Not a popular selection at number 17 was the Nets picking BC forward Sean Williams, who was dismissed from his college team in January 2007 for multiple rule violations. He was also suspended in 2005.

The pick was called a “high risk, high reward” selection by ESPN’s Jay Bilas. Mark Jackson called it a “great selection by the Nets.”

Just announced at the draft is that the Knicks have acquired Zach Randolph from the Portland Trailblazers for Steve Francis and Channing Frye. Stephen A. Smith loved the move on the ESPN set.

Texas forward Kevin Durant went number two and does not see himself as a savior. “When you play since you were eight or nine years old, you know the game is not a one-man sport. I’m far from being a savior,” he said. “I’m just trying to contribute to the team as much as I can and I can’t wait to be a SuperSonic.”

Oden and Durant became the first freshmen taken with the top two picks and the first American-born college players to be selected with the top two picks since 2000 (Kenyon Martin and Stromile Swift).

The Atlanta Hawks chose next and went with 6’10” forward/center Al Horford of Florida. “Winning two championships and getting picked third overall is very special,” he said. Horford was asked about going to Atlanta and responded, “I’m excited about it. They have a lot of young talented guys. I can help them out right away. We have to tiurn this thing around.”

Horford’s college teammate, Joakim Noah, was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the ninth position. Being the only playoff team with a top-10 pick, the Bulls had the option to switch picks with the New York Knicks from the Eddy Curry trade. The native New Yorker and the son of former tennis star Yannick Noah would have looked good in blue and orange, and the Knicks had to wait until number 23 to select.

Oden looks like a natural on the court and in front of the microphone. The 19 year-old seemed quite comfortable meeting the hordes of media after his selection and was humble and jovial. He was asked about the bad reputation that the Trailblazers have and said, “They did have a bad reputation, but Brandon (2006 NBA Rookie of the Year Roy) and LaMarcus (Aldridge) turned that around. I think I can do that a little bit more.”

He commented on what NBA commissioner David Stern said to him on stage immediately following the announcement. “He told me that everything is about to slow down and I should enjoy the next 24 hours.” Always the competitor, Oden said that even being selected number one does not take away the sting from losing to Florida in the NCAA Championship game in April. “I still lost and they (Florida) won two national championships in a row. It’s two different categories. I’ll always have that memory from that loss.”

The worst kept secret in the NBA was who the Portland Trailblazers were going to select with the overall number one selection in the 2007 NBA Draft. They did not waste any time and commissioner David Stern read it out just to make it official.

Regarding his one year at Ohio State, Oden said he was glad the new rule was in place (that players could not declare eligible for the draft directly out of high school) and said, “I became a better player because of it.”

Eastern Washington’s Rodney Stuckey is projected to be selected somewhere in the middle of the first round in the 2007 NBA Draft. One day prior to the big day, Stuckey met the media and was questioned on being from a small school.

“That’s probably the question I’ve heard the most since this whole process began,” he said. “I thnk I’ve proven myself so far. I’m here for a reason, right? I know I can play with the best.”

Stuckey had a visit with the Detroit Pistons, from which he stated, “That’s the type of team I want to go to. That’s the kind of team that’s going to wn.”

Where the guard ends up will be determined shortly.

Announced just prior to the 2007 NBA Draft at the WaMu Theater in New York City was that the San Antonio Spurs have purchased the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League. The team that recently won the NBA championship has signed an agreement to purchase the team from Southwest Basketball, LLC.

“The D-League has a proven track record of developing talent both on and off the court,” said Spurs GM RC Buford. “By owning our own team, we are now in a great position to develop our young players within our system and with our input. It’s a terrific opportunity for us and we can’t wait to get started.”

The Spurs are the second NBA team to own and operate an NBDL franchise. The LA Lakers own the LA D-Fendersand have hired their own staff to teach the ‘Triangle Offense.”

One more day until the 2007 NBA Draft kicks off in NYC. Trade rumors are flying all over the league. Can we top last year’s incredible 15 deals on draft day?

There are some big names rumored to be on the move, such as Kevin Garnett, Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marrion and even- Kobe Bryant. Figure on some sparks, but not as much fireworks. It would be a shock if Bryant is moved. KG has been talked about for over a year, so Minny may pull the trigger.

The Knicks? Forget about it. Who wants their albatross contracts?

The Atlanta Krunk of the Continental Basketball Association have named former NBA guard Kenny Anderson their head coach. The 14-year veteran is back in familiar territory, having played at Georgia Tech before being selected second overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 1991 NBA Draft.

“I feel that coming back to the city where I was a college star at Georgia Tech to coach is a blessing,” Anderson said in a statement. “I look forward to the challenge that lies ahead. I will work hard and will be fully committed to the CBA’s Atlanta Krunk being a success.”

Anderson played for nine teams and never panned out to be the star he was projected to be, and averaged 12.6 PPG and 6.1 APG. His best season came in 1992-93, when he played in all 82 games with the Nets and averaged 18.8 PPG and 9.6 APG.