Spring Break
2007 NBA Draft: Sixers get youth with Young, Smith
By: Mike Mazzeo
Issue date: 6/29/07 Section: Sports
Originally published: 6/29/07 at 2:37 AM EST
Last update: 6/29/07 at 4:43 AM EST
Originally published: 6/29/07 at 2:37 AM EST
Last update: 6/29/07 at 4:43 AM EST
The first round of the 2007 NBA draft provided both predictable and surprising picks.
The first two picks of the draft were too obvious, however.
The Portland Trailblazers selected center Greg Oden from Ohio State with the first overall pick. Oden has been compared with the likes of Bill Russell and David Robinson for his game-changing ability on the defensive end. Oden's defense will be a big help for a team that allowed opponents to shoot 47 percent from the field, sixth worst in the league.
The Seattle SuperSonics selected the consolation prize of the draft, Texas forward Kevin Durant, who averaged 26 points and 11 rebounds a game for the Longhorns. He has been likened to Tracy McGrady and Dirk Nowitzki for his ability to not only score at the rim but also his NBA ready perimeter game.
Both Durant and Oden are expected to contribute right away. With comparisons to the likes of Russell and McGrady these two players will have the fate of two franchises resting on their shoulders.
With Oden and Durant off the board, Atlanta drafted forward Al Horford of the defending NCAA champion Florida Gators. Horford should provide the Hawks with the post presence they so desperately need. The Hawks have now drafted a forward with their first selection the last five years dating back to 2003 when they selected Boris Diaw at 21.
Highly touted point guard prospect Mike Conley Jr. was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies. A teammate of Greg Oden at Ohio State, Conley directed the Buckeyes to the Final Four, where they lost to the Gators in the national title game. Conley, a quick point guard will need to bulk up to be able to be able to play against stronger NBA caliber players.
Boston selected Georgetown forward Jeff Green with the fifth pick, but in the biggest move of the night, traded his rights to Seattle along with former St. Joe's guard Delonte West and Wally Szerbiak for all-star Ray Allen. Green, a versatile forward with strong passing skills should form a great duo with Durant in Seattle for years to come. Allen forms an all-star duo with Paul Pierce giving Boston a huge upgrade in a weak Eastern Conference.
The first two picks of the draft were too obvious, however.
The Portland Trailblazers selected center Greg Oden from Ohio State with the first overall pick. Oden has been compared with the likes of Bill Russell and David Robinson for his game-changing ability on the defensive end. Oden's defense will be a big help for a team that allowed opponents to shoot 47 percent from the field, sixth worst in the league.
The Seattle SuperSonics selected the consolation prize of the draft, Texas forward Kevin Durant, who averaged 26 points and 11 rebounds a game for the Longhorns. He has been likened to Tracy McGrady and Dirk Nowitzki for his ability to not only score at the rim but also his NBA ready perimeter game.
Both Durant and Oden are expected to contribute right away. With comparisons to the likes of Russell and McGrady these two players will have the fate of two franchises resting on their shoulders.
With Oden and Durant off the board, Atlanta drafted forward Al Horford of the defending NCAA champion Florida Gators. Horford should provide the Hawks with the post presence they so desperately need. The Hawks have now drafted a forward with their first selection the last five years dating back to 2003 when they selected Boris Diaw at 21.
Highly touted point guard prospect Mike Conley Jr. was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies. A teammate of Greg Oden at Ohio State, Conley directed the Buckeyes to the Final Four, where they lost to the Gators in the national title game. Conley, a quick point guard will need to bulk up to be able to be able to play against stronger NBA caliber players.
Boston selected Georgetown forward Jeff Green with the fifth pick, but in the biggest move of the night, traded his rights to Seattle along with former St. Joe's guard Delonte West and Wally Szerbiak for all-star Ray Allen. Green, a versatile forward with strong passing skills should form a great duo with Durant in Seattle for years to come. Allen forms an all-star duo with Paul Pierce giving Boston a huge upgrade in a weak Eastern Conference.
