Home > Jeff Green and Kevin Durant, a super Sonics combo made in a heavenly Draft

Jeff Green and Kevin Durant, a super Sonics combo made in a heavenly Draft

They were the winners in the 2007 NBA Draft, but spare a thought for the losers - the Boston Celtics, Portland Trailblazers and Joakim Noah.

by Eitan Divinsky on 04 July 2007

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Kevion Durant made Seattle the big winners (Gettyimages.com)

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The NBA Draft has concluded. This draft included its share of lackluster picks, blockbuster trades and choice pick-ups. I’d like to take a look at some of the first-round picks, naming the winners and losers of the draft…

Winner: Seattle Supersonics

It’s a good thing Greg Oden refused an invitation to work-out for the Sonics. Seems they had the Trailblazers where they wanted them all the way. Expect Kevin Durant to be the go-to guy all year long. Durant is one of the most versatile offensive players we’ve seen in a while. He has an inside game to go along with a perimeter shot.

Loser: Boston Celtics

'Durant is one of the most versatile offensive players we’ve seen in a while. He has an inside game to go along with a perimeter shot'

Danny Ainge would be ill-advised to place bets on Pierce staying with Boston too much longer. Giving up the rights to the #5 draft pick in return for Seattle’s battle-wounded Ray Allen wasn’t the smartest decision. The aging Allen is coming off surgeries to both ankles, a not-so-productive season and hyped expectations.

Winner: Jeff Green

One thing’s for certain: he won’t be donning Celtic green next season. And if that’s not enough, Green is likely to start alongside future All-Star Kevin Durant. This duo may end up leading Seattle to a play-offs berth. If not this season, maybe in ’08.

Winner: Golden-State Warriors

It may well go down as one of the Warriors’ best all-time trades. Giving up fan-favorite Jason Richardson for the rights to Brandan Wright will pay off big in the long run. Wright will battle Durant for Rookie of the Year honors and may be one of the best pick-ups at the 8-spot in draft history. Expect Wright to become a franchise player on short notice and Nelly to lead his team back to the playoffs.

Loser: Joakim Noah

The Florida standout will see limited game-time in his first year with the Bulls (assuming he isn’t traded by opening night). The Bulls have been shopping around for a big scorer inside and Noah isn’t the man they were looking for. The Bulls are loaded with talent at the F position and Ben Wallace is their starting center. I don’t know where exactly Noah fits in on this team.

Winner: Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks had the most to lose in this draft. They came up with some gems of their own like Acie Law at #11. Law averaged over 17 pts a game in college and impressed me with his raw talent. You may be well looking at the next Stephon Marburry.

Loser: Portland Trailblazers

As if drafting Greg Oden at #1 wasn’t enough, their 23-10 guy Zach Randolph to New York for Steve Francis and Channing Frye. What gives!?

Comments (1)

by Greg Varkonyi on July 05, 2007

Ray isn't young and he did have surgery, but saying that he had a not so productive season? He "only" averaged a career high in pts/game for the season whilst improving on his FG and 3pt shooting percentages. I don't think anyone averaging over 26 points per game can be called not-so-productive... For god sakes Boston got the 7th best scorer from last season, and the 21st most efficient player (according to nba.com's efficiency rating). Boston's finest, Paul Pierce was behind Allen in both areas (12th and 29th). I also think you are way too optimistic about Brendan Wright. He is a great talent, but he will need lots of time to develop, his production will most probably be far worse than what you are predicting here. Noah fits the Bulls perfectly, and believe me getting PT for him will not be a problem, as Skiles loves hard workers like him. I won't even comment the ridiculous nature of calling the Oden pick a loser situation...