I'm not anti-KP . . . but what is his track record. We have the 2006 draft (that I believe he was a big part of even if not the GM). But after that . . . props for Rudy and Batum, but I don't think you can give props for PK, Freeland, Bayless and Claver yet. I'm probably missing a couple other draft picks, but again after Roy and aldridge, it's kind of been a mixed bag . . . it seems KP, on this board, is riding that 2006 draft. Can't blame KP on the Oden pick . . . but if KP was this guru of gurus, he would have picked Durant.
talent evaluation is different then being able to predict which player might sustain an injury. I'm still in full agreement with the decision of GO over KD STOMP
Well this was a huge debate two years ago, but an argument could be made that KP should have been aware of the Oden's knee as there was a medical report pre-draft that had a red circle around his now surgically repaired knee (according to some GMs out there). But whatever, I'll go along with the idea that Oden appeared to be the right pick at the time. I'm more concerned with this statement that you are still in full agreement with the GO over Durant pick . . really, you would still pick Oden today over Durant?
I'm sure the blazers believe they have the best doctors in the area and when the doctors gave the thumbs up after reviewing his physical. They prob thought everything other opinion and report was moot. Maybe it should have been. It seems more to me that the knee problem was more freakish.
I would because I think Greg should be every bit the physical specimen what he was on draft day from here on out, but thats not what I was trying to say. I meant it was the right decision when the decision was made... an injury happening doesn't have me blaming Pritchard for not anticipating it. I agreed with his ability to evaluate talent not read tea leaves. Durant looks like a great talent as well, but I think the team would be further from a contender with him on board then Greg. STOMP
BS from BS (Bill Simmons)... I really doubt such a report existed. One of Gregs legs is longer then the other, but thats not uncommon and he had no knee trouble prior. If a joint has never incurred a problem there is no reason to red flag it. STOMP
I still stand behind drafting Oden over Durant. Is Durant a Tmac-level talent? Definitely. Different type of player, but just as much an impact. Right now I'd say the comparison should probably be to Dirk Nowitzki, though. Unstoppable scorer, incredible mismatch who...well, you know the rest. I believe Oden will be much better than Mutombo in his prime, mostly because he'll have an offensive game (beyond Deke's really ugly hook). But even if that's his baseline.....imagine if you had the choice to add someone who will be a four time defensive player of the year center to this team like Deke, or you could add Dirk Nowitzki. Who do you choose? I take Deke, and it ain't even close.
Agree 100%. We didn't need a volume shooter with Brandon and LaMarcus on board. We needed Greg. And G.O. will be better than Mutombo.