I wasn't going to give links since they last only about 15 more hours before changing to tomorrow's games, but mrkorb did, so here they are. http://www.nba.com/statistics/efficiency.html http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailyleaders?date=20091101&gameId=291101025
Superstition. Some folks believe that Oden can't be a success, unless Durant is a failure. dunno: Sorry, but that is the closest thing to a rational explanation for the Durant animosity I can come up with.)
One night does not a season or career make. Last night, Durant seriously underplayed his ability, and had his worst game of the season. Oden had his best night of the season. Oden had the better game. For the season, Durant is at 22 PPG / 9.3 RPG with almost 10 FTA/game. His shooting is horrible compared to last season, but the team is 2-1.
The question was answered- you just didn't get the answer you wanted. Broaden your mind a bit and you can learn many things!
I have no "Durant animosity" at all. However, the Blazers have taken a lot of grief for picking Oden over Durant, and on the one night when Oden outplays him, Blazer fans have a right to celebrate!
Dude, its a fucking HEAD TO HEAD MATCHUP. In fact, the first one where both players were 100% healthy. Is that so hard to understand?
It's because some folks can't let go of the fact that Portland didn't draft Durant instead of Oden. At the time Oden looked like a better pick. Big men are what wins titles. Unfortunately, the Oden we drafted is just starting to actually play for Portland. Last years version was still recovering from knee surgery. I am hopeful by the end of the season this comparison becomes less common since their games are almost completely opposite. Greg is currently focused on rebounding and defending the paint. Durant is currently focused on creating his own shot. I am encouraged by what I see from Oden so far this season. That doesn't mean he is even close to where I think he could end up. It's no sure thing he ever does. The history of the NBA is littered with guys who didn't live up to their potential.
I think it's a knee jerk reaction to people who claim Portland should have drafted Durant and point to Durant's production as proof. This ignores the fact that Durant would not have been made the primary offensive option on Portland since B-Roy had already proved to Nate he could carry the load. I just don't think you can take the numbers he gets for OKC and assume he would do the same under Nate here in Portland. I get the feeling Durant would have struggled here since he isn't an accomplished defender or playmaker.
Interesting point. On a team with no real offensive stars, Durant was forced to become one. In Portland, he would have been just another piece of the puzzle.
I don't know that there was any force involved. I have the sense that that's exactly what Durant wanted. barfo
Can you imagine Durant under McMillan's tutelage? He'd be backing up Batum and Webster because we need his offense in the second unit. He still wouldn't have learned any offensive moves. Imagine Oden in Oklahoma City. The Franchise would be successfully carrying the dreams of the whole State of Cornpone right now.
That's true. Not saying Oden doesn't have a chance of being more of an impact player than Durant, but if you play the odds, got to go with the prove Durant. Just like the Blazers had to go with odds and pick Oden over Durant. Also, at least GO doesn't look like a bust. He is here to stay and has a great shot at making a big impact, he's just not Durant.
And it's for this exact reason, with one of the youngest rosters in the league, that Blazers fans should be concerned with this coaching buffoon running the show. These young men could be so much more, under a coach that would nuture them; instead of benching them in an endless rotation when he gets disappointed that they're not playing like vets. What a frustrating coach Mr Mcmillan is. . .
