story from hoopsvibe.com

a member within the trailblazers organization called a local Portland sports reporter to leak the story out, at this point both have remained nameless so who knows how serious this rumor is.

They said they want Portland GM Kevin Pritchard to let the public know before they attach their name to this story. But anyway the member said Pritchard has considered offering up Greg Oden for Kobe Bryant. So this rumored deal would happen after the draft, the trailblazers would want to send Greg Oden, Zach Randolph, Martel Webster, and Dan Dickau to the Lakers for Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum, Maurice Evans and a future draft pick.

Let me give you my view on this crazy scenario. First off, this rumor was floating around on a random trailblazer blog, so it’s not like it has much credibility. Next if the Lakers were to trade Kobe I believe they would do the same thing they did to Shaq and that is send him away as far as possible, which would be an Eastern Conference team. Another thing is Greg Oden may be a young rare talented center with great potential, but he hasn’t played one NBA minute yet and is unproven. You don’t trade possibly the best basketball player in the world for an unproven player even if it is Greg Oden.

Also Kobe has a no trade clause which means he can dictate where he will go and I highly doubt Portland is a choice of his, they were worse than the Lakers and they still have awhile before they’re considered serious contenders. Also factor in the latest Kobe reports with this tape bad mouthing Andrew Bynum, it seems very unlikely that Kobe would accept a trade if he has to bring Bynum along with him. I also believe the trailblazers have a vision of their bright future with Greg Oden, Zach Randolph, Brandon Roy, Martel Webster, and Jarret Jack. With a solid bench of LeMarcus Aldridge, Darius Miles, Joel Przybilla, Travis Outlaw, and Serigo Rodriguez. They could be next seasons version of this seasons Toronto Raptors or Utah Jazz, a young team filled with talent that can make the playoffs and have great success.

Overall I don’t see this trade rumor happening, but the Lakers might be tempted to pull off a Kobe trade for Oden and build around him instead. After all the Lakers are no strangers to having great centers in the middle for them and having great success with Wilt, Kareem, and Shaq, could Greg Oden be next? Stay tuned to see if this crazy story develops further.

ESPN "outside the Lines" quick interview about the Blazers.

Oden vs Durant

On the TrailBlazers official site they have a entire section dedicated to Oden and Durant CLICK HERE.

Last time I check Oden was winning in the poll 78% to 22% why dont you stop by to put in your input. They have some extra content like pictures and what the play by play guys think of each player, check it out its a good 20 minutes of reading.

over the back

a little size advantage.

webster in china

Yi Anyone?

In a Oregonlive blog there is a rumor now that Blazers want to trade and draft Yi. If they can't get the Hawks #3 or the Celtics #5 I dont see this happening. Yi is unknown and hasn't really shown anything. If we do trade Zach Randolph for another pick I don't see why we would draft a 7'0 China man. I can really see Zbo going to Chicago for the 9th and we may be able to get Jeff Green. Which I think would be a better fit in Portland than Yi.

Now if these two rumors come true we would be set. Trading Zbo to Chicago for the 9th and then trade Jarrett Jack for the 11th. Both of the team want those players and we want more picks in the first round. This is the wrong year to get them I think but having 3 top 15 pick would be really nice.

2nd 1st

Another First Round:

I don't understand the idea of getting another first. unless somehow we can get a player like Jeff Green or Julian Wright then maybe its worth it. I really hate the rumor Jarrett Jack for the 11th, I think JJ is going to be a solid point guard. We need a pass first PG anyways and the 11th could maybe get us a ok SF. This is a really weak draft to give up a starting PG. If we can get vet PG in the free agent market we will set i think.

If we get another pick at least go for the Celtics. Zach Randolph for the 5th is a great trade, but the worst part if cap doesn't work out then Theo Ratliff maybe a Blazer again.

durant

Durant Failed:

According to the The Seattle Times, the report said Durant was ranked 78th out of 80 NBA prospects who worked out at Orlando, while Ohio State center Greg Oden had an impressive workout. Durant was the only player unable to bench press 185. Durant fell behind almost everyone in everything.

Even If this was just one showing of Durants skills, It still hurt him in my eye. Oden and Durant is projected 1 and 2. Oden is still going to be 1 or 2, but if Durant doesnt show something in his workouts he could fall. Sonics really want a guy like Durant, they also need a guy like Durant.

draft

-Speaking of Javaris Crittenton,, it's interesting to note that he's scheduled to work out with the Portland Trailblazers the day before the draft, June 27th. He obviously won't be working out for the #1 pick, and can't be planning on Portland's next pick at #37 either. So what does that mean? Deductive reasoning tells us that his people have almost certainly been convinced that there is a very good chance that the Trailblazers will have a draft pick in his range, AND will have a need for another point guard besides the two very good ones they already have in Jarrett Jack and Sergio Rodríguez. It goes without saying that the day before the draft is a VERY valuable spot on the calendar of a player like Crittenton.

A couple of quick calls made indicate that Crittenton isn't the only one who might feel that way. Two agents with draft prospects in the 5-15 draft range conveyed to DraftExpress that they feel that Portland is sending out messages implying that they may already have a late lottery pick locked up. The rumor emerging is that Portland can secure the #11 pick belonging to Atlanta, in return for Jarrett Jack if they so desire.


Portland will also (tentatively) be hosting Nick Young and Al Thornton two days before the draft, on the 26th. The Young and Crittenton workout dates were released by a Portland beat writer, Jason Quick.

draft

MOCK DRAFT:

1. Portland- Greg Oden- No way Blazers pass on this big man

2. Seattle- Kevin Durant- Best fit in the draft for Sonics

3. Atlanta- Mike Conley Jr.- Even with all the trade talk, Hawks still need a PG.

4. Memphis- Yi Jianian- Pau Gasol days are numbered and this guy would fit right in.

5. Boston- Brandan Wright- Someone to play beside Al Jefferson down low.

6. Milwaukee- Al Horford- Need a big man down low, Bogut not the man.

7. Minnesota- Corey Brewer- The next Scottie Pippen is what the TWolves need.

8. Charlotte- Jeff Green- Okafor can't do everything.

9. Chicago- Joakim Noah- They need a low post player, Noah not really the best in the draft but at 9 he is a good pick.

10. Sacramento- Julian Wright- He can play anywhere on the floor.

roy

Roy for R.O.Y.:

Brandon Roy won Rookie of the Year for the Blazers. I remember watching the NBA draft and they said that Roy is the favor one to win Rookie of the Years. I was happy we got him, but to be honest I wanted Randy Foye. Now I am VERY happy we got Brandon Roy. If it wasn't for him and LaMacus I don't think alot of people would have cared too much about the Blazers.

best fit

The biggest question on every Blazers fans mind is "Who will be the Blazers 1st round draft pick?" Everyone knows it will be Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. Which brings to the next big question, "Who's the better fit in Portland?"

Greg Oden is without a doubt the biggest name in the draft, but does he fit? Blazers signed Joel Przybilla too a five year 32mil contract. I dont think Joel is going to be a type of player that Oden will be. Oden could start at center right away with the Blazers. 7'0 foot 280lb centers that have great leadership don't come to often. Oden could come in and make a impact right away and give us the BIG man we have missed so much sense Arvydas Sabonis.

Kevin Durant is a great college basketball player. Still has alot of question if he could be as effective in the NBA. With a mix style of Dirk and KG, Durant brings alot to the table. 25ppg and 11rpg in his freshman year was a stand out. Everyone is expecting Durant to step in and be a big scorer right away. They made that same mistake with Adam Morrison, it took him half the season to get his game going. Durant will give us a small forward that may help bring us more in the future.

I see Greg Oden being a better fit in Portland. Great marketing guy and will help bring some bigger name players in.

lottery

NBA Lottery work out for the best. The Blazers had a 5.3% chance to get number one overall, and they pulled it off. Now Greg Oden is going to be a Blazer. Before the lottery no one would think that Blazers would have got the 1st overall, now they do they will be able to get the biggest name in the draft.