Who Was the 2007 NBA Draft 1st Pick and Where Are They Now?

I still remember watching the 2007 NBA Draft like it was yesterday - the anticipation building as David Stern stepped to the podium to announce what many considered one of the most unpredictable first picks in recent memory. That year, the Portland Trail Blazers held the coveted first overall selection, and they used it to select Greg Oden from Ohio State University. Looking back now, it's fascinating how that single decision set in motion careers that would take dramatically different paths than anyone could have predicted.

When Portland chose Oden over Kevin Durant, the basketball world largely agreed with the decision. Oden was being compared to Bill Russell - a defensive anchor who could transform a franchise. Standing at 7 feet tall with incredible athleticism, he seemed destined for greatness. Meanwhile, Durant, though clearly talented, faced questions about whether his slender frame could withstand NBA physicality. I've always been fascinated by these draft moments because they represent such perfect intersections of hope, potential, and the complete unknown. Teams are essentially betting millions on their ability to predict human development and athletic trajectory.

Oden's career, as we now know, became one of the NBA's great "what if" stories. Chronic knee problems limited him to just 105 games over his entire NBA career. He last played in the NBA during the 2013-14 season with the Miami Heat, appearing in only 23 games. After several comeback attempts, he eventually returned to Ohio State to complete his degree in sports industry. These days, he works as a student manager for the Ohio State basketball program while also serving as an advocate for mental health awareness. It's heartbreaking to consider what might have been - when he did play, he showed flashes of that dominant defensive presence everyone expected.

Meanwhile, Kevin Durant, selected second by the Seattle SuperSonics (who would become the Oklahoma City Thunder), developed into one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. He's won two NBA championships, an MVP award, and continues to be an elite player even as I write this. The contrast between these two careers always makes me reflect on how much luck and health factor into athletic success, beyond just talent and work ethic.

The 2007 draft class overall produced several notable players who've had varying career trajectories. Al Horford (pick #3) has enjoyed a remarkably long and successful career, recently helping the Boston Celtics win another championship nearly 17 years after being drafted. Mike Conley (#4) has been a model of consistency at point guard. But what strikes me about reviewing this draft class is how it mirrors the challenges that Coach Tiongco mentioned in that quote about team building and chemistry. He spoke about how "lapses happen especially in crucial moments" and how rookies need to mature into their roles, noting that "we are good as a team" but chemistry takes time, especially when "trades suddenly come one after another."

That insight perfectly captures what many of these 2007 draftees experienced - being thrown into situations where they had to develop chemistry quickly while facing immense pressure as high draft picks. Some teams, like Portland with Oden, never got to build that chemistry due to injuries. Others, like Seattle/Oklahoma City with Durant, saw their patience rewarded as their young star developed into a franchise player.

As I analyze draft classes years later, I've come to believe that team context matters almost as much as individual talent. Oden might have had a different career in another situation, just as Durant's development benefited from getting immediate playing time and offensive responsibility. The 2007 draft teaches us that success isn't just about being picked first - it's about fit, health, development, and sometimes just plain luck.

Looking at where these players are now shows such diverse paths. Some remain in the NBA, others have moved to coaching or broadcasting, while some have left basketball entirely. Oden's journey from can't-miss prospect to what-might-have-been story is particularly poignant because it reminds us that athletic careers are human stories first. His current role in mentoring college athletes represents a full-circle moment that's honestly quite beautiful.

What stays with me most about the 2007 NBA Draft is how it exemplifies the unpredictable nature of sports. The certainty everyone felt about Oden becoming a superstar, the questions about Durant's durability - all of it got turned upside down. It makes me appreciate even more the players who do manage to have long, successful careers, because so much has to go right for that to happen. The 2007 first pick story ultimately isn't just about Greg Oden or Kevin Durant - it's about how we evaluate potential, how careers unfold in unexpected ways, and why we remain fascinated by these narratives years later.