Did Oden outplay Durant?

[LittleAlex]

Is this what Blazers' fans have to do to get excited about Oden? Compare 1 game? Why not compare the young season? Or their young careers? Why even compare them at all?

It's because some folks can't let go of the fact that Portland didn't draft Durant instead of Oden.

At the time Oden looked like a better pick. Big men are what wins titles.

Unfortunately, the Oden we drafted is just starting to actually play for Portland. Last years version was still recovering from knee surgery.

I am hopeful by the end of the season this comparison becomes less common since their games are almost completely opposite.

Greg is currently focused on rebounding and defending the paint.
Durant is currently focused on creating his own shot.

I am encouraged by what I see from Oden so far this season. That doesn't mean he is even close to where I think he could end up. It's no sure thing he ever does. The history of the NBA is littered with guys who didn't live up to their potential.

 

[LittleAlex]

Superstition. Some folks believe that Oden can't be a success, unless Durant is a failure.

dunno: Sorry, but that is the closest thing to a rational explanation for the Durant animosity I can come up with.)

I think it's a knee jerk reaction to people who claim Portland should have drafted Durant and point to Durant's production as proof.

This ignores the fact that Durant would not have been made the primary offensive option on Portland since B-Roy had already proved to Nate he could carry the load.

I just don't think you can take the numbers he gets for OKC and assume he would do the same under Nate here in Portland. I get the feeling Durant would have struggled here since he isn't an accomplished defender or playmaker.

 

[Shooter]

It was the midway through the second quarter when Kevin Durant drove left down the lane and was met by Greg Oden with a blocked shot. Oden was called for a suspect foul. Durant went to the line and proceeded to calmly sink both free-throws.

The split second match-up was just another exchange between two players inseparable by basketball history in Portland’s 83-74 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday afternoon. For Oden and Durant it was part of the common link these two young men have experienced since the ultra heavy hype which surrounded the top two picks in the 2007 NBA Draft.

http://www.beyondthebeat.net/20091102359/2009-articles/october/inside-the-oden-durant-showdown.html

 

[Shooter]

This ignores the fact that Durant would not have been made the primary offensive option on Portland since B-Roy had already proved to Nate he could carry the load.

I just don't think you can take the numbers he gets for OKC and assume he would do the same under Nate here in Portland. I get the feeling Durant would have struggled here since he isn't an accomplished defender or playmaker.

Interesting point. On a team with no real offensive stars, Durant was forced to become one. In Portland, he would have been just another piece of the puzzle.

 

[barfo]

Interesting point. On a team with no real offensive stars, Durant was forced to become one. In Portland, he would have been just another piece of the puzzle.

I don't know that there was any force involved. I have the sense that that's exactly what Durant wanted.

barfo

 

[MIXUM]

we all know if the draft was today... durant would be a blazer in a NY minute

 

[jlprk]

I just don't think you can take the numbers he gets for OKC and assume he would do the same under Nate here in Portland. I get the feeling Durant would have struggled here since he isn't an accomplished defender or playmaker.

Can you imagine Durant under McMillan's tutelage? He'd be backing up Batum and Webster because we need his offense in the second unit. He still wouldn't have learned any offensive moves. Imagine Oden in Oklahoma City. The Franchise would be successfully carrying the dreams of the whole State of Cornpone right now.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

we all know if the draft was today... durant would be a blazer in a NY minute

That's true. Not saying Oden doesn't have a chance of being more of an impact player than Durant, but if you play the odds, got to go with the prove Durant.

Just like the Blazers had to go with odds and pick Oden over Durant. Also, at least GO doesn't look like a bust. He is here to stay and has a great shot at making a big impact, he's just not Durant.

 

[WillG]

Can you imagine Durant under McMillan's tutelage? He'd be backing up Batum and Webster because we need his offense in the second unit. He still wouldn't have learned any offensive moves. Imagine Oden in Oklahoma City. The Franchise would be successfully carrying the dreams of the whole State of Cornpone right now.

And it's for this exact reason, with one of the youngest rosters in the league, that Blazers fans should be concerned with this coaching buffoon running the show.

These young men could be so much more, under a coach that would nuture them; instead of benching them in an endless rotation when he gets disappointed that they're not playing like vets.

What a frustrating coach Mr Mcmillan is. . .