph.

Before getting lucky with the #1 pick there has been talk of getting rid of Randolph.

Portland was trying to unload him less than a year after they signed him. He does score, and I think if Portland was to try and deal him, they'd need to get another proven scorer back in return. Like I mentioned before, the idea of a Randolph-for-Lewis sign-and-trade seems pretty intriguing to me.

ETA: That said, I don't think Portland's frontcourt is too crowded for Oden. Randolph played 35 mpg last year. Aldridge played 30 in the last month of the season before he was shut down with the heart ailment. That leaves 31 minutes for Oden. It does mean that Przybilla is squeezed out to garbage time/injury minutes/foul emergency minutes, but I think he may have some trade value. LaFrentz has a player option for this year which I'm sure he'll take, unfortunately for Portland.

And they also have a lot of young prospects they could couple in a trade for a good SF: Outlaw, Webster, Rodriguez, etc. Or, Outlaw or Webster might develop and be able to take over SF.

If the Oden-Conley alliance is for real, any thought that Zach Randolph and a point guard ends up in Atlanta for the #3 pick, and cap filler to make a deal work ?I haven't looked at ATL's $$$ numbers to see if a deal like this could work, and, on paper, they do have Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Sheldon Williams, and ZaZa Puchulia so maybe a 3 team deal where ATL gets an established point guard, Portland the #3 pick to take Conley, and Randolph goes elsewhere ?

I see what you're saying, but Atlanta would probably want Aldridge (with a clean bill of health) instead of Randolph's bloated contract. That said, they could certainly use a solid PG. They also didn't need the #3 pick because Conley would have been there at 4,5,6 imo but I think that's where they go with this pick. Works out for Memphis if they want Horford or the Chinese dude.

Maybe something with Andre Miller to Atl...I just have a hard time seeing Atl passing on Conley there even with an alliance with their need.

 

[Spiderman]

I would say you don't seem to understand the value of a dominant center.

That is the best and easiest way to put it.

For the last time,I'm not saying that they shouldn't take Oden. I'm not saying that a dominant center isn't valuable. I'm just saying that hes not a perfect fit because they'll have to make some trades to fit him in.

why do they "have" to trade anybody? since when does an NBA team = just the starting lineup?why don't you think an NBA team can make good use of a rotation with Randolph, Aldridge, and Oden?

Starting Randolph and Oden with Aldridge backing up both looks like a pretty sweet setup to me. Plenty of minutes to go around too.

$1000 bet, right now:If the Blazers draft Oden, before the season starts I will be able to find at least 5 reputable sports writers that mention the Blazers having thoughts of trading Randolph.

Before getting lucky with the #1 pick there has been talk of getting rid of Randolph.

Portland was trying to unload him less than a year after they signed him. He does score, and I think if Portland was to try and deal him, they'd need to get another proven scorer back in return. Like I mentioned before, the idea of a Randolph-for-Lewis sign-and-trade seems pretty intriguing to me.

ETA: That said, I don't think Portland's frontcourt is too crowded for Oden. Randolph played 35 mpg last year. Aldridge played 30 in the last month of the season before he was shut down with the heart ailment. That leaves 31 minutes for Oden. It does mean that Przybilla is squeezed out to garbage time/injury minutes/foul emergency minutes, but I think he may have some trade value. LaFrentz has a player option for this year which I'm sure he'll take, unfortunately for Portland.

And they also have a lot of young prospects they could couple in a trade for a good SF: Outlaw, Webster, Rodriguez, etc. Or, Outlaw or Webster might develop and be able to take over SF.

If the Oden-Conley alliance is for real, any thought that Zach Randolph and a point guard ends up in Atlanta for the #3 pick, and cap filler to make a deal work ?I haven't looked at ATL's $$$ numbers to see if a deal like this could work, and, on paper, they do have Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Sheldon Williams, and ZaZa Puchulia so maybe a 3 team deal where ATL gets an established point guard, Portland the #3 pick to take Conley, and Randolph goes elsewhere ?

I see what you're saying, but Atlanta would probably want Aldridge (with a clean bill of health) instead of Randolph's bloated contract. That said, they could certainly use a solid PG. They also didn't need the #3 pick because Conley would have been there at 4,5,6 imo but I think that's where they go with this pick. Works out for Memphis if they want Horford or the Chinese dude.

Maybe something with Andre Miller to Atl...I just have a hard time seeing Atl passing on Conley there even with an alliance with their need.

That's why I think that Randolph would have to go somewhere else, and ATL would have to get an established player at the point guard if they were to pass on Conley. I can't see them taking on a big contract, and passing on Conley unless they really got a nice point back.

 

[thecatch]

regardless, we're all winners the way the lottery went tonight. Look at the great debate and excitement. OVER PING PONG BALLS!

It's going to be an interesting offseason

 

[RedRaiders]

I would say you don't seem to understand the value of a dominant center.

That is the best and easiest way to put it.

For the last time,I'm not saying that they shouldn't take Oden. I'm not saying that a dominant center isn't valuable. I'm just saying that hes not a perfect fit because they'll have to make some trades to fit him in.

why do they "have" to trade anybody? since when does an NBA team = just the starting lineup?why don't you think an NBA team can make good use of a rotation with Randolph, Aldridge, and Oden?

Starting Randolph and Oden with Aldridge backing up both looks like a pretty sweet setup to me. Plenty of minutes to go around too.

$1000 bet, right now:If the Blazers draft Oden, before the season starts I will be able to find at least 5 reputable sports writers that mention the Blazers having thoughts of trading Randolph.

Before getting lucky with the #1 pick there has been talk of getting rid of Randolph.

Portland was trying to unload him less than a year after they signed him. He does score, and I think if Portland was to try and deal him, they'd need to get another proven scorer back in return. Like I mentioned before, the idea of a Randolph-for-Lewis sign-and-trade seems pretty intriguing to me.

ETA: That said, I don't think Portland's frontcourt is too crowded for Oden. Randolph played 35 mpg last year. Aldridge played 30 in the last month of the season before he was shut down with the heart ailment. That leaves 31 minutes for Oden. It does mean that Przybilla is squeezed out to garbage time/injury minutes/foul emergency minutes, but I think he may have some trade value. LaFrentz has a player option for this year which I'm sure he'll take, unfortunately for Portland.

And they also have a lot of young prospects they could couple in a trade for a good SF: Outlaw, Webster, Rodriguez, etc. Or, Outlaw or Webster might develop and be able to take over SF.

If the Oden-Conley alliance is for real, any thought that Zach Randolph and a point guard ends up in Atlanta for the #3 pick, and cap filler to make a deal work ?I haven't looked at ATL's $$$ numbers to see if a deal like this could work, and, on paper, they do have Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Sheldon Williams, and ZaZa Puchulia so maybe a 3 team deal where ATL gets an established point guard, Portland the #3 pick to take Conley, and Randolph goes elsewhere ?

I see what you're saying, but Atlanta would probably want Aldridge (with a clean bill of health) instead of Randolph's bloated contract. That said, they could certainly use a solid PG. They also didn't need the #3 pick because Conley would have been there at 4,5,6 imo but I think that's where they go with this pick. Works out for Memphis if they want Horford or the Chinese dude.

Maybe something with Andre Miller to Atl...I just have a hard time seeing Atl passing on Conley there even with an alliance with their need.

I don't think Andre would be enough to move the 3rd pick and as a Sixers fan I hope he sticks around. The team was much better with him leading them. The other negative to this would be Randolph ending up in philly. Big need at PF though for the Sixers.

 

[Sammy3469]

I don't think Andre would be enough to move the 3rd pick and as a Sixers fan I hope he sticks around. The team was much better with him leading them. The other negative to this would be Randolph ending up in philly. Big need at PF though for the Sixers.

I was just throwing the only name out there that made any sense to me, but I agree neither him nor Randolph are worth the #1 pick. There just aren't that many good available PT guards in the league.Maybe something with Jack/Rodriguez and Aldridge/Randolph would be enticing to Atl, but I have no idea about the salary cap ramifications.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Love that the two best players are ending up in the West. Stern had to be when the list was made.

So, are we thinking...

1. Port - Oden

2. Sea - Durant

3. Atl - Conley

4. Memphis - Horford / Jianlian

5. Celtics - Hibbert / Horford

6. Bucks - Brewer

 

[Spiderman]

Love that the two best players are ending up in the West. Stern had to be when the list was made. So, are we thinking...1. Port - Oden2. Sea - Durant3. Atl - Conley4. Memphis - Horford 5. Celtics - Hibbert6. Bucks - Brewer

I'm not sure I buy into Hibbert going that high....Love Brewer, but isn't size at PF a big need for the Bucks ?

 

[Colin Dowling]

NBAdraft.net has Noah going to Chicago, which would be a GREAT pick for the Bulls.

 

[Sammy3469]

NBAdraft.net has Noah going to Chicago, which would be a GREAT pick for the Bulls.

Just what they need another non scoring intagible guy. That pick makes no sense to me....they really need a PF that can score some.

 

[Colin Dowling]

NBAdraft.net has Noah going to Chicago, which would be a GREAT pick for the Bulls.

Just what they need another non scoring intagible guy. That pick makes no sense to me....they really need a PF that can score some.

Perhaps. I was just thinking that with Deng, Gordon, Hinrich, and Nocioni they have plenty of firepower but only one ball to go around. Someone like Noah who can play good defense, pass well, and not need 15 shots a game to be effective would be solid for them. I realize they aren't really the same style of player, but as a Rockets fan who when the Rockets gave up Rudy Gay for Battier, I was shocked at how much better Battier made the Rockets just by doing 3 or 4 things no one else wanted to do and doing them really well. I think Noah has the ability to do that same type of thing.