I noted a few days back somewhere that I find myself pretty unexpectedly disinterested in this, as KD's going 1 or 2, both of which are great for him.

Still, I think we're in as good a position as anyone to make the case for KD.

Like I said in the post: if you're so inclined.

If one of the teams don't trade down, he will end up far away no matter what.

I personally would rather see Portland, as I think they are a team on the rise and LA and KD playing together, as mentioned below, would be fun to watch.

As another diehard Texas basketball fan who attended all but two of the home games, several road games, and the entire Big XII tournament, I also think the Blazers should definitely take Durant instead of Oden.  Unlike Peter, I think the choice is a little easier to make, if you'll only watch the video and daydream for a little bit of Durant's physical maturity in two years.

Watching the 25-minute video highlight was like reliving the KD experience all over again, but I want to make a few qualifications...

1. He only got better as the season went on: My favorite Durant game isn't on the highlight reel, which was when we beat Baylor in a game we were losing by 18 points at the half.  He missed his first 12 shots, played his worst half of the season, then came out and scored 26 points in the 2nd half to finish with a line of 29-13.  At the risk of using too many superlatives, he just took over the game and threw the rest of the team on his back and carried us for the ride.  Just an incredible performance.

As you watch the video, watch how his offensive game multiplies over the course of the season and watch him gain confidence on the court and around the basket.  I'm not big on intangibles in many sports, but watch as his celebrations become his trademark chest-beating and how he increases the ferocity at the rim.  You will see an incredible string of "OMG! WTF!" shots during the second half of the video against stellar competition. The stats back this up, as he just went berserk despite facing defensive alignments geared on stopping him.

  2. The long-range bombing.  Kevin Durant shot over 40% from behind the arc.  As you watch the highlights, make sure you watch as he hits pull-up threes from all over the court, sometimes with defenders all up in his grill.  He hits threes off the pull-up dribble, off the pass, off the screen, off whatever gives him a chance to shoot.  It's unbelievable.

  3. Knifing the lane.  The spin and slam against OSU was his highlight of the year, but I couldn't believe how fast he could take defenders off the dribble and find his way to the basket.  It's unbelievable.

  4. Post-Up Moves. I saw KD hit shots from all around the basket and from every possible angle.  Sometimes he hit the bank shot without ever looking at the basket, which you will see sandwiched in-between highlights of a coast-to-coast dunk and then a pair of threes.

  5. The intensity/emotion. This cannot be understated.  Off the court, Durant is a shy and unassuming guy who likes to eat candy and stay out of the spotlight.  On the court, he is a man-child who beats his chest, throws down thunderous dunks, and issued some of the most animalistic yells in the history of the Drum.  And, just as important, he loves to win.  Watch a replay of the Arkansas or third Baylor game to see his reaction when a teammate hit the winning shot.  He bear-hugged Winder and nearly squeezed Augustin to death.  Oden sat on the bench during the Sweet Sixteen looking almost bored as his teammate extended their season.

If you watch the video, I think KD makes the case for himself, but I wanted to bring these items to your attention prior to watching it.

Watch it.