Oden vs. Durant

[Berry, Mark S]

I wouldn't say the Heat's success had "very little" to do with Shaq.
Look at their record this year without him. Even without the gaudy
stats, Shaq is what makes that team a contender.

As for the Mutombo comparison, Dikembe averaged 4 points and 3 rebounds
as a freshman, and had the luxury of playing with both hands. Oden is
far beyond Dikembe Mutombo.

If we get the No. 2 pick, I'll be thrilled to have Durant. But if we get
No. 1, Oden is the only choice.

Mark

-----Original Message-----
From: celtics-bounces at igtc.com [mailto:celtics-bounces at igtc.com] On
Behalf Of Steve Ouellette
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 4:01 PM
To: The Boston Celtics Mailing List
Subject: RE: Oden vs. Durant

I think saying this "proves" the Celtics should take Oden if available
goes way too far. 

I honestly haven't seen enough of either guy to make up my mind yet, but
if Durant is a Kobe/Garnett level talent and Oden is merely Dikembe
Mutombo in his prime -- which seems a possibility -- who is more
valuable? The always-take-the-big-man strategy netted Sam Bowie over
Jordan once upon a time.

Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks to the verge of last year's title, and
he's been another comp for Durant. He was stopped by Dwayne Wade's Heat
-- very little having to do with the big man Shaq. Given the chance, the
Cs have to take the best player.

Steve O


---- "Enrile wrote: 
> The draft express article was interesting, but I think wrong about the
> perimeter style bigman being better for a championship in todays NBA.
> The C's will have a FAR better chance at #17 w/ Oden than w/ Durant.
> 
> Before or AFTER the NBA rule changes, the non-Jordan champs always
> needed one of the best interior bigmen in the league to win it all
> (Oneal, Dream, Admiral, BigBen, Duncan) .  On D, Oden is better than
any
> of those legends IMO.  He has the timing, intimidating mindset,
> wingspan, heavy base/balance, smart angles .
> 
> Oden played Florida's NBA frontcourt (Noah, Horford, Brewer who are
> bigtime pro talents), in December, and was rejecting/changing shots 2
or
> 3 times in a single possession.  He was getting legal shotblocks above
> the painted square above the rim.
> 
> At 280lbs+, his Shaq style blockout/powerdunks alone will make him a
> decent offensive threat, even if he never becomes fluid on O.  
> 
> Garnett/Kobe/Lebron were fantastic scoring talents, and more
physically
> gifted than Durant at that age, yet even as vet's today they can't
carry
> a championship contender like Tim always does.  
> 
> To me this proves the C's should take Oden if they have the chance,
> period. 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: celtics-bounces at igtc.com [mailto:celtics-bounces at igtc.com] On
> Behalf Of Steve Ouellette
> 
> Good analysis of the No. 1 pick debate:
> 
> http://www.draftexpress.com/blogs.php?mod=comment&p=804
> 
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