Well, it’s about time Daily Basketball gets a preview for the team with the #1 pick! Blazer’s Edge blogger Dave wrote this up.

2006-07 Record: 32-50

This Year’s Picks: #1, #37, #42, #52, #53

The Portland Blazers sit in the catbird seat in this year’s draft by virtue of their crazy-mad ping-pong ball skillz. They have two pressing needs: center and small forward. By happy coincidence the two major prospects in the draft, Greg Oden and Kevin Durant, fill those positions. New Portland GM Kevin Pritchard claims many sleepless nights in the last few weeks trying to choose between them. Oden-like size and skills have historically led to championships in the NBA but many are speculating that Durant has a greater upside and may be the next player to revolutionize the game in Jordan-like fashion. Oden brings much-needed defense whereas Durant brings much-needed offense. Oden impressed with his raw ability and personality but Durant had the superior workout and perhaps greater intensity and drive. Pritchard’s modus operandi is to involve many voices in the decision-making process and then to hash things out until those voices come to a consensus. That may not be possible in this case. It’s a sure bet that at least a third of the Blazer war room will dissent whichever way the decision goes.

Despite the seeming controversy odds are that the Blazers will go with Oden’s size and defense to complement the games of Brandon Roy, Lamarcus Aldridge, and Sergio Rodriguez. A frontcourt of Oden and Aldridge could be a defensive nightmare for opponents for years to come. The Blazers also need defensive rebounding help and Oden fits that bill. Besides, in the end centers are irreplaceable.

As if that weren’t enough intrigue Pritchard is also aiming to get a second first-round pick through a combination of talent, second-rounders, and future picks. Power forward Zach Randolph and point guard Jarrett Jack are rumored to be available. Speculation has Portland angling for a point guard with the second pick, although if it were high enough they wouldn’t hesitate to grab a big man or small forward, whichever they passed on with the first overall pick. Picks rumored to be under consideration range from Atlanta’s #3 to New Jersey’s #17. Chicago has been a persistent rumor although because of salary issues it’s unlikely any deal for the #9 selection could be consummated until after the draft. After swinging six trades last summer nobody is betting against Pritchard’s ability to get what he wants and it’s a good bet that the excitement for Portland won’t end with the announcement of the first pick.

To read analysis about the Blazers’ draft, visit Blazer’s Edge.