Ohio State center Greg Oden was already scheduled to be in Portland, Ore., today to talk about a shoe deal with Nike. The timing couldn’t have been better, since the projected top pick in this year’s NBA draft learned Tuesday night he also can visit with his likely new employer.
Despite having just a 5.3 percent chance, the Portland Trail Blazers landed the top selection in the June 28 draft at the NBA’s draft lottery in Secaucus, N.J., and are projected to select Oden. The Seattle SuperSonics landed the No. 2 pick and are projected to select Texas forward Kevin Durant.
The next three picks went to the Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies and Boston Celtics, respectively. All three finished the 2006-07 season with worse records than Portland and Seattle.
“I was surprised,” Oden said via text message Tuesday night. “I was thinking it would be Boston or Memphis (getting the top pick).”
Oden averaged 15.7 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.3 blocked shots as a freshman, leading Ohio State to the national championship game last season.
The 7-footer will be in Las Vegas for a USA Basketball news conference today, where he will be announced as a new member of Team USA. Bill Duffy, president of BDA Sports, which represents Oden, said his client would depart Las Vegas this afternoon to go to Portland to meet with Nike.
Oden could be the centerpiece player for a young Trail Blazers team with great potential. Portland’s roster includes NBA rookie of the year Brandon Roy, forwards Zach Randolph and LaMarcus Aldridge and guards Jarrett Jack and Martell Webster.
“I’ve never been to Portland, but I’ve heard it’s a great city,” Oden said. “I know they have really good guys.”
Although Oden is widely projected to be the top pick next month, Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard told The Associated Press he plans to visit with Oden and Durant before making a decision. Oden said he would be happy to be drafted by Portland or Seattle.
Staff writer Marc J. Spears can be reached at 303-954-1098 or mspears@denverpost.com.
