Oden vs. Durrant...

[Detroitdad]

Originally Posted by RockyBalboa

Bynum has nowhere near the athleticism or potential of Oden or Howard.

He has a lot more refinement to his game than either of the others do, in terms offensive skill moves. I don't think it is unreasonable to expect 18 and 10 and 3 to 4 blocks out of him, with high percentage shooting and decent foul shooting, within two years. The others are more explosive that is true, but neither passes as well as Bynum, and neither has consistent range beyond 5 feet. And more should be expected of them than is expected of Bynum, but it's not apples to oranges.

Having pointed out the differences in Bynum's game, don't underell Bynum's athleticism. He is not going to step out and beat people off the dribble, but he has good end to end speed, and he is really a good, quick jumper, with a surprising ability to block shots.

As an aside just what is potential anyway? Is potential the ability to jump and quickness? Or is it those things and the ability to shoot, pass and generally develop your game? I would argue that those aspects of potential are often overlooked. This is why people like Darius Miles are always drafted and considered so highly or Dermarr Johnson(both drafted in the top 7 despite a total lack of discernible basketball skill) while Michael Redd, in the same draft drops to late in the second round.

I respect your basketball opinion so I'd like to hear what you think about this.