Durant vs Oden?

[Moose Malloy]

Just read this article, was shocked that Oden has a higher vertical than Durant. And Durant can't even bench 185! even some atp players can do that

any thoughts from nba fans?

According to the newspaper, the report said Durant was ranked 78th out of 80 NBA prospects who worked out at Orlando, while Ohio State center Greg Oden had an impressive workout.

Oden and Durant have long been slated to go 1-2 in the NBA draft, and it's expected the Seattle SuperSonics will take Durant after the Portland Trail Blazers take Oden.

According to the Times, Durant was the only prospect at camp who failed to bench press 185 pounds, and finished behind Oden in some key drills, including the vertical leap, agility drill and three-quarter court sprint.

Oden jumped 34 inches in the vertical leap while Durant jumped 33½ inches, completed the agility drill in 11.67 seconds to Durant's 12.33 seconds, and finished the three-quarter court sprint in 3.27 seconds, ahead of Durant's 3.45 seconds, according to the report.

Durant, however, had a 7-4¾ wingspan, which ranked second among all prospects and measured a half-inch wider than Oden's wingspan.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2007/news/story?id=2894925

 

[goober]

Who cares what Durant can bench press. He has something that can't be taught or conditioned: Extreme talent. Draft him and put him in the weight room.

I would probably take him over Oden. Oden will be a solid center but Durant is likely a consistent allstar.

 

[WhiteSox05CA]

I'm kinda surprised he can't bench 185. Half my high school gym class can bench better than that. Wow that's interesting. I wonder if it will affect the outcome of the first two picks.
goober is right. Once drafted, it will be easy to get Durant stronger, and he already has the talent.

 

[FitzRoy]

Being a Big 12 guy (Missouri), I got to see quite a bit of Kevin Durant. His lack of strength was indeed obvious, but he had all sorts of intangibles.

One stat that was interesting to me was rebounding: Durant got more rebounds per game than Oden, something like 9.8 vs. 11.6 or so. Rebounding is considered to be one of the skills that translates well from college to pros; just look at Paul Millsap on the Jazz.

I think you still have to take Oden, though, if you're the Blazers. To me it's just the safer bet.

 

[tricky]

And Durant can't even bench 185! even some atp players can do that

Basically it means Durant, like KG and Kobe, doesn't yet have a NBA body.

Greg Oden is really, really special man. Look at his stats his freshman year -- the best of any freshman center in 20 years -- and realize that he did this while shooting with his left hand for half of the season.

The scouting evaluation that I read basically said, in terms of ability to play away from the basket and to establish proper spacing against defenders and for rebounding, he was already near pro-level by the time he was 15.

IMO, he has more upside than Lebron James. His natural basketball IQ, is comparable, but he has the athleticism and foot work of a Shaq.

 

[nopiforyou]

Yeah I read that all yesterday. I knew Durant was skinny, but didn't think he was that weak. Bulking up in the NBA with high quality trainers isn't incredibly difficult. It just may take time and depends on how hard the person works. Apparently Durant has a really good work ethic, so that won't be a problem.

I still think Oden is more valuable then Durant, because we still haven't seen the fully capable Oden at the moment.

 

[BigServer1]

Durant is going to be a great player, but I'd take Oden #1.

-Even as a consensus #1 pick, Oden hired a trainer to get ready for this predraft camp. He has the work ethic to succeed, and he's obviously serious. Durant, knowing he's the #2 no matter what, didn't train for the pre draft camp, and it showed.

-Since middle school, Oden has 800+ wins and 16 losses. This guy HATES to lose, and he gives 100% every night on court.

-Oden played much of the season with a broken right wrist, using his left hand on offense, including shooting free throws. As he got healthier, his game improved markedly, and so did his numbers

-Oden peaked during the NCAA tournament, and dominated the championship game, as no one from Florida could guard him (including JOKE-im Noah, a relatively high prospect for this years draft). His performance was the reason they were in that game, and he was the only reason that game was competitive.

All in all Oden is the guy to go with. Durant is a skill player, but I see him as a Tracy McGrady-Kevin Garnett hybrid player, while Oden is (according to many insiders and experts) the best center to come out in 20+ years, and is more ready than any other big man in history at his age. He can come in and give you 15-12-2 a night right away, and you can build around him. He is going to be the core of the Blazers for years to come. Finally, we have something to cheer about it Portland...unless we pull a Portland and mess it up...

 

[Noveson]

THat is a very interesting read. Oden seems to me somebody that could take you to championships. I could see Durant being a TMAC or Vince Carter type player, somebody with loads of talent, but doesn't go anywhere. Mind you I don't think that will happen, he has too much drive to simply not win. Blazers better get Oden.

I'm only four hours away from Portland!!, this is absolutely great for me haha. Me and two of my friends are taking a road trip down there to watch Oden play. We already have tickets

 

[FitzRoy]

I'm just hoping the Sonics get Durant and then move to Kansas City.

 

[atatu]

Gotta go with Durant, he's a great kid and tons of talent, with intangibles as previously mentioned. Oden, is going to be very good for sure, but Kevin has that star quality that will transfer well to the NBA.

 

[nopiforyou]

The Blazers will be unstoppable next year with Oden. More freeagents such as Rashard Lewis would want to join the Blazers to win.

The only factor that may prevent them from winning a lot this year, is on how much key players like Jarrett Jack, Sergio Rodriguez, LaMarcus Aldridge, Travis Outlaw, etc. improve. Since the majority are pretty young, they need to do what can to work hard, or else Blazers won't be much of an improvement even with Oden.