Just Hours Away
posted: 6/27/2007 at 9:24 PM
I talked to Kevin Pritchard this morning, in his office, and he once again stated that nothing has been guaranteed to anyone. So, that basically says the reports you've been hearing on ESPN are false. It doesn't mean Portland won't actually take Oden, of course, but no one has been promised anything in advance. Kevin was adamant about that, and said "don't believe the reports you're hearing." He said he's not ready to go public with anything yet. That's still the correct strategy, and we'll talk more about that tonight during our show.
He also said it's been an extremely quiet morning around the league, as far as phone calls are concerned. It seems like everyone is in a holding pattern. We've seen this before, and we've also seen an explosion of moves and deals once one key deal happens. But, something tells me that is not going to be the case this year. Of course, if the Blazers simply end up with just the number-one pick, it's still a fantastic day. History though, has shown us, anything can happen on draft day. Kevin did state that several times.
The deal it appears everyone is waiting on, is the possible three-way deal between Minnesota, Phoenix, and Atlanta. It's unclear at this point how close that deal is to going down, but that likely explains why there is just no chatter right now. If this deal officially dies, it could also open the flood gates to other moves. One way or the other, something will have to happen before much else can happen.
The Blazers will officially go on the clock at 4:37 today. As I mentioned yesterday, our radio show, live from the Draft Party at the Rose Garden, will be starting at 3 o'clock. That's when the doors open at the garden. We'll be on the Lexus Club Level, that overlooks the fountain at the SW corner of the building. If you're planning on attending the party, get there early. They've prepared for a lot of fans, but I think it's going to be bigger than they are expecting. I don't know anyone who is not going.
We've got TV producer Scott Zachry, director Chris McMurty, and Jay Allen, in New York City, and they will be in the theater during the draft. Brian Wheeler will be live, just outside the war room, at the Blazers practice facility in Tualatin. He'll get the very latest on everything, and will have the very first interviews with Kevin Pritchard and Paul Allen.
I spoke to Jay Allen, and Zachry today in New York, and they said the media following Greg Oden around is just mind blowing. They also said that Oden has been fantastic, and has handled everything like a pro. I guess that's what he is now. Kevin Durant has had a pack following him as well. Even though he's not quite to Oden's level in handling reporters, he's getting better at it.
As you know, by visiting this website, we've been conducting a poll for the past few weeks. I think it's interesting that, even though it's still heavily in Oden's favor, things have gotten closer in recent days. At last check, 67 percent of you want Oden, and 33 percent want Durant. I remember, not that long ago, Oden was at about 85 percent. So, for whatever reason, it's a much tighter race now.
There are so many mock drafts out there, and I was asked to submit one right after the draft lottery. Well, I'm going to do another one, right now. Not that it means anything, but it does take up some space, and I'm running out of things to talk about with the Oden/Durant debate.
Again, this is just my opinion, and I'll only go top 10. (this is updated from last night's. The main change is I know believe Yi will go to Atlanta at 3, and that will change everything on down).
1. Portland-------Greg Oden
2. Seattle --------Kevin Durant
3. Atlanta -------Yi Jianlian
4. Memphis -----Al Horford
5. Boston --------Brandan Wright
6. Milwaukee ----Mike Conley
7. Minnesota ----Corey Brewer
8. Charlotte -----Jeff Green
9. Chicago -------Joakim Noah
10. Sac ----------Julian Wright
The last thing you needed was another prediction, but there it is. If you're looking for second round picks for the Blazers, I gave you a few yesterday, but I'll shorten the list now. As you know, Portland has four second round picks, so I'll list four guys. But, I'd be surprised if they keep all four. I'll list four anyway.
Tauren Green
Ramon Sessions
Renaldas Seibutis
Demetris Nichols
All four of these players worked out for the Blazers, and as we've seen in the past, that doesn' t necessarily mean that much. Heck, Sergio Rodriguez didn't work out for us last year, and we took him in the first round.
If you've got any final thoughts, before the draft gets rolling, now is your chance. Otherwise, I hope you're going to the draft party, and if you're not, join us on the radio on KXL-AM 750, or click on the link at the top right of this page to hear the show live anywhere in the world.
As soon as possible, we'll have the number-one pick live on our show, and will also have conversations with Pritchard, Mr. Allen, and McMillan, live from the practice facility. Fasten your seat belts, just in case this turns into a wild ride.
As soon as the draft ends, the number-one pick will be put on a plane in New York and will be headed for Portland, just like that. He'll arrive late tonight, and then will be introduced to Portland tomorrow at noon, at Pioneer Courthouse Square downtown. Even if it's raining, the sun will be shining on Blazer Nation. Make your plans to be there.
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I just wanted to tell you Mike B. that your Blog is the best because you always have the inside scoop. I hope you will continue to bring us new and exciting news all summer. I will also be attending the Draft Party as well.(as long as my wife doesn't go into labor with our 3rd child.)
I just want to make a vote for ODEN too while I'm at it. Durant will be good but I think ODEN will be GREAT someday. Did I mention pick ODEN??
There may be some advantage to keeping us all in suspense until the draft and I am sure it will add to the TV ratings and to the Blazer party at the Rose Garden, but I really want to know that Portland will do the most reasonable thing and draft Oden for the present and 10 to 15 years of Blazer teams.
In the second round, do the Blazers want some size like Kyrrlo Fesenko (7 ft) from the Ukraine? They could leave him Europe for a year or 2. And what has happened to Joel Freelander picked #30 last year? Will he be at Las Vegas for summer league?
Other Europeans like Stanko Barac (7' 1") or Zoran Erceq 6-11. Chris Richards from Florida (6-8) was great off the bench for Champs Florida. I have read great reviews of the 4 you mention but they probably will be gone quickly. This seems to be a very deep draft with many in the second round talented enough to have long NBA careers.
It would be great to get another lottery pick for someone like Green or Corey Brewer or Conley -- can he long jump like his Dad?
Rod
Derek,
Thanks for the comments, and good luck on child #3.
orygunrod,
The team had a lot of reasons for playing this close to the vest, and hopefully, after it's all done, KP will talk about why he's done this. Plus, the NBA had requested it, that had something to do with it as well.
And, Joel Freeland will be in Vegas, at Summer League. I think at this point he'd be a longshot to be on the opening day roster next season, but you never know. Reportedly, he's been very, very impressive in his workouts so far this summer. I thought he looked very good at summer league last year. And, he's a great kid.
Thanks,
MB
Mike I love you and I love the blazers. Assuming the report on espn is truet that the blazers will draft oden, let me just say how relieved I am. I admire KP and his staff a great deal for going through this process, but at the end of the day they made the right decision. I think the city of portland and their fans struck gold with Oden. He's such a classy guy, kind of like shaq but less annoying. Get some rest for tomorrow buddy! Out!!
I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas, and thank you so much mike for all this off season news, you have made it a spectacular off season for fans with this blog.
ever since the draft picks came up, I have been ecstatic and I REALLY REALLY hope we get Oden
I wanted Durant in a bad way but just as I suspected, the front office didn't possess Durant's killer instinct. I can't blame them. It wasn't my job on the line.
No worries. I'm more than happy to "settle" for G.O.
So now that we have Mr. Big Swat on our team, wouldn't it make sense to provide Mr. Big Shot an unmatcheable offer to lure him from Detroit?
Between him and Rashard, I gotta think those two are the cream of the crop of unrestricted free agents out there right now, and we have needs at PG and SF.
Let's take advantage of one of Oden's biggest selling points: ability to attract top free agent veterans in search of their next ring.
RRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIP CITY!
I'm going to bed.
I'm so disappointed that KP has chosen not to reveal which player we are picking #1. This should just be so exciting tomorrow, but mainly I'll feel relief when they pick Oden. I really don't think there's a valid reason leave us hanging and I don't buy the excuse that the NBA doesn't want it revealed, they even have the Espn report that we are taking Oden on their site. I feel the Blazers have taken a step back on this issue. Just my opinion of course.
I'll be at the draft party, Mike, hope to see you. I'll be the one starting the ODEN! chant! :)
Btw, each time I get a msg I have the wrong password and have to fill in the same exact info in the blogging section using the same exact username and password before I'm allowed to post.
I kind of think it really did leak that Oden is going number 1 but they want there to be good ratings so it's back peddle time. Media is going to come out and say it was made up.
I think it's weird you don't have Mike Conley Jr going top 10. I'd be surprised if he didn't go 4th or 5th.
Anyway, can't wait till the draft party tomorrow.
Ah, Christmas...I love Christmas. Waking up in the morning feeling all that hope and joy and expectation. And even if you don't get exactly what you want, hell, it's still Christmas. Later today the Eugene cult of Blazer homies I fell in with will arise each murmuring in the same fervent way a phrase we have used throughout the last year, "This is our day!" Yes, it is. But I can't shake the feeling that after tomorrow EVERYDAY will be "our day!" Put it all on the scarlet and black and let it ride!
Ah, Joel Freeland, the mysterious, highly touted steal of a pick. I have been excited about him for a year now(exactly :)), and is anyone else reminded of an old Blazer lineup from the early 90's that had a few good players from overseas(Sabonis, Petrovic)? I guess thats a lot of pressure for Freeland, but I got high apple pie in the sky hopes.
I'm unable to even fathom sleep at this moment, I'm giddy about this draft party, and I hope both you and Mike Rice are available even for a minute for some passing conversation.
And yes.. This is the most anticipated day in Blazer history. No one anticipated a miracle in 1977, but we were blessed :).
BTW!!!
Who does Chad Ford have the Blazers taking in the second round...
DUN DUN DUN!
none other than Alando Tucker! I was really hoping we would get him in for a work out, but nay there was none. Seriously if he does fall to Portland with either of their first 2 second round picks we need to draft him, he wouldn't get a lot of minutes on our team, but I know he has the potential to fight for any minutes possible.
i'm not really claiming to know anything but all the hype is exciting... can Durant score on Oden... cause that's going to be the scenario between the Sonics and Blazers regardless with who's on which team...
I agree, like most that we need to pick Oden. I just wish there were a way to trade up/buy the second pick as well. Just imagine that team.
Just hours to go! Yeah, baby!!!
I'm not so sure I believe the ESPN rumor, but I do think we will pick Greg Oden tonight. I'm just begging those Kevin Durant people to embrace Oden and not mope and whine all summer like the Adam Morrison people did. Let me list all the questions I have about tonight's draft:
1. The #1 pick. Durant or Oden? Like I said, I'm pretty sure it's Oden.
2. Will we make a trade and pick up another lottery pick? I could see Jarrett Jack or Pryzbilla being traded along with some second round picks. Will Jeff Green, Corey Brewer, or Al Thornton be in Portland?
3. Will Randolph be traded tonight? We could pick up our vet small forward if it doesn't involve any free agents.
4. What will happen with those four second round picks? I for one am very interested in these picks, and I think with the whole Oden/Durant debate, they've kind of flown under the radar. Will we find a hidden gem in the second round? Draft international players and keep them overseas? Trade them?
Yes, that #1 pick is the highlight in this draft, but I have a gut feeling that won't be the big story after tonight. KP is going to surprise us with something tonight. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!!
I'm just wondering what the blazers are going to do now if they do in fact take oden.It seems like either you have to get rid of zbo of bench L.A. I don't think they should do either. YEA Zbo has problems off the court but he is a twenty and ten guy, you get durant and what do you think he would put up then. Cause you can't double off durant, roy, L.A get a good point and your set. The other thing I was thinking is, everyone is talking about Oden patrolling the paint, did you all forget the Durant averaged 2 blocks a game and oden averaged 3. Durant is the player I wish they would take.
I can't stand when people use the old Sam Bowie vs Jordan routine about this draft. The analogy is horrible. A better comparison might be Alajuwan vs Jordan. Noboday in Houston complained about picking Alajuwan over Jordan, but Houston Did. Rember, the order of picks was Alajuwan, Bowie then Jordan. Jordan was the Third pick. Go figure.
one more thing everyone keeps saying bigs win champinonships. Ewing never won. Hakeem doesn't win unless Jordan retires. Shaq didn't win until Kobe developes. Also took a complete melt down by dallas and D-wade to take over. David Robinson doesn't win until Duncan arrives who is a PF. Duncan needed T.P to carry the load this year. Spurs probably don't win had Horry not taken out Nash, and players get suspended but wait duncan and Bowen leave bench and don't get suspended. Bulls won six with no dominate bigs win their where how many dominate bigs in the league that couldn't stop them. Bulls win eight in a row if Jordan hadn't retired the first time in my opinion. You get Durant then you have your four headed monster in Durant, Zbo, L.A, and B-Roy. Get oden you have to sit someone or hope for a good trade.
Those of you who want Durant, do you really think he's going to be as good as kobe, or mj. Even if we draft durant we're still going to need a big man. Randolph and L.A. are great but they're no Greg Oden.
Oden is going to change the entire dynamics of the way the play basketball. He will block shots which will turn into easy baskets on the other end. He's going to rebound, He's going to get easy lay ups. Oden is the man.
Do some of us think Durant is gonna be as good as Kobe or MJ?
No. We think he can be even better. Kobe and MJ are/were natural shooting guards. Durant is not a guard, not a forward, not a center. He's a long, quick, and sickly talented amalgalm of all three that can score, pass, rebound, block, and defend with a zest and intensity that makes you drool. That has never been seen before. All of the comparisons are vain. Dirk, KG, TMac...put them down. This kid is a brand new prototype and there may never be another one like him. There has certainly never been one before.
Before you scream hype, just stare at his trophy case and realize that no 18 year-old has EVER collected that much hardware in one year at the college level.
Then look at his eye-popping statistics that every computer simulation has predicting this kid as the Second Coming. Don't scoff. These programs are consistenly accurate indicators of professional success and a guy by the name of Kevin Pritchard seems to believe in them very strongly. Durant's scores are completely off the charts and no one comes close.
People, how many more signs do we need? Does God have to put it in writing for us to believe?
If you're still not convinced of his potential, then look at the fact that he can play all 5 positions, fits in perfectly with our historically up-tempo style of play, and will be the very first Blazer in history that can get a shot off against anyone, anytime, from anywhere and PUT THE BALL IN THE HOLE WHEN A TITLE IS ON THE LINE. Sorry, Clyde.
Our defense and rebounding has historically been strong. But when we choked in 91, 92, and 2000, it wasn't just poor defense that killed us. It was the lack of a reliable source of scoring to protect a 4th quarter lead when we needed it the most.
Durant fills that need, and we're gonna pass him by so that KP can keep his job if he's wrong.
I'm not criticizing here. He has a family to support. But his gut has told him all along that it's Durant, and at the last minute, the butterflies might be keeping him from putting his foot down.
Mark my words. Durant will win several MVP awards before he's through, and if we're lucky, they won't be Finals MVP's.
If I'm wrong, I'll be more than happy to eat the tasty crow of an Oden dynasty.
Right now, it looks like we're passing up on the potential next GOAT. I'd be lying if I told you it wasn't at least a slight disappointment.
with all my comments about wanting oden, i will not be dissappointed if the Blazers pick Durant today, Both players are great and will make a huge impact to this team, and Aldridge will be a good center to as he grows, and Durant will not impact Roy and Aldrigde, they will be better, same with both being better with Oden.
This is a win win scenario, the Blazers Rock at the #1 pick.
tis Christmas morning and i am giddy, also this is the day after my birthday, and i have a late present with hopefully Oden, but Durant will be a good present too
G.O Blazers
Kp if you are reading this
Kevin durant will be the next MJ think about it. he can play all 5 positions, can play defense almost as good as oden, has a way better offense and has a killer instinct. He is not going to apoligize about not liking the northwest air he is going to go out there and win. can u imagine GO going out there and rallying his teamates in 4th quarter, no you can't. Did you know that conventional wisdom really means something that everyone things is goodbut isn't. Plus ojuwan never won when jordan was around, shaq never won untill D-wad or KB was around tim duncan couldn't have this year without tony parker. This is why we have to pick Kevin Durant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You guys are missing the whole point. Not only is Oden the better pick but he's more attractive. Other players are going to want to come to Portland because of Oden. If they draft Durant, in a couple of years they're going to have to pick between him and roy and every blazer fan is in love with roy. Oden not only brings a history of winning, he's going to bring a swagger to portland that durant can't bring. Sure durant might be an "assassin" on the court but I see him in a few years grumbling if things aren't going his way. Oden is a classy guy. He puts team first. Durant is a great kid, but his desire for individual success will get the better of him.
kevin prichard is stupid, i mean the clear choice is Oden because he is like the next duncan, shaq yeah so why is he making such a big deal out of this debate,just pick ODEN!
If Scottie Pippen, one of the 50 greatest players of all time and a HOFer, could accept a secondary role to win six championships, I'm pretty sure Brandon Roy isn't gonna bolt from the team that supported him from the beginning for that reason. He's not that kind of player anyway.
Think outside the box, folks. With the right system, Durant and Roy can COMPLEMENT each other in much the same way as Jordan-Pippen.
I've already stated that Oden's attractiveness to free agents is one of his greatest selling points.
Is it enough to pass up on an UBER-TALENT in Durant?
I'll leave you with a direct quote from the GOAT himself, Michael Jordan:
"That kid from Texas. He shows all the signs."
What more do you need?
Look, I'm not saying that Oden is a bad guy or a bad player. He is a franchise center and has tremendous potential. All I'm saying is that Durant is even more of an oddity.
If you think by grabbing Oden that we've made the most of this blessed opportunity, you may want to reconsider.
Not that it matters. ESPN's sources are usually credible, despite KP's denials. We're taking Oden and we're gonna win titles.
But some of us believe we could have had even more.
I want to go on record as saying the Blazers and as usual most the fans are making a big mistake if they choose Oden. Durrant is an amazing player and he is going to be the best player in the league some day. I am still holding out hope that Portland makes the right decision..... DURANT!
if you look at the latest poll on espn the nation is changing it's mind of who is going to have a better career. Durant is winning that debate. I think it is funny that everyone is talking about defense= oden. Didn't Durant win Big 12 defensive player of the year award. Like I said he averages more points more rebounds one less block more steals and can change the game on both sides. I'm a season ticket holder and I am kind of said that the blazers are going to pass this guy up. Big Mistake
Unanimously, Durant was picked unanimously by all the people who watch those things, as the unanimous player of the year. I don't remember that ever happening before, ever. So, come on Blazers, if you want this franchise to go down in history as great, please pick "Mr. Unanimous" Kevin Durant. It's what's best for our BLAZERS. GO BLAZERS!
Unanimously, Durant was picked unanimously by all the people who watch those things, as the unanimous player of the year. I don't remember that ever happening before, ever. So, come on Blazers, if you want this franchise to go down in history as great, please pick "Mr. Unanimous" Kevin Durant. It's what's best for our BLAZERS. GO BLAZERS!
Unanimously, Durant was picked unanimously by all the people who watch those things, as the unanimous player of the year. I don't remember that ever happening before, ever. So, come on Blazers, if you want this franchise to go down in history as great, please pick "Mr. Unanimous" Kevin Durant. It's what's best for our BLAZERS. GO BLAZERS!
Durant will never be the next Jordan. There are things about his game that you can just see aren't there. Jordan's mechanics on his shot were one of a kind. Then when you look at Kobe you can see his mechanics are the most like Jordan in the way he shoots the ball.
Lebron, McGrady, Dirk, none of them have the type of jump shots Kobe and MJ have.
Sorry, KD is never going to be doing the moves MJ and Kobe do.
You're absolutely correct.
Kevin Durant will never make moves or shots like MJ, Kobe, or Wade.
He will be introducing NEW shots that will completely blow everyone's mind.
Great pick!
MB,
championships here we come!!! I knew it had to be Oden, but KP did a great job of making me question whose name would be called.
Could you get the post trade reaction of the Blazer players and find out their thoughts on playing with Oden??
Thanks Mike, you do a great job. Get Mike to do a blog also. :)
Get Mike Rice to do a blog, that is. :)
Oden good. Zack traded bad
Hey, while searching for widgets for my blog, I stumbled upon www.widgetmate.com and wow! I found what I wanted. A cool news widget. My blog is now showing latest news with title, description and images. Took just few minutes to add. Awesome!
Before the draft I was saying the best pick was the 7 foot Greg Oden! But half way through the draft the announced that the Blazers have traded Zach Randolph, Dan Dickau and guard Freddy Jones in exchange for Steve Francis and Channing Frye from the New York Knicks was kinda unset. Knowing this now we should have picked Kevin Durant seeing as he can play all five positions. He has the shot, and the D. He is going to be explosive, a unstoppable force making harder, better, and more accurate shots then Kobe, MJ, and Wade.
Getting Rid of a 23-10 Forward for a a PG 18-6 and a now yet another Center come on we have 5 now and out of those 5 only 3 will play. They should have trade Darius Miles and picked up another Foward and start Outlaw.
Zack has more to offer to the team then Darius does don't you think??
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