History has ways of revealing the truth, especially when it comes to recruiting great basketball players. Although, fans will ultimately decide to attend games based on the talent level and character of the players. The Portland Trail Blazers in recent years have had to make some dramatic and unfavorable decisions. Now I won’t talk about the “Micheal Jordan” and “Sam Bowie” mistake. After all, the dust has settled and Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. This brings me to the decision to draft Greg Oden over Kevin Durant. So, let’s analyze and decide who will be the winner. Will it be the Portland Trail Blazers or the Oklahoma City Thunder?
First, Kevin Durant will play his first All-Star Game on February 14, 2010. Durant was selected by the Western Conference coaches, so the coaches must respect his game. Kevin Durant is averaging 29.3 points per game, 7.30 rebounds, 3.0 assists per game and Kevin doesn’t give up. The Oklahoma City Thunder have won more games this year than they did last year. For this reason, Kevin Durant is a much better offensive player than Greg Oden. By comparison, Greg Oden is averaging 11.1 points per game, 9 rebounds and 0.09 apg. Even you Greg is out for the rest of the season with another knee injury. Injuries have cost Greg Oden a lot of games, and we don’t really know all of his offensive abilities. Although Greg Oden has a bigger frame, he should be able to post anyone low. Greg will have the upper hand when it comes to posting smaller players.
Then Greg Oden has the ability to change the way teams play offense. Oden’s blocking potential and his ability to run the floor are outstanding. He has great defensive attributes in the paint. Greg Oden is a legit 7-footer with a long wingspan. Oden has the ability to score, rebound, block shots, and intimidate opponents. He reminds me a lot of a young Bill Russell, but much stronger. At this point, we’ll just have to wait and find out if Greg Oden really got over the microfracture and bad knees. In opposition, Kevin Durant is not a defensive player. He is more of a slasher and a jump shooter. He doesn’t really mix it all down. I think Kevin would do well if he went to the weight room and started bulking up on him. If Durant committed to strength training, he would be scary. Both boys are still young and improving. It would give Greg Oden the edge on defensive power.
Both players are similar when it comes to winning. Both Greg and Kevin were voted First Team High-School All Americans in March 2007. At Ohio State, Greg Oden was described by many professional agents as “a once-in-a-lifetime player.” Mainly because of Greg’s blocking potential and his ability to post double stats. By contrast, Kevin Durant had a breakout year at Texas. At 6’9, Kevin is capable of playing shooting guard, point guard and small forward. Kevin Durant is set to be an All-Star for years to come.
Last but not least, expect both players to have outstanding NBA careers. I think the jury is still out on the Portland Trail Blazers’ decision. I know a lot of my friends bring up the ghost of “Micheal Jordan” and how many championships we should have won. The Blazers don’t have to relive the past, but they should know now that the window of opportunity is calling loudly, and we probably have the best center we’ve had since Bill Walton. Despite the injuries, Greg Oden will give us a chance to win a championship one day.
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Dewayne Penny
basketball fan