The Top 5 Picks of the 2007 NBA Draft: An Early Analyisis

The season is still young and players are still settling in to their new roles as NBA players. It is never easy being a rookie in any professional sport. Adjustment is never easy. Here is an early look at the progress and impact of the top five selections of the 2007 draft.

Greg Oden (Pick 1, Portland): Greg Oden appeared to be a fantastic pick for the rebuilding Portland Trail Blazers. Oden was expect to start immediately and begin to establish himself as a premier center during his opening season. However a look at the stats is revealing. Zero points per game, zero rebounds per game, zero blocks per game, zero minutes played. Greg Oden has not stepped on the court as a Trailblazer. Injuries derailed this young man's season before it even began. Oden underwent surgery to repair his right knee. Oden has been traveling with the team to adjust to the rigors of the NBA, but that will do little to prepare him for an actual season. Fans will have to wait another year before they get to see what the big man can accomplish on the big stage.

Kevin Durant (Pick 2, Seattle): The wonder kid from University of Texas had the talent to be selected number one overall. However, Seattle was lucky enough to grab him with the second pick. The fact that he has remained healthy while Oden has failed to do so is very important for the Sonics. The Sonics are struggling record wise, but are showing the potential to be a good team with the aid of time and a key addition or two. Durant has begun to showcase his talent with an awe inspiring, game winning three pointer in double overtime. The kid definitely has talent. Scoring has been impressive for Durant who is averaging twenty points per game. Rebounding and assists have been mediocre, but expect those stats to improve with time. Durant has contributed 1.5 steals and 1 block per game. Durant seems to be well worth the number two selection early on.