Oden

Oden is so typical of a great talent, out of focus player. He looks so good, and then so bad. Still would have to take him 1st in the draft. But 82 games, plane flights, distractions with a lot of free time. I dont know with him. Durant would make the transition easily. But Oden... you just dont find 7 foot men with that much athletic talent. He is so strong, he has such quick feet, pretty good touch. I dont see how an NBA team can pass him.

But Oden is not a lock for dominance like Shaq, Duncan, Ewing, Hakeem, Robinson. Those first pick big men had all the teams drooling. Because of his lack of focus, Oden may drool more than the teams. I wish I knew some more about him. He seems like a decent kid, in a Man's body (especially face).

[pmayjr]

Pgard,
You bring up soem great points. He'd be a fool not to come out regardless. When you got the hype-machine on your side, you gotta jump. Same for Durant. With all of the media scrutiny out there, just imagine how bad a minor knee injury could be for either him or Durant if they go back to school next year.

As for Oden's game at the next level, I think it'll start out a lot like Dwight Hoard or Chris Bosh. He'll board and block a lot, but the scoring won't be there right away. That will come down the road, maybe like 2-3 seasons into it.

One other point- If Mike Conley Jr. has a big game in the national title, don't be surprised if he jumps to the NBA too. It would take a huge effort, beut he's capable of it.

Originally Posted by pmayjr

Pgard,
One other point- If Mike Conley Jr. has a big game in the national title, don't be surprised if he jumps to the NBA too. It would take a huge effort, beut he's capable of it.

Point Guard is the toughest transition of any position. He should stay and learn more. The tools are there. But running an NBA team is an awesome responsibility. And I think point guard is a very easy position to become a flop.
It is so totally different. I remember Jameer Nelson having a very difficult time, and he was much more mature. Now he has made it. Some others not so lucky... Telefair (sp?) for Boston. Right out of High School at the point. Miserable year. I question if he can regain confidence. He will talk like he has all the confidence in the world. Playing is a whole diff. ball of wax.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by pgardn

Point Guard is the toughest transition of any position. He should stay and learn more. The tools are there. But running an NBA team is an awesome responsibility. And I think point guard is a very easy position to become a flop.
It is so totally different. I remember Jameer Nelson having a very difficult time, and he was much more mature. Now he has made it. Some others not so lucky... Telefair (sp?) for Boston. Right out of High School at the point. Miserable year. I question if he can regain confidence. He will talk like he has all the confidence in the world. Playing is a whole diff. ball of wax.

Very true and a point guard needs to have the respect of his team before he can suceed. How many point guards came into the NBA and made an immediate impact? Look at Chauncey Billips. Took him awhile too.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by pmayjr

Pgard,


As for Oden's game at the next level, I think it'll start out a lot like Dwight Hoard or Chris Bosh. He'll board and block a lot, but the scoring won't be there right away. That will come down the road, maybe like 2-3 seasons into it.

Good analogy. One thing is that he seems to lack fire. He is very even keeled which may wind up being a positive in the long run. Sometimes it seems like he turns it on for a bit but then he goes back to sleep. He is still pretty raw and I dont expect him to be a top NBA player for a few seasons. He will be better off going to an eastern conf team where he does not have to be matched up against top center much.