Batum. Greg has had two major knee injuries in his first three years in the League. Can he stay healthy in the future? That's a question we ask ourselves .......every year. Nic is entering elite status as a defensive specialist. Greg can in the future but there's just too many question marks regarding both his knees.
I know Oden will win in a landslide, but I would rather keep the no-name kid who is actually productive.
BTW, here is a question for you to ponder. If Batum had been a top 5 pick, and Oden had been selected in the 20s, would we even be having this debate? If Batum had been highly hyped, and Oden had been just another rookie, would anyone still question that Batum was the more valuable player?
Obviously I would rather keep Oden, but I would also rather have Chris Paul, so I'm willing to do almost whatever it takes to get that deal done.
I would pick batum, but it's nice to see some people still believe in Oden. No one outside of this forum does. so..........
It's tough, because basically you're looking at two great defenders who need to be set up on offense. Should Paul find Greg under the basket, or kick it out to Batum? Greg's the high risk, high reward. Batum's a blue chip, guaranteed starter wherever he goes. Keeping Nic means always having four positions filled with solid players if Paul comes. Keeping Greg could mean only having three if he can't get over his knee, but if he does then the missing position of small forward is one of the easiest to fill. So I would say Oden. Honestly, I would vote to keep both and have Aldridge go, but they already have West and he's cheaper. Unless some kind of three way deal could be made.
to me it comes down to which spot is easier to replace with a decent/good player. decent swingmen are a dime a dozen, while a center that can be productive is tougher to fill. at this point i'm in a little more of a swing for the fences mood, i want a championship (actually multiple but i'm not trying to be greedy) out of one of my favorite teams and the blazers are the closest i have right now. oden is the high risk/high reward pick and even with paul i think he would still be the key to a championship run.
Obviously Oden. Batum could be a better Tayshaun Prince. Batum is hugely cool. I love Batum. But Oden is a potential game-changer. He should be the biggest baddest dude out there. A taller Alonzo Mourning. I will be very sad if Batum is traded, even if we get Saint Paul back. But if ODEN were traded, even for Paul, I would be FURIOUS.
Oden, potential just to great. Batum still possibly has a question with his shoulder. Running thru picks is not easy on them. Another reason is we all like it when we put Batum on the other teams point guard, but if we have Paul, Batum will rarely if ever guard the others teams point guard.
Just simply think which person fits best with the saying "FEED THE BEAST!" and keep that person(ODEN!)
In this league you need high peak players to take you on title runs. That's why I'd take my chances with Oden. I don't know how healthy he will be. I would definitely trade him for Paul though (assuming Aldridge isn't enough or whatever).
