KD takes a shot at the Blazers after being selected first overall in the 2018 NBA All-Star Draft: “Well, finally someone picked me number one”
The NBA modified the format of the All-Star game from the traditional East vs. West battle to one in which the top vote-getters from each conference picked their team players in 2018.
That year, LeBron James received the most votes in the Eastern Conference, while Steph Curry received the most votes in the West. As a result, they were designated as team captains and given the responsibility of selecting their respective squads. LeBron had the first pick, and his first pick was Kevin Durant, who was taken away from his Golden State colleague.
When told of the All-Star draft results, KD expressed excitement about playing against his Warriors teammates while also criticizing the Portland Trail Blazers, who missed out on having Durant play for them.
“Well, finally, someone picked me number one,” Durant added. “That feels pretty good.”
Greg Oden was chosen by the Blazers over Kevin Durant.
Durant was disappointed when the Portland Trail Blazers selected Greg Oden over him in the NBA Draft in 2007. But it’s possible that what irritated Durant the most was Portland’s reasons for the decision, which was revealed by GM Kevin Pritchard after his team won the 2007 Draft Lottery.
“In reality, I believe both of the top players in this draft have championship qualities,” Pritchard told class Express. “…Obviously, one is a center and the other is a small forward, but I’m the type of GM who looks for the best player available.” I don’t mind what position it is.”
Without a doubt, Oden was dominant at Ohio State, but Durant was exceptional. It didn’t take long for the Blazers to recognize their error. Oden had surgery before even playing his first NBA game. That was the first of several injuries that forced him to retire after only 105 regular-season games in seven years.