High Standard: Ranking the 2007 NBA Draft Class Among the Top Classes Of The 00'
Welcome back to the "Greatest Ever" series as we continue with analyzing some of the league's most interesting draft classes of all time.
The 2007 NBA draft class has been one of the premier selection of fantastic talents during the 00's that features a list of phenomenal prospects with bright future ahead as Oden (left) and Durant (right) lead the way.
Of course, there are the likes of Noah, Horford and so on that are there too. The hype surrounding the top players was not bad at all. They continued their excellent game from college to the pros and are now so great.
Here's the look of this interesting class, couple of years after it happened.I will do this as there will be dozens of categories before naming the best overall from them all and where does the draft that featured outstanding talents stands.
Best Point Guard
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The Point Guard position hasn't dominated as the position with the top prospects but it has solid group of star floor generals. For example, the highest pick from the spot was Conley at No.4 then the next came at No.11 at and so on
Overall,the finest college point men have played excellent basketball in the pros. Here's the list of the best of them,now after couple of years
1.Aaron Brooks
2.Mike Conley
3.Rodney Stuckey
4.Acie Law
5.Javaris Crittenton
Brooks is the best point guard from the draft, who's nice success with the Houston Rockets who's right now the franchise player.His quickness, excellent shooting touch and decent passer who's explosive and smart.
He led the league in 3 point attempts and made shots,who also earned the Most Improved Player Of The Year award for his fantastic play during the 2009-2010 season. He's one of the not so many in here who played all four years in college.
Conley is one of the finest point men in the NBA now too, as he was in college. It took him a while to be a good overall player but he's now improved on a next level. He's one of the most all-around, who's having a career year in Memphis.
He's good scorer, has nice passing abilities,has quick hands that he uses to strip the ball, who's around 15 points, 7 assists and 2 steals. Not bad at all. His value is increasing and he recently signed a huge contract.
Stuckey isn't a traditional point guard,who's more like a combo guard but he's an explosive, quick and a skilled guard who's capable to score dozens of points in short time. He's good in driving to the rim where he scores most of his points.
He exploded once for 27 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds which is a strong reminder of his full potential for a week but he injured himself. He's putting career numbers. By the way, he was the honored with the Player Of The Week award during those fine 7 days for him.
Law and Crittenton are decent.
Best Shooting Guard
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The Shooting Guard is a position which requires ability to score the ball, shot, defend and anything extra can get you on the next level.As of now,it's a position fill with a lot of depth, led by the likes of Kobe, Roy and Wade.
Here's the look at the top shooting guards from the 2007 draft now:
1.Arron Affalo
2.Marco Belinelli
3.Nick Young
4.Rudy Fernandez
5.Moris Almond
Affalo is arguably the best shooting guard from the 2007 NBA draft class. He came from the successful UCLA and was drafted from the Pistons,but enjoys success more in the Nuggets. He's terrific lockdown defender, who's a sharp shooter,improved passer,great scorer, just simply nice overall player.
He's one of the leading candidates for the Most Improved Player Of The Year award, who is consistently becoming better and is about to join the 50/40/90 club too.He posts some nice numbers and is earning the trust of George Karl in Denver.
Belinelli is one of the finest young players from Europe to play in the league. He's a sharp shooter but you won't you see that from the numbers.He's complete player,who needs improvement on defense and is enjoying nice days in New Orleans
He's an unselfish player, who's capable passer and looks as a more athletic version of Manu Ginobili. Can he play like him,he'll be a scary good guard regardless is he starting or coming of the bench.
Young is a terrific high flyer, who can finish strong inside and is excellent scorer. That's pretty much the thing he does best. He's making around 47% from his shot attempts,with 15 points. His finest attribute is his ability to shot from the stripe.
Moving on.
Best Small Forward
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The Small Forward position is a position in which a certain player with his all-around game can make a big impact on a team. The draft was dominated by them and most of the better overall players are from this spot.
Here's a look at the finest forwards from the draft:
1. Kevin Durant
2. Jeff Green
3. Corey Brewer
4. Wilson Chandler
5. Al Thorthon
Durant is a once generation offensive talent,who can score the ball from anywhere. He's arguably the top pure scorer in the game,right now and is amazing shooter. He's decent overall, has improved his defense and is one of the better rebounders at his spot.
He's easily the best from this class and is ranked in the top 3. Now, he's usually in the top 10, after he became the youngest scoring champion ever and is again league leader in that category. His post game is impressive too.
Green is a terrific forward,who's the most complete player to come out from the draft. He's capable to do so much yet he doesn't get the credit for what he does, outside of the Thunder.He's great scorer, who's a terrific defender,is good on the glass and overall.
He's an unselfish player,that isn't getting enough credit which is a shame. He's also good in the clutch as he continues to develop better each day.
Brewer isn't the starter for the Timberwolves, he's got limited minutes but he can ball. He perhaps should be ahead of Jeff but you could discuss that. Anyway, he's the finest perimeter defender from the draft and has a good perimeter game.
He's an athletic finisher who has no problems getting into the lane and scoring in there who had his streak with hitting at least one three pointer each game for about 20 games. He improved well last year and is a great player.
Chandler is a member of the fast paced tempo, New York Knicks where he plays big role in their finest success since the Ewing days in the city of New York. Despite his spot, his block total is ranked in the top 10.
He's good driver to the hole, who's got a nice touch from just about anywhere and is a good presence on the boards too.
Thornton is an outstanding small forward who was drafted by the Clippers but ended up playing with the Wizards. He's a nice scorer, who's got variety of ways to get the 2 points and is a fantastic dunker inside.
He gets most of his points inside and is capable to hit the mid range shots as well. He's decent in terms of complete game but overall is one of the best. He enjoyed his best years with the Clippers. Can he get a bigger playing time? He will produce.
Best Power Forward
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The Power Forward are good for providing easy points in the paint and sometimes from mid range, who provide rebounding and shot blocking as well. Overall, from this stand point, the draft for these big players was a good chance and it features some unknown names yet good.
Here's a look at the top PFs:
1.Luis Scola
2.Thaddeus Young
3.Carl Landry
4.Brandan Wright
5.Josh McRoberts
Scola is the most known face from this group of players and he tops them all too. He's got one heck of a game for a guy that's not athletic. His low post game has tons of post moves and fakes, which he uses well to score in the paint.
He has good presence on the boards and is a good defender, who, based on his PER stats, should be an All Star and he has good chances,since he's averaging around 20 points and 9 boards with nearly a block. Is this the year for him?
Oh, yeah and don't forget that he led in the FIBA 2010 World Championships in points scored with 28 per game.
Young is the most overlooked member of the Philadelphia 76ers, who's productive and undersized PF that is coming big this season despite the lack of good playing time. He's fantastic finisher, who works well on the boards and is good defender.
Landry is a productive forward,who can come up big. He doesn't make living from the perimeter but he's an amazing finisher inside who can finish well inside. He's an energy player, who's now playing for the Kings
He has dropped little bit after that outstanding season for him in Houston but can bounce back for sure and is a double-double machine.
Wright is the most fundamentally sound Power Forward from them all, who's got a good post game and can sink easily the left handed hook shot. He's got nice frame and can deny shot attempts near the rim which makes him the best shot blocker on this list.
He runs the floor well for a big man and is a capable finisher inside, who works the boards well. Can he be in the starting line up more often? He's worthy of proving that he should be in there.
Best Center
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The Center's position is the most influental in the game of basketball. The need for a dominate presence on the boards is huge as for defense and easy points inside. Here's the top 5:
1.Greg Oden
2.Joakim Noah
3.Al Horford
4.Marc Gasol
5.Spencer Hawes
Oden is the No.1 pick from the 2007 draft, who has many health problems but is a very talented big man that draws comparisons to such legendary centers. He's the best defensive player, shot blocker and also presence from the entire class.
On top of that, Greg is a monster on the boards that is such a presence in there and has a nice post up game,which features effective hook shots with either hand and even a little jump shot. He attracts double teams and is most accurate free throw shooter.
His ability to take over and impact a game without scoring a single point,makes him extremely valuable who's so,so productive.He's only 22 and can overcome those injuries.
Noah can be described with these words: energetic, passionate and worker. His passion and energy are second to none, that's for sure. His rebounding skills are on the top of this list,w ho's got the length that makes him a good presence on defense
He's got underrated offense and he's a clutch player who came from college as a winner thanks to the 2 championships that he won. He comes up with huge games and ranks high on many lists. His numbers will go down now that Chicago has a much better team
But can the Bulls go far with Noah? Definitely not.
Horford,came as a winner and is one in the pros too. He won 2 titles as the starting center on the both Florida Gators teams that won the highest honor in the NCAA Division. He's a good old school defender and is a monster on the boards
However, his biggest strength is definitely his offense. His low post game, by far, tops anyone on the list as he can hurt teams in many ways. He's got a phenomenal shot from 16-20 feet that helps Atlanta in order to strech the defense
He's also on his way to be an All-Star reserve yet again.
Marc Gasol is not so known as his brother Pau but he's one physical yet complete center who isn't a Dirk-type of player like most European bigs are. This one is a expectation. He's a good defender, however, he makes impact with his offensive abilities.
He can pass the ball well, is a good scorer, who's not afraid from anyone, and knows how to use his skills to be effective. His game has dropped a little bit but can he put big numbers, his future will be so much better.
Hawes is the best shooting center from the draft but he needs more than shooting to catch up with the rest of the group.
Best Offensive Player
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This part of the article,i will take a look into the most dangerous scorers and rank them into another top 5 list as well.
For the first spot, KD gets it without any doubt. He's the best pure scorer in the game, who's an offensive talent that can hit a shot from anywhere and score in dozens of ways. His long hands give him a good advantage over the defenders and boy,can he nail them
Let's not forget that he leads everyone yet again in scoring with at least 28 points. He's a fantastic free throw and overall shooter, who's set to join the likes of Bird, Nash and Nowitzski in overall shooting once when he's done.
Luis Scola,when he was drafted wasn't the typical rookie but he has shown excellence with his polished offensive game in the post. He's got variety of moves in there and is quick in them, who knows how to use his strength.
He's making Houston fans forget why they traded Landry and for the right reasons.
Moving on.
Atlanta's Big Al is the strongest candidate for the No.3 spot. He's got efficient post up game and can hurt in many ways from the post. He streches the opponents defense by his ability to hit that shot from 16-20 feet and can pass well too
Wilson Chandler is a great scorer of his own, who is excellent in getting to the paint but is capable to be a strong outside threat with his touch for the 3 ball.
Let's not forget the quick and effective Brooks.
Here's the list
1.Kevin Durant
2.Luis Scola
3.Al Horford
4.Wilson Chandler
5.Aaron Brooks
Honorable Mention: Jeff Green, Thaddeus Young, Marc Gasol.
Best Defender
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Ah, as it was clear who wins the first category (offense), Greg Oden wins the second category easily as his ability to play defense was one of the most crucial reasons he was drafted at No.1 and he provides the Blazers, all they wanted him to do.
He not only can block shots but can effect them and make others who drive in the paint think about that. He's capable to bottle his man,while help his team mate, which is a terrific attribute. He was arguably the best defensive player and presence last season.
His dominance on defense proved that he's got all the tools and potential to become the next great big man, which he is going to be. He's the difference between a great Portland and a championship team for real.
Lets not forget that he's a terrific shot blocking machine, who led the league for a while in that category as well as he did in many other PER statistics. Then Chicago's Noah enters the conversation who is a fantastic presence in there.
Sure, he's not athletic and strong as Greg, he doesn't have his instincts but his passion, energy make up for everything he lacks in height. His length and ability to get in the right place are his strengths in that aspect. He's got the skills and all of that too.
Corey Brewer came from college as a fantastic perimeter defender, which he's still now too. He's the stop sign for all the Kobes and LeBrons on the hardwood out there. He's a lockdown stopper, who possesses a nice footwork and knows how to get steals on his man too.
He plays the lane well as he averaged 1.4 steals, which was among the top 5 overall in the league which is an impressive feat for the young Brewer.
Al Horford isn't so big but he's got nice timing and basketball IQ to use his body well. He's skilled and is an amazing presence for Atlanta. When he teams up with Smith, that makes a premier defensive duo in the interior.
Jeff Green, once again isn't so known around the league for his defense and overall abilities but he's versatile and can guard anything from 1-4 well. Last year, he proved that he can shut Kobe and make his life tougher. He can guard other power forwards and keeps the more mobile forwards, quiet.
The list
1.Greg Oden
2.Corey Brewer
3.Joakim Noah
4.Jeff Green
5.Marc Gasol
HM: Al Horford, Kevin Durant.
Best Rebounder
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Rebounding is one of the most crucial part of basketball and it's perhaps the biggest key for winning the series on the bigger stage. Having a guy that can grab tons of them is always helpful, especially in close games.
From the draft back in 07, Joakim Noah cruised at the top with his ability to control the glass and give so many chances on offense again. He's from last year, among the top 5 league leaders as he succeeds to even led everyone for a while.
Considering the fact that he's not so big but has all the other needed things, he's one heck of a player in there. He improves in the playoff, especially in important matches who averaged around 13 per game in last year's playoff.
Greg Oden is a monster on the boards. He always keeps his team in possessions and works the boards on the offensive end to perfection. He's overall,fantastic presence on the boards who's so dominate in the category, that was one of keys for Portland big run in the beginning of last year.
He played 24 minutes last season but grabbed nearly around 9 rebounds. That's productiveness. He also ranked No.1 in rebound, offensive and defensive percentages last year as well which adds volume to his ability to dominate the boards.
Al Horford is little undersized, however, he's got the skills and position to rip down dozens of rebounds, a true machine in there. He's been consistent among the league leaders since he entered the league. That is a sign of his consistency
Plus, he plays in the good Hawks team, along side Josh Smith so it's impressive as the other two who all play in better teams. That's not helping them to put better stats. Durant is the best rebounding forward and possible non big man from the draft
He's not athletic, however, he has a nice position,size for his spot and long hands that allowed him to be on a good level. Green and Young are undersized but effective as well. Here's the list:
1. Joakim Noah
2. Greg Oden
3. Al Horford
4. Luis Scola
5. Marc Gasol
Best Passer
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Passing is the most effective way to beat a defense and usually the point guards are the ones who do it best. From pick n'roll on the fast brake, from a designed play, it really doesn't matter they can deliver it in to you.
Not only they distribute the ball to everyone but can do it in style. No look, behind the back, between the legs and so on, that depends on the creativity from the passer. This draft doesn't have a player like Magic who racks up the assist totals but they are decent
Mike Conley is arguably the top passer in the entire class. He's averaging at least 7 assists a game as he's doing his job nicely for Memphis and they decided to extend the contract to couple more years that is good for him.
The fast Aaron Brooks is a phenomenal shooter but he's a fine distributor as well. He can get in a good position and spreads the opponents defense, who is so quick and can drive well, which leaves someone open and he finds him.
He's around 6 assists, which is again nice. Rudy isn't a guy that has insane averages but is very fancy in a open floor, who can pass with a flare which is entertaining. He throws nice alley oops in Portland as well.
Belinelli has some nice touch passes and let's not forger Stuckey,who can dish too.
The list
1. Mike Conley
2. Rodney Stuckey
3. Aaron Brooks
4. Rudy Fernandez
5. Marco Belinelli
Best Shot-Blocker
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Ah, the shot block. That's the most powerful action in basketball that can get you out of your sits and get you in awe. It's also the last line of defense.
The best shot blocker is Greg Oden, where this isn't even close. He translates his athleticism and natural skills combined with his instincts. His ability to effect and deny shot attempts at the rim is fantastic,as he led the league for a while in that category too.
In just 24 minutes of action he averaged 2.3 blocks a game. That's impressive.
Another great shot challenger is Memphis' Marc Gasol. He's big center who has a big frame and that's a help in blocking shots. He does it almost in text book and doesn't foul the shooter like anyone on this list.
Noah's length and nice sense to get in the right moment makes him a great blocker as well, who's got a good average, similar with Marc who both average 1.6 rejections per game. However, the most impressive of this group is Wilson Chandler
He's getting 1.6 blocks and his total ranks among the top 10 as of now, which is brilliant for a forward,as he's only second to J-Smoove in this category from all small forward. That helps New York a lot since they don't have a good defensive 7 footer
The list
1. Greg Oden
2. Joakim Noah
3. Marc Gasol
4. Wilson Chandler
5. Al Horford
Most Complete Player
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An all-around player can do so much for his team and contribute in dozens of way, not in one area (e.g scoring) but from all. Those type of players are so valuable and having a one in your team can be a good help.
Jeff Green, the unknown man yet good overall player from the Thunder, is the most complete player from the class who can do it all. He's little undersized for his spot (PF) but he helps his team in dozens of ways.
He's a good scorer, who can drive well, is decent on the boards, can pass well and is a terrific defender who can guard anything from 1-4, thanks to his size, movement and skills.
Other candidate is Philly's Thaddeus Young, who's very similar with Green but he's little behind in this category. The big men are doing well, led by Marc and Al on this one. Here's the list:
1. Jeff Green
2. Thaddeus Young
3. Marc Gasol
4. Kevin Durant
5. Mike Conley
Best Overall Players
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Here are the top players from the draft, enjoy!
11. Mike Coley
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It took him a while to develop into one of the better point guards today but Mike Conley becoming better and better each day.
He's handles the ball well, uses that speed nice to get to the hoop, is a terrific passer and he's capable to play the passing lanes and gets steals as well. He's good shooter from outside is a fantastic rebounder for his size.
He's got a complete game and no one passes the ball better and plays at lane than him from this class, as he succeeds in that. He ranks high among the league leaders in steals (4th) both in average and total which is something to respect.
He's only 23 and has all the time in the world to improve his shooting (around 45 percent) and free throws that are around 75 too. He's enjoying a nice career and with Mayo out of town, it could mean that he will get more freedom in his play.
Who knows how big his value would have been considering if he played with fully 100 percent healthy, former team mate from Ohio State, Greg Oden.
Finest stats (2010-11)
13.7 points
7.1 assists
2.0 steals
10. Marc Gasol
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Marc Gasol is one of the biggest steals of the 2007 NBA draft.Selected as the 48 selection by Memphis he's making teams pay about that.
Actually,that franchise profit a lot from the draft, as they now have two of the top players in Mike Conley and the younger brother of Pau. Unlike his bro, Marc is the physical guy who likes to take advantage of his physique.
That's a good reason,considering he's got nice skill set to fill it and is big 7'1 center with a lot of upside for years to come. He was part of that trade when the Grizzlies gave the older Gasol to the Lakers and they got the younger.
Marc didn't disappoint at all.His numbers are down a bit from last year but he's fantastic overall big man who came close to a double-double last year, in average. He needs to continue to get better, that's it and he's a terrific player.
Best statistical year
-14.6 points
-9.3 rebounds
-1.6 blocks
-1.0 steals
9. Wilson Chandler
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He's a fantastic basketball player, who as of late, is putting some big time numbers against playoff and championships contenders,from the bench.
He's one of the game's most elite 6th men in the league right now, who not only provides instant offense with his 3-point shooting overall but with driving to the rim, doing a good job on the glass and especially on defense.
His block total and average are in the top 10, among the league leaders. Only Smith can block and effect shots better than him. New York has plenty reasons to get excited this season and when something is wrong, he goes to the rescue.
He's young and can improve his ability to dish the ball, as he can be even better all-around player who is running the floor well and is good in catch and shot. The question is: can he bring the 6th Man Of The Year award home?
I hope he does
Finest year (this season)
-17.7 points
-6.4 rebounds
-1.6 blocks
-1.8 assists
8. Corey Brewer
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Corey Brewer was a successful college player, who enjoyed two championship seasons with the Florida Gators along side former team mates and members of this list, Joakim Noah and Al Horford as they won dozens of game.
He's a terrific lockdown and perimeter defender,who plays the passing lanes on a who new level and is one of the most improved players,who improved his offensive game as well.He's great 3 point shooter, who had a streak of his own which lasted 19 games with at least one 3.
He's got long hands,excellent footwork, skills and size to guard well on the perimeter, his man who has done amazing job on prolific scorers. He basically translated that from college but his offense is still a work in progress.
He's averaging around 9 points, 3 boards, 2 assists and 2 steals in 24 minutes a game which makes him one of the most valuable and productive players from the entire class. That's more than good and he is worthy of being a starter.
Hopefully, if Minny isn't the team that will do, someone else will
Finest year
-13 points
-3.4 rebounds
-2.4 assists
-1.4 steals
7. Jeff Green
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Jeff Green, a former prospect of Georgetown is enjoying career season since he was drafted as the No.5 pick from the 2007 draft.
No one from that group is more versatile and has a more complete game than Mr Green. He can basically do it all. He's athletic and skilled player with a nice touch who gets to the rim, is decent on the glass, is dishing the ball, making clutch plays and so on.
He's kinda like a poor man's Odom at this point (minus the passing) and helping Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant to create a big 3 in a great future team, the Thunder. He may be not getting the highlights but though he's deserving a bigger credit for his play.
He did play a fantastic defense on Kobe Bryant in the OKC vs LAL match up in last year's playoffs in a memorable series as they were trouble for the opponents, who are back to back champions now.Here are his stats.
-16.3 points
-6 rebounds
-2.2 assists
-.9 blocks
6. Aaron Brooks
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Aaron Brooks is one of the rising stars in the league today, who's one of the best point guards and new franchise player in Houston.
Yup, he wasn't a guy who went high on the draft (26th overall) but where he stands now and how has he started in the pros, is phenomenal achievement and something to respect when you speak about this player.
He's one of the quickest to step on a NBA hardwood, who has excelled in the catch and shot, and overall in shooting thanks to his high basketball IQ, speed and skills too. He's great passer too but his finest strength is the ability to nail the 3.
He led the league last year in most attempts and made in that category. We should expect him perhaps in the All-Star 3-point contest if everything is all right with his health by then. He's now not having the so good start like last year but since it's a new year now, hopefully he will turn it around.
He was also the Most Improved Player Of The Year.
Finest stats
-19.6 points
-5.6 assists
-2.6 rebounds
-League leader in three pointers (entire season)
5. Luis Scola
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When Luis Scola was drafted into the NBA, he wasn't the typical rookie. You'd ask why? The answer for that is the fact that he was 27 when he played his first game. That's a proof that you can fill your dreams sooner or later if you work hard.
He played in the Euro League but he's not the typical European big man and wasn't the second coming of Dirk. He's the opposite from all of those types of players, he plays inside, however, he can nail the mid-range shot well too.
He's one of the more mobile forwards, who's a consistent rebounder, good defensive power forward but is a terrific offensive player in the low post. When the entire offense goes through him, he can deliver it for sure.
I'm not sure if you watched the FIBA 2010 World Championships but Luis Scola led everyone in scoring in the tournament with 28.2 points a game, killing the opponent with his post up game that has dozens of moves and ways to beat an opponent.
This is the year when he can cruise to the point and become an All-Star.
Finest year (this season)
-20.1 points
-8.4 rebounds
-2.3 assists
-0.9 steals
-0.8 blocks
4. Al Horford
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Al Horford is a rising young center, who's going to be one of the best centers in the next decade, who's a terrific presence on both ends of the court.
He's got a fantastic post up game,as he can finds ways to score in there and can nail the jumpers from 16-20 feet as well. Not only that he scores in double-digits but he does it efficiently too. His field goal percentage is among the top 5 in the entire league.
That's a good strength for Atlanta inside and the dude is a rebounding machine. He's just coming of a 15 rebound performance recently. As a rookie, no one did it better than him and he has always been around the top 10 and in it.
He's got impressive passing abilities and is a good overall defensive player, who's the most complete big man in the draft and one of the most in the entire NBA. He's a productive player that pushes Atlanta to the next level.
He's among the league leaders in most double-doubles, who's doing an overall beyond good work in that aspect, who's helping the Hawks in thousands of ways. He was All-Star reserve last year, which was to me and many others,a little controversial decision but I can't say that now.
Finest year (this season)
-16.8 points
-9.8 rebounds
-3.3 assists
-1.1 blocks
-0.8 steals
3. Joakim Noah
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He's not playing it out there but he's still supporting his team and has said that he can't wait to return to the court and help his Bulls to win. That kind of a player is Joakim Noah, who was drafted as the 9th pick of the draft.
In some ways he's similar with KG duo to some reasons although personally they dislike each other as much as other rivals do. No one plays with more passion, energy than Noah, who's got the will to win and is a game changer.
He's one of the most prolific rebounding machines, who's since last year consistent in the top 5 and is a dominant presence on that aspect. He's maestro in the clutch, providing a lot of needed help for the Bulls in there.
He's a good shot blocker and gets a nice amount of steals too, who uses his length excellent and for the record, he can stop his man as well as much he can establish himself in the paint. His offense is a little underrated.
He's got nice hook shots and some moves in there but that doesn't matter for the Bulls as he makes up with his effort on defense and boards where he's valuable and makes an impact. You wonder, why they miss him so badly?
Finest year (this season)
-14.0 points
-11.7 rebounds
-2.7 assists
-1.6 blocks
-1.2 steals
2. Greg Oden
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Greg Oden is a very talented basketball player who often draws comparisons to such all time great big men as Bill Russell, Tim Duncan, Patrick Ewing. He is an extremely raw seven footer, who was the No.1 pick from the 2007 draft
He played well in his first year,who finished with nice averages and led everyone in offensive rebounding percent,all rookies in double-doubles (18) and ranked 3rd in rebounds, blocks. During the 2009 off-season he worked hardly and results came from it.
Oden dominated on both ends, scoring at will, controlling the glass and establishing himself as a presence in the interior, lifting Portland to another level. He was arguably the best defensive player and presence in the league for that time.
He improved so quickly with his post up game, nice hook shots and by being a monster on the boards. He is an awesome shot blocker and attracts tons of double-teams. He can establish himself as a strong and great presence.
There's only one knock in all of that and that's the injuries. They are stopping him and so far have dominated his career, which is a shame.
It's a sad story when such an incredible player like Greg Oden can't play and it's time to put that behind us and simply leave it in the past. He's still young and has the all the time in the world to leave it behind him.
And he will.
Oden is an All-Star caliber big man who's the key player for the Blazers and can turn them into a championship team. He's a winner. He averaged 11.7 points, 8.7 boards, 2.3 blocks in just 24 minutes. Nice...
He's one of the strongest in the league as well,who's so explosive and athletic too.
Finest year (2009)
-11.7 points
-8.7 rebounds
-2.3 blocks
-Led the league in blocks per game,Field Goal percent and dozens of PER stats.
1. Kevin Durant
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A 6'9 forward,with large length, a one-time offensive talent who can virtually hit a shot from anywhere,as he can score in thousands of ways. That's Kevin Durant, the No.2 pick from the 2007 draft and the best player from the entire draft
He's an all-around player, who's the most pure scorer in the league since day 1, a hard worker who has a will to work, improve and has nice work ethic. He has additionally a nice post-up game and is a terrific free throw shooter.
He's close to join the 50/40/90 club, an elite place for the league's greatest shooters as another strong achievement for the youngest scoring champion of all time. He's, by the way, still the league leader in scoring.
He's in many ways, a good leader for the Thunder, a team with bright future in the league and his abilities to score have placed him as arguable the finest player in that team, who has already established a nice chemistry with another rising star, Westbrook.
He improved on the defensive end, as he's much better man to man stopper, and uses his length to be a shot blocker and to play the lanes well too. He's so young and there's all the time in the world to be a better passer too.
Finest year (last season)
-30.1 points
-7.6 rebounds
-2.8 assists
-1.4 steals
-1.0 blocks
Where Does the Draft Class Rank?
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Where will you rank this class among the best draft classes in the 00's? I think around the top.
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