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 2007 NBA Draft Round 1 Recap
Only time will tell where this year’s draft class stacks up to the greatest in history. But, following a lackluster NBA Finals, this year’s NBA Draft lived up to the hype – with big time talent at the front end, awkward interviews, flashback dress suits and a couple of blockbuster trades to spice up an already entertaining television event.
1. Blazers – Greg Oden, C, Ohio State
Admitted he looks older than LeBron James; but no one asked the 19-year-old if he looks older than Bill Russell. Speaking of Hall of Fame centers named Bill, somewhere a giant redhead was yelling, "Throw it down, big man!" as Oden walked across the stage.
2. Sonics – Kevin Durant, SF, Texas
The skinny millionaire built like the Space Needle was featured in a video game commercial with Gilbert Arenas. The same two ads ran every commercial break, but somehow were less repetitive than Stephen A. Smith and Dick Vitale.
3. Hawks – Al Horford, PF, Florida
Dominican did the Gator chomp-clap on his way to shake Commissioner David Stern’s hand. Two-time NCAA champ will now join former first round picks Shelden Williams, Marvin Williams and Josh Smith at Atlanta’s trendiest club – the power forward spot.
4. Grizzlies – Mike Conley Jr., PG, Ohio State
Father and former Olympic gold medalist, Mike Conley Sr., competed in triple-jump again on draft night, as the agent for the Buckeyes’ Oden, Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook – all of whom were drafted in the first round.
5. Celtics – Jeff Green, SF, Georgetown
Although long-since traded to the Sonics as part of the deal that sent Ray Allen to Boston, "the wrong shade of" Green wore a Celtics hat as photographers, magazine editors, newspaper publishers and the entire trading card industry questioned the competence of the Commissioner and his absurd draft trade policies.
6. Bucks – Yi Jianlian, PF, China
An international incident during the NBA Draft… Bucks owner and U.S. Senator Herb Kohl took a stand against the People’s Republic of China, refusing to let the emerging superpower tell him who his team can and cannot draft. Chinese officials made it clear that they did not want Yi (pronounced "E") anywhere near Milwaukee – going so far as to refuse the Bucks permission to watch Yi’s pre-draft workouts.
With a blindfold on, general manager Larry Harris – the son of former NBA head coach and Chinese National Team assistant Del Harris – walked into a one-billion-strong angry mob. This spin move prompted Jay Bilas to declare, "I would trust Del Harris – if he were my dad," as well as the mysterious disappearance of an upcoming interview with Yao Ming.
7. T-Wolves – Corey Brewer, SG, Florida
After the obviously disappointed Yi reluctantly crossed the stage wearing a Bucks hat, Brewer donned his T-Wolves cap wearing a smile big enough for two players. Judging by his attitude, the 2007 Final Four Most Outstanding Player may be able to convince Kevin Garnett to stay in Minnesota.
8. Bobcats – Brandan Wright, PF, North Carolina
The native of Nashville and former Tar Heel was all set to stay close to home until he opened his mouth and declared he could beat Michael Jordan in a game of one-on-one. Soon after, M.J. worked out a trade that shipped Wright to Golden State as part of a deal including Jason Richardson – a 6’6" former dunk champ who wants to be like Mike. Tell me, who won that game of one-on-one, Brandan?
9. Bulls – Joakim Noah, PF, Florida
The final of three Florida players taken in the Top 10, Noah made draft history and a fashion statement – wearing a seersucker suit with hair that Anderson Varejao would be proud of and a double bow tie that even Tucker Carlson couldn’t pull off. Noah looked like the lead singer of Gym Class Heroes. But no one was taking a look at his girlfriend. Instead, the cameras were glued to his mom – former Miss Sweden Cecilia Rodhe.
10. Kings – Spencer Hawes, C, Washington
Who said Hawes can’t rebound? The 19-year-old 7-footer boxed out Brad Miller by bringing a younger and cheaper version of the same game to Sacramento.
11. Hawks – Acie Law IV, PG, Texas A&M
Will always be compared to missed-opportunity point guard class of 2005 – Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Raymond Felton.
12. 76ers – Thaddeus Young, SF, Georgia Tech
13. Hornets – Julian Wright, SF, Kansas
14. Clippers – Al Thornton, SF, Florida State
15. Pistons – Rodney Stuckey, SG, Eastern Washington
The Big Sky Player of the Year is taking a similar career path to 1989 NBA Finals MVP and Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars, who was drafted No. 18 overall out of McNeese State in 1985. Stuckey was compared to Dwyane Wade, but the Dumars similarities brought him to Motown.
16. Wizards – Nick Young, SG, USC
The last man left in the green room wore a white jacket with black pants. After the draft, Young either played baccarat with James Bond or parked cars in Atlantic City. Either way, the high-flying USC product is the subject of a soon-to-be released documentary entitled "Second Chance Season," which chronicles his journey from Los Angeles high school star to NBA first round draft pick.
17. Nets – Sean Williams, PF, Boston College
18. Warriors – Marco Belinelli, SG, Italy
19. Lakers – Javaris Crittenton, PG, Georgia Tech
20. Heat – Jason Smith, C, Colorado State
Traded to 76ers.
21. 76ers – Daequan Cook, SG, Ohio State
Traded to Heat. The Buckeyes shooter will go from playing with Oden and Conley to suiting up alongside Shaq and Wade.
22. Bobcats – Jared Dudley, SF, Boston College
23. Knicks – Wilson Chandler, SF, DePaul
Will forever be known as the "brother from DePaul" thanks to an interview with Spike Lee, where the famous Knicks fan (and possible assistant general manager) successfully predicted the pick. Spike also admitted that Isiah Thomas has his phone number and may or may not seek draft advice from the movie director.
Following New York’s acquisition of disgruntled Blazers big man Zach Randolph in exchange for Channing Frye and the enormous contract of Steve Francis, the Madison Square Garden crowd was optimistic about Knickerbockers basketball. But that didn’t stop them from booing at every opportunity.
24. Suns – Rudy Fernandez, SG, Spain
Traded to Trail Blazers for cash considerations in a repeat of last year’s trade of Spanish point guard Sergio Rodriguez from Phoenix to Portland.
25. Jazz – Morris Almond, SG, Rice
26. Rockets – Aaron Brooks, PG, Oregon
27. Pistons – Arron Afflalo, SG, UCLA
28. Spurs – Tiago Splitter, PF, Brazil
Declared for and pulled out of the last three drafts despite being a potential Lottery pick. Contract issues with Spanish pro team will likely keep Splitter from joining Tim Duncan in the paint this season. But the Brazilian National Team member has the look of yet another international steal by the four-time champion Spurs.
29. Suns – Alando Tucker, SF, Wisconsin
30. 76ers – Petteri Koponen, PG, Finland
Traded to Trail Blazers.
By Nathan Rush
Athlon Sports
Published: June 29th, 2007
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