By Joe Becker

We're just over 24 hours from the start of the NBA Draft...and the Blazers still keeping everyone guessing about thier number one pick. I would be stunned if it wasn't Greg Oden.

I like the way Blazers General Manager Kevin Pritchard has handled everything.
This morning Pritchard said "A lot of people think that this is folly...that we are going thru the process just to be going thru the process. I'm telling you right now the process worked last year."

I'll say, Pritchard and the Blazers pulled off a draft last year that will be one of the all-timers before all is said and done. They worked out deals with Boston, Minnesota and Chicago and wound up with Brandon Roy and Lamarcus Aldridge.

It reminds of the the best draft day deal I can ever remember. When I worked in Providence, R.I. we covered the Celtics. Red Auerbach said they went to scout Purdue's Joe Barry Carroll and Purdue was playing Minnesota. Red decided he liked Minnesota's Kevin Mchale. Golden State wanted Carroll. So what happens?
Boston trades the number one pick and number 13th in the first round to the Warrriors for the number three pick and four year veteran Robert Parrish. End result, the Celtics get Kevin Mchale and Robert Parrish for Joe Barry Carroll. Boston went on to win three NBA titles with that group.

The great GM's have a nack for finding the right talent and working the right deals.
The Blazers are getting results and making things fun for the fans. Sit back and enjoy because draft day is coming and we are ready to roll!

---