Is Kevin Durant the next Jordan?

[ziggy]

That answer is obviously no.
But I'm about 90% sure that Greg Oden is the next Patrick Ewing.

My point with this question in a roundabout way is that theres no way you can pass on a "Patrick Ewing" type center unless you're drafting a "Michael Jordan"... Not a guy with Jordan-like tendencies, or a player that displays flashes of Jordanism, It would have to be a legit carbon copy of MJ complete with 28+ ppg averages, mental domination of opponents and the abilty to make your franchise a championship favorite for the next 10 years for me to pass on the best center to enter the NBA since Ewing (and that includes Shaq).

Is there anyone here that does believe that Durant is the next MJ?

[Jonathanmartin7]

I certainly don't. I might go as far as saying the next KG, which doesn't make your franchise a contender. He'll still need help. More help than Jordan did.

[123together]

i think he's the next mcgrady and we all know he hasn't gotten out of the first round. but when he was with orlando he was the team. i was suprised this year cuz he has yao, but he'll eventually get there.

but i'd take durant any day

[ziggy]

i think he's the next mcgrady and we all know he hasn't gotten out of the first round. but when he was with orlando he was the team. i was suprised this year cuz he has yao, but he'll eventually get there.

but i'd take durant any day
So you'd take a McGrady over a Ewing?

[Jonathanmartin7]

I sure wouldn't take McGrady over Ewing. But then again, we don't know that is what Oden is going to become. He might be another DeSagana Diop. Loads of potential, but stays in foul trouble and doesn't live up to it. The draft isn't a science it's a crap shoot.

[Wallace15]

Durant isn't the next Jordan. Though he will be an all-star in the NBA. Oden will be the next Ewing, and will also be an all-star.
A couple of months ago I would have taken Durant over Oden, but now I would take Oden in a heartbeat.

[123together]

i think he's the next mcgrady and we all know he hasn't gotten out of the first round. but when he was with orlando he was the team. i was suprised this year cuz he has yao, but he'll eventually get there.

but i'd take durant any day
So you'd take a McGrady over a Ewing?


no, i'd take ewing, i was just saying durant isn't the next jordan

[Dead_Real]

They both will be impact players for they're respective teams if I had the choice between Oden and Durant and I'm the Bobcats I'm taking Oden for the simple fact that great centers don't come around much often.

[Slam]

What if you are drafting the next Sam Dalembert and missing out on the next hybrid of Bosh/Dirk/T-mac which would make him the "next big thing"?

They say a high end big man only comes around every 10 years?

How often does a Jordan, Bird, Magic, Dr.J come around?

Keep it in perspective - there are a lot fewer C's than there are other positions.

So you might have to go through 100 C's to find "the one" but you might have to go through 10,000 pg's, sg's or sf's to find "the one"

[timang]

What if you are drafting the next Sam Dalembert and missing out on the next hybrid of Bosh/Dirk/T-mac which would make him the "next big thing"?

They say a high end big man only comes around every 10 years?

How often does a Jordan, Bird, Magic, Dr.J come around?

Keep it in perspective - there are a lot fewer C's than there are other positions.

So you might have to go through 100 C's to find "the one" but you might have to go through 10,000 pg's, sg's or sf's to find "the one"


you've got a nice point there Big Slam...

but also remember that there have been lots of hype to other SGs, PGs, and SFs, and simply didn't live up to the hype.
unless we're really that sure on how those two prospects will fare, we still don't really have much to argue.

[dvdbumpus]

Yea, like Darius Miles. What a d-bag.

[Jonathanmartin7]

Who do you guys think is the most ready to make an imediate impact on the team they are drafted by. Please don't say one of these 2 guys with only 1 year of playing against guys that are actual competition for them.
I mean these 2 guys are being drafted on potential. Just like Tyson Chandler, Kwame Brown, Marvin Willaims, etc.
I'm not saying that they don't have a good chance of contributing next season, but realisticly the odds are not in their favor. Brandon Roy was the rookie of the year, and he deserved it. But you look ahead in your crystal ball and even Ammo has a better chance at making a larger impact on his team. I would take the money and run too, but if these guys really want to be the next MJ, or Ewing then they'll stay and play against better competition in college.
Drafting a Junior or a Senior that has played for a majorly* competative school would give you a better chance at immediate impact. I'd love to get Jeff Green or Corey Brewer. I'd take both of those before I would Brandon Wright. Cause let's face it, you learn more about the game in college than in the pro's. You don't have enought time to even set up a play in the pros before the time clock get's down to 16 seconds. And Oden won't even be at the other end of the floor by then.

[dvdbumpus]

Who do you guys think is the most ready to make an imediate impact on the team they are drafted by. Please don't say one of these 2 guys with only 1 year of playing against guys that are actual competition for them.
I mean these 2 guys are being drafted on potential. Just like Tyson Chandler, Kwame Brown, Marvin Willaims, etc.
I'm not saying that they don't have a good chance of contributing next season, but realisticly the odds are not in their favor. Brandon Roy was the rookie of the year, and he deserved it. But you look ahead in your crystal ball and even Ammo has a better chance at making a larger impact on his team. I would take the money and run too, but if these guys really want to be the next MJ, or Ewing then they'll stay and play against better competition in college.
Drafting a Junior or a Senior that has played for a majorly* competative school would give you a better chance at immediate impact. I'd love to get Jeff Green or Corey Brewer. I'd take both of those before I would Brandon Wright. Cause let's face it, you learn more about the game in college than in the pro's. You don't have enought time to even set up a play in the pros before the time clock get's down to 16 seconds. And Oden won't even be at the other end of the floor by then.


I'd still have to say that Kevin Durant will make the most first year impact. You don't average 26 and 11 at Texas your freshman year without being prepared to make the leap. Al Horford would be my runner up because he'll have the oppertunity and is able to rebound and score inside with the best already.

[ziggy]

I think Oden is going to have the biggest impact, because defense changes EVERYTHING. As an example look at the difference in the Bobcats level of play in the 67 games that was in versus the 15 that he missed, and Oden is the best defensive big man to come along in years.

[Jonathanmartin7]

But he's so slow. The shot will be in the air before he's at the freaking foul line. I'd draft him and then trade him for Dwight Howard. Now he can run like a deer.

[Slam]

I also like Brewer more than B.Wright.

For the life of me I don't understand the hype that is connected to B.Wright

[ziggy]

I also like Brewer more than B.Wright.

For the life of me I don't understand the hype that is connected to B.Wright
I was surfing around a Celtics board today, and those guys are willing to take Brewer as high as #3 if they don't land one of the top 2 picks.

[Jonathanmartin7]

Well the hype about him is kinda like this.
1. he hasn't actually stopped growing yet.
2. He has a load of potential, I see more in Brewer but if your looking for a big man and can't get Oden, his 7 foot 6 wing span is a great start.
3. He played at Carolina. Yes I know this doesn't mean you are going to be a great pro. But playing for a great school that uses a pro system is always a plus.
4. I'd bet money that if he and Oden were to run laps Wright would be done with his 10th before Oden was done with his 7th.

[Slam]

1. That sure is a plus. It's not like he is a bad size now but a little more would be nice.

2. Maybe I just didn't see his good games but I don't see the potential. He looks too timid and passive to me and is sometimes (especially on offense) a little lost. He does things I like (like ALWAYS look for a body to box out when rebounding) but like you said, with a 7'6" span and pretty good physical gifts I expected more. He doesn't dominate a game at all. Ever. He's more a passenger than a driver (it's an analogy I use a a lot in basketball and hope it makes sense?)

3. Agree - although I'm not a fan from what I have heard about UNC basketball and hindering players abilities a little

4. Of course Oden is 4 inches taller and 60lbs heavier than Wright. Putting it more into perspective - Wright couldn't hang with Durant (who is the same size) in the same contest.

[Mustachio]

jmart your crazy, i like you, but your crazy.

Oden isnt as fast as Howard sure... but not every team has to run. Oden is already a better shot blocker than Howard is and has more upside in my opinion. Plus Howard plays for Orlando, so hes crap. haha
comparing oden to Brandon wright is crazy too...

I used to say if we had the number one pick id take Oden everytime, and i think i still would. But ive come around to big slams opinion on Durant The kid is 18. he has good height, great speed and already has a great knowledge of basketball and how to score.
The kicker to me is... he looks more dominant in college against way tougher opponents as a freshman, than Lebron looked against high schoolers as a senior. Thats gotta say something.

[Jonathanmartin7]

jmart your crazy, i like you, but your crazy.

Oden isnt as fast as Howard sure... but not every team has to run. Oden is already a better shot blocker than Howard is and has more upside in my opinion. Plus Howard plays for Orlando, so hes crap. haha
comparing oden to Brandon wright is crazy too...

I used to say if we had the number one pick id take Oden everytime, and i think i still would. But ive come around to big slams opinion on Durant The kid is 18. he has good height, great speed and already has a great knowledge of basketball and how to score.
The kicker to me is... he looks more dominant in college against way tougher opponents as a freshman, than Lebron looked against high schoolers as a senior. Thats gotta say something.

Well glad you like me at least. Wasn't trying to say that Wright is better than Oden (crazy yes, stupid no). I watched every game that UNC played this year and I think that Wright should stay and grow more in college before making this jump. I thought the same thing about Marvin Williams. But you just can't turn down a job that will pay you 4 mil for 3 years weather you do a good job at it or not. So I guess he's gotta go.

I thought the Bobcats were going to try and push the ball if that's the case we need to draft some more speed. Cause right now were just playing catch with Wallace and Felton. Every body else is a step or 2 behind.

[123together]

i don't know about jordan, but durant could follow a similar career path as carmelo anthony or tracy mcgrady.