The Unforeseen Draft Night Decisions That Left Basketball Fans Buzzing
For any serious basketball fan, especially those who followed the NBA draft closely, the name Kevin Durant (KD) is synonymous with incredible talent, scoring prowess, and a career that has redefined the game. However, like many legendary players, KD's journey to superstardom didn't begin with the absolute first pick in the draft. This brings us to a question that has sparked debate and curiosity for years: Who was picked above KD?
The answer, to many who weren't closely following the 2007 NBA Draft, might be a surprise. Kevin Durant was drafted with the second overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder). The player selected directly before him, at the first overall pick, was none other than Greg Oden.
Greg Oden: The Highly Touted Center
Greg Oden was a highly anticipated prospect coming out of Ohio State University. Standing at 7 feet tall with a powerful build and a reputation for dominance in the paint, Oden was widely considered the "sure thing" of the 2007 draft. Scouts and analysts raved about his defensive ability, rebounding, and potential to be an immediate impact player in the league. The Portland Trail Blazers, holding the first pick, ultimately decided to go with Oden, believing he was the cornerstone player they needed to build their franchise around.
It's important to understand the context of that draft. Oden’s collegiate career at Ohio State was impressive, leading them to the NCAA championship game. His physical tools and perceived readiness for the NBA game made him a seemingly safe bet for the top spot. Many teams would have, and did, prioritize a dominant center with that kind of potential.
The Draft Order: A Snapshot
To further illustrate the situation, here's a look at the top few picks from the 2007 NBA Draft:
- Greg Oden (Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers)
- Kevin Durant (Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics)
- Al Horford (Selected by the Atlanta Hawks)
- Mike Conley (Selected by the Memphis Grizzlies)
- Jeff Green (Selected by the Boston Celtics)
As you can see, Durant was the second player off the board, a testament to his immense talent, even without being the very first name called.
The "What Ifs" of Draft Night
The decision to pick Greg Oden over Kevin Durant is often cited as one of the most significant "what ifs" in modern NBA history. This is largely due to the starkly different career trajectories of the two players. While Oden showed flashes of brilliance in his early career, he was plagued by injuries, which significantly hampered his playing time and ultimately cut his career short. He played in only 105 NBA games over the course of eight seasons.
Conversely, Kevin Durant went on to become one of the greatest scorers the league has ever seen. He has won multiple MVP awards, scoring titles, and NBA championships, solidifying his status as a perennial All-Star and a future Hall of Famer. His offensive versatility and ability to score from anywhere on the court have made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses throughout his career.
This disparity in success has naturally led to endless discussions among fans and analysts about how the draft might have unfolded differently, or how the fortunes of the Portland Trail Blazers might have changed had they chosen Durant instead of Oden.
The Impact of Injuries
"Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, and they can drastically alter a player's career path and a team's trajectory."
The story of Greg Oden is a poignant reminder of the role injuries can play in professional sports. His career was a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NBA. Despite his immense talent, the physical toll of the game proved to be an insurmountable obstacle for sustained success.
Kevin Durant, on the other hand, while not entirely immune to injuries, has managed to maintain a remarkably high level of play for a much longer period. This sustained health has allowed his unparalleled talent to shine through, leading to the iconic career we know today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many players were picked above Kevin Durant in the 2007 NBA Draft?
Only one player was picked above Kevin Durant in the 2007 NBA Draft: Greg Oden was selected with the first overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers, while Durant was chosen second overall by the Seattle SuperSonics.
Why did the Portland Trail Blazers pick Greg Oden over Kevin Durant?
The Portland Trail Blazers, holding the first pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, opted for Greg Oden because they viewed him as a more polished and physically ready prospect. Oden was a dominant college center with impressive defensive capabilities and a strong reputation for his all-around game, which they believed would be a better fit to build their franchise around at that time.
What has been the career trajectory of Greg Oden compared to Kevin Durant?
Greg Oden's career was unfortunately derailed by numerous injuries, limiting his playing time and overall impact in the NBA. In contrast, Kevin Durant has enjoyed an exceptionally successful and healthy career, becoming one of the league's all-time greatest scorers, winning multiple championships and individual awards.
Could the Portland Trail Blazers have won more championships if they had drafted Kevin Durant?
This is a hypothetical question with no definitive answer, but it's a popular topic of debate among basketball fans. Given Kevin Durant's incredible offensive talent and sustained success, many believe that pairing him with other talented players could have led to a championship dynasty for the Trail Blazers. However, it's impossible to know how injuries and team dynamics would have played out in an alternate reality.
In conclusion, while Kevin Durant is now a household name synonymous with basketball excellence, his draft position serves as a fascinating footnote in NBA history. The question of "Who was picked above KD?" leads us to Greg Oden, a talented player whose career was tragically impacted by injuries, highlighting the unpredictable nature of both the draft and professional sports.
