Drafting up a memorable night

THE

GREAT

DEBATE

ODEN

OR

DURANT

When most people think summer, they think beach, heat, water, bathing suits, baseball, freedom and/or air conditioning.

I'm not most people.

Far from it, actually.

When I think summer, I think NBA Draft. And with this year's looking juicier than ever, can you blame me?

This is a huge debate: Oden or Durant? Portland owns the first pick. Seattle possesses the second. Whoever Portland takes, or as some would say, doesn't take, Seattle gets the other. Regardless of who they pick, both teams will leave the 2007 NBA Draft with two of the top 10 future stars under 23 in the NBA. Not half bad, I say.

Greg Oden is the safe pick. You've read or heard it everywhere. He will rebound, block shots and basically be a reliable big man, if he stays healthy, for a long time. He will provide whichever team picks him a franchise piece around which a team can be built.

Kevin Durant is the sexy pick. He will instantly be a star. He's more marketable than Oden, but not by that much. He will score a lot right away. He is a competitor. And, in any other draft in the last two seasons, he would have been the top pick.

So who do you take?

I have to say Oden. If you're the Blazers, you have a young nucleus that Oden only enhances. Put Oden in a group with Zach Randolph, Rookie of the Year Brandon Roy, developing LaMarcus Aldridge and Jarrett Jack, and the Blazers are seemingly ready to win now.

Oden's presence with help the Blazers defensively and open things up on the wing.

Durant on the Sonics means that, if Rashard Lewis re-signs, Seattle has a trio of incredible wing players -- Ray Allen, Lewis and Durant. That's a great group. The Sonics need a post player, but around Allen and Durant, Seattle can probably win right away.

Third ain't so bad

Al Horford in a Hawks uniform would be nice to see ... for Atlanta fans. The power forward will be ready to contribute right away and he's better than Shelden Williams.

With Marvin Williams, Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Horford, the Hawks will probably be playoff contenders.

They'll also be playoff contenders if they can finagle the trade that would land them Amare Stoudamire.

Who knows how that will end up?

The best player no one is really talking about

I say Nick Young from USC. He has good size for a 2-guard, a high release and great athleticism. He is a shooter and a slasher in one. And no matter who gets him, I've heard anywhere from 7 to 20, Young will be effective almost immediately.

A future thorn in your side

Keep an eye on Al Thornton in the future. He might be similar to Josh Howard in the near future. He is a dynamic player with an NBA ready body.

You just can't go wrong

You can't pick incorrectly in the Lottery this year. The picks are good until 14, and even past 14. There are solid players for almost everyone. And the second round features some quality players, too.

I just can't express my happiness. I'm giddy.

It's gonna be a blast.