oregonpackfan
05-30-2007, 10:16 AM
In any professional sport involving a draft of college players, the debate rages over drafting a player according to team needs or taking the most talented player available.
In 1984, the Portland Trailblazers basketball team had the #1 draft pick. According to scouting reports, there were two "Can't Miss" choices for the #1 pick--7' center Sam Bowie of Kentucky, and guard Michael Jordan of North Carolina.
The Blazers greatest need was the center position. They made Bowie their number one pick.
Bowie had just several ineffective years in the NBA. He was plagued by leg injuries and never seemed to adapt to the pro game.
Michael Jordan, at #2, was picked by the Chicago Bulls. He went on to become one of the greatest, if not the greatest players in pro basketball history.
Now move forward to 2007. The Portland Trailblazers again have the #1 pick. Again, their greatest need is at the center position. Should they take 7' center Greg Oden of Ohio State or incredibly mobile 6'9" forward Kevin Durant? Will history repeat itself with the Blazers selecting Oden and Kevin Durant having a career more distinguished than Oden's?
If you follow pro basketball, please share your thoughts.
In 1984, the Portland Trailblazers basketball team had the #1 draft pick. According to scouting reports, there were two "Can't Miss" choices for the #1 pick--7' center Sam Bowie of Kentucky, and guard Michael Jordan of North Carolina.
The Blazers greatest need was the center position. They made Bowie their number one pick.
Bowie had just several ineffective years in the NBA. He was plagued by leg injuries and never seemed to adapt to the pro game.
Michael Jordan, at #2, was picked by the Chicago Bulls. He went on to become one of the greatest, if not the greatest players in pro basketball history.
Now move forward to 2007. The Portland Trailblazers again have the #1 pick. Again, their greatest need is at the center position. Should they take 7' center Greg Oden of Ohio State or incredibly mobile 6'9" forward Kevin Durant? Will history repeat itself with the Blazers selecting Oden and Kevin Durant having a career more distinguished than Oden's?
If you follow pro basketball, please share your thoughts.