More KD Thoughts

After reading the results of the annual NBA GM preseason poll, in which league executives picked Kevin Durant as the player they'd most like to start a franchise with, I can't help but wonder if Sam Bowie is finally able to relax a little.

Now we know... KD was just being his humble self.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think Sam or Greg Oden were bad draft picks, but it's becoming clearer and clearer that they were the wrong picks.  No matter what Oden does from here out, he won't reach the level that KD has already attained.  And, Durant is only getting better.

The taste is particularly bitter if you're in any way involved with the Portland Trailblazers, to be sure.  As a fan, an executive, a coach, a player, whatever.  You've been the unfortunate loser in two of the most lopsided draft mistakes in memory, if not ever.

Imagine for a moment a Blazers starting lineup of Andre Miller, Brandon Roy, Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Marcus Camby/Joel Pryzbilla.  Then give me Nick Batum, Rudy Fernandez, Wes Matthews/Martell Webster etc. off the bench..?  Dayum.

OK, I do realize that the rosters wouldn't have shaken out quite like this if Durant had been chosen over Oden, but the foundation of Roy, Durant, and Aldridge would be there.  And that's more than enough to build a strong contender on top of, if you ask me.

Sorry, I know hindsight is 20/20 and all that.  The Blazers are solid nonetheless.  But just imagine...