2007 SSBL Draft Analysis: Picks 1-5

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Upon the conclusion of the Draft Lottery where the Utah Jazz won the overall pick in the draft, the only question remaining was would the team go with Kevin Durant or Greg Oden. In addition to determining which player was better, the Jazz had to figure out which one would be a better fit in Salt Lake City based on their current roster. In the end though, the Jazz decided to go with the 19-year old out of the University of Texas rather than the 19(?) year old from Ohio State. While there are no guarantees, Durant is probably the closest thing to a can't miss superstar that you can get. The former Longhorn comes into the league with impressive stats even before training camp and will only improve going forward from this point. In addition, Durant joins a team that is full of young players that are continuing to develop so the pressure of saving the franchise is not on his shoulders. While the drafting of Durant is exciting for the Jazz and their fans, perhaps the one person in Salt Lake who is not excited about it is Lamar Odom. It remains to be seen if Odom will find a way to stay in the starting lineup or be relegated to super sixth man off the bench filling in for both Durant and the developing LaMarcus Aldridge. Because of this, I would not be surprised to see Odom end up on the block and the Jazz to pick up some other pieces fill out their roster going forward.

2. Detroit Pistons - Greg Oden (C+ D F+ B+ B A)[/b][/u]

With Kevin Durant off the board with the first pick, the Detroit Pistons were on the clock to make their pick. However, there was not much suspense as the team went with Greg Oden out of "The" Ohio State University. At just 19 years of age, Oden will be a presence to the team's defense with his size (7'0"/257) and his defensive skill level. Even before going through a training camp or individual training, Oden is ready to contribute immediately on the defensive end of the court. While his offensive game needs a bit of polishing, don't be surprised to see the former Buckeye to make any All-Defensive teams during his career and possibly win Defensive Player of the Year once Tim Duncan reaches the end of his career. With Oden joining the Pistons, it appears that the team has assembled a nice young core for the frontcourt for the foreseeable future as they already have Marcin Gortat (age 22) who could be going back to a second year in the D-League along with 24-year old Fran Vasquez at the power forward spot. The biggest question in Motown at the moment is whether superstar point guard Leandro Barbosa will sign a long-term deal to lead this young core.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves - Al Horford (B C- C B B- B)[/b][/u]

After the Pistons selected Greg Oden, the collective groan that was heard was not from Minnesota, the owner of the third pick, but from the Los Angeles Clippers fans since it was originally their pick. With arguably the best two players off the board, this is where the draft would begin to get interesting. With its fair share of superstar calibur players on their roster already, the Timberwolves had a few directions to go with this selection. In the end, the team decided to add more size to their roster as they went with Al Horford, the standout from the University of Florida. At 6'10"/245, Horford is listed as a center but has the potential to move over to the power forward position as well. However, with both Kevin Garnett and Andrei Kirilenko locked up to be the team's forwards, look for Horford to man the middle for years to come. The former Gator comes into the league as one of the most overall solid players as he can do anything needed of a post player with his ability to score in the paint, defend, and rebound. In addition, with the talent around him, Minnesota will not have to lean heavily on him since it is a possibility that Horford will not even start the year in the starting lineup as he will still have to beat out Raef LaFrentz. If Horford does not make the starting lineup, look for him to be a very valuable piece to a possible title run coming off the bench.

4. Indiana Pacers - Michael Beasley (B C C B- C+ A)[/b][/u]

Continuing with the draft, the Indiana Pacers went with 18-year old Michael Beasley coming straight out of high school. While some scouts had some questions regarding Beasley's mental and emotional state, there is no questioning his abilities and what he brings to the court. Perhaps seeing something, the Pacers decided to move Beasley from the power forward position to the small forward position and were rewarded instantly with Beasley's defense going all the up to a "B+". With this defensive skill and his ability to score in the paint, look for Beasley to create some mismatches and have a very solid rookie season. Even though there are players that were drafted ahead of Beasley, between his skills and the fact he will see considerable minutes as a starter and that he may be an offensive option, I would not be surprised to see him capture Rookie of the Year honors this coming year.

5. Washington Wizards - Corey Brewer (B- B C B+ C A)[/b][/u]

To round out the top 5 of the 2007 SSBL Draft, the Washington Wizards were on the clock looking to add another young piece to compliment their young franchise point guard in Deron Williams. In the end, the team drafted the second University of Florida player at this early stage in the draft with Corey Brewer. Similar to his former college teammate Al Horford, Brewer comes in with a solid overall game and should be an immediate contributor on both ends of the court, especially on the defensive side of the floor. While he is 6'8", perhaps one concern about Brewer is how he will handle the physical play in the league on a nightly basis since he is only 185 pounds so it may allow stronger players to take him into the paint and wear him down during a game. Even with that, Brewer appears to have a great upside and shows that this draft was a great draft for small forwards as three of the first five picks filled this position. Similar to Indiana's Michael Beasley, I look for Corey Brewer to be in the starting lineup unless the Wizards make a big splash in free agency.
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