Al Tielemans/SI

Greg Oden SELECTED BY: Portland Trail Blazers, Round 1(1)

SI Grade 10 10 - Worthy of top pick 9 - Top 10 pick 8 - Late lottery pick 7 - Mid first round 6 - Late first round 5 - End of first/Start of second round 4 - First half of second round 3 - Middle of second round 2 - Late second round 1 - Fringe draft pick to free agent Close

PPG	FG%	RPG	APG	FT%
15.7	61.6	9.6	.7	62.8

BIOGRAPHY: Oden and Texas' Kevin Durant are the top two talents in this draft, but the consensus is Oden may have a slight edge because he's a 7-footer with uncanny talent. Considered to be the best big man prospect since Tim Duncan a decade ago, Oden's size, defensive ability, mobility and athleticism are a rare combination for a 19-year-old of his size. Oden underwent surgery on his right wrist to reattach ligaments on June 16, forcing him to miss the first seven games of his collegiate career. Upon returning, he more than lived up to his billing as a two-time national high school player of the year, leading the Buckeyes to a 35-4 season that included a loss in the national championship game. Averaged a team-high 15.7 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, and topped the Big Ten in shooting percentage (.616). Was at his best in the title game, when he had 25 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks while proving too much to handle for Florida's talented inside tandem of Joakim Noah and Al Horford. Doesn't figure to have much trouble making the transition to the NBA because of his remarkable skill level and ability to run the floor. Even if his offensive game takes some time to develop, his defensive prowess alone should instantly make him one of the league's top centers. While his basketball skills are obvious, his attitude and calm demeanor should also serve him well at the next level. He is smart, modest and projects to be a low-maintenance star in the NBA. Biggest weakness may be his lack of a killer instinct, a criticism also directed at Duncan when he entered the NBA. Oden can be too nice at times, though that is likely to change when he finds himself matched up against the best players in the world on a nightly basis.