The Memphis Grizzlies and Boston Celtics, who shared the title of 'Worst NBA Team' in their respective conferences, each had the greatest chance of landing the number one pick in the 2007 Basketball Draft. Yet on Tuesday, neither came away with the coveted prize, instead watching the Western Conference Portland Trail Blazers (a team four spots from the bottom) take home a pick deemed by some as the equivalent of a franchise player.
Analysts remain undecided on who the Blazers will choose first when June 28 rolls around. Long-time favourite Greg Oden of the Ohio Buckeyes was expected to be snatched up by whichever team held the initial pick. However, Portland may forgo the center and instead choose the high-percentage-shooting young gun from the Texas Longhorns - Kevin Durant.
In a year which will also see the core talent of back-to-back champion Florida Gators make the jump from NCAA to NBA, all eyes are on picks 3-13 to see where Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Lee Humphrey, Taureen Green, and Corey Brewer land, among others.
Regardless of all the speculation, we are left to guess who the Trail Blazers deem a more worthy addition to their squad: Kevin Durant - a 6'9 forward who averaged 25.8 points and 11.1 rebounds per game in his freshman campaign, or Greg Oden - a towering 7'1 center who averaged 15.7 points and 12.9 rebounds per game (plus learning to shoot left-handed while undergoing surgery on his right wrist). Both prospects are exceptional players, and have already been added to the US Basketball Olympic Roster.
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