Greg Oden: Sam Bowie 2.0

The oldest 24 yr old in America

As we approached the 2007 NBA Draft, every team in the NBA wanted to land the number one or two pick.  The rest of the draft seemed to be filled with mediocre talent, but the top 2 prospects: Greg Oden and Kevin Durrant were game-changers.  The only argument was over which of the two "One-and-Done" Freshmen were worthy of the top overall pick.  Durant was a pure scorer, and it was believed, once refined, would be the next Carmelo Anthony.  Oden, however, was considered a once in a lifetime talent... A big man, who had quickness and athleticism, a trait generally lacking in 7 footers. 

The 2007 NBA Draft Lottery was one of the most highly anticipated nights in NBA off-season history.  There were 14 teams, who all had a chance to land one of the two "Franchise Players" that the draft was producing.  After much drama and speculation... Portland and Seattle (now OKC) were awarded the number 1 and 2 picks respectively.

On Draft night, the Blazers selected the 19 year old Oden first overall pick, followed by Seattle picking Durant from Texas.  Both teams rejoiced, as their troubled franchises now had reasons to be optimistic toward the future.  This optimism in one of these cities would wear thin rather quickly.

Portland, whose wounds had barely healed from their disastrous 1984 Draft (Selected Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan), had ripped open their own scar in 2007.  Time has now proven that Greg Oden was a poor pick, especially when compared to Durant.  A slew of microfractures in Oden's knees has limited his ability to play, and stay on the floor.  After missing his entire rookie season, most of his third season, all of his fourth, and now, the Blazers have announced that Oden's troubled knees will keep him out the entire 2012 season.

The 7-foot center was undergoing a minor procedure Monday to clear out debris in his left knee in Vail, Colo., when the surgeon determined there was additional damage and performed microfracture surgery, the Portland Trail Blazers said. 

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This being his third micro fracture surgery, and his fourth knee surgery of his young career, Oden's career may be over.  Lack of confidence in his ability to remain healthy will ward off potential suitors once his current contract expires.

I am sure in his mind, he is killing himself for being "a poor man's Sam Bowie," just as I am sure that the Blazers are kicking themselves for passing on Kevin Durant, who is now drawing comparisons to MJ, Kobe, and Lebron James.

In 4 completed seasons, Greg Oden's stats do not hold a candle to those of draft-classmate Kevin Durant

Here are some other names from the 2007 NBA Draft that have gone on to lead more fruitful playing careers than Oden:

#3:   Al Horford (Hawks)
#4:   Mike Conley Jr (Grizzlies)
#9:   Joakim Noah (Bulls)
#15: Rodney Stuckey (Pistons)
#16: Nick Young (Wizards)
#35: Glen Davis (Celtics)
#37: Josh McRoberts (Blazers)
#48: Marc Gasol (Lakers)

-Kevin Aherne