Luck Of The Draw

As It becomes more and more apparent that the Celtics will wind up with the #1 or #2 pick in the NBA draft (don't ask about specifics, just trust us), the debate is already raging over who that pick should be. The consensus elite choices are Ohio State's dominant center Greg Oden (who only looks 35 years old) and the multi-dimensional 6'9" Texas forward Kevin Durant. Oden is more likely to have an immediate impact on the C's—providing an intimidating shot-blocking presence on the order of Bill Russell (not to put any pressure on the kid).

For some reason, though, I have a sick feeling that if the C's pass on Durant, they will regret it for years—as the team who does land him celebrates ring after ring. Durant may be one of those once in a blue moon type players—a legitimate star who can be a difference-maker for a decade or more. The numbers? Durant averaged just under 26 points and just over 11 boards in his one and only freshman year; while Oden averaged a little over 15 PPG and 9 1/2 boards. Oden added 3.3 blocks per game to Durant's 1.9.

So, which one? Assuming the C's don't get stiffed by the ping-pong balls again (Hello, Tim Duncan!), I think we should send Jungle Jim Loscutoff to the draft and have him select the kid that puts them over the top—Kevin Durant.