Looking back at the 2007 NBA Draft feels like flipping through an old yearbook—some faces you remember vividly, others you’d almost forgotten, and a few whose journeys took turns no one could’ve predicted. I’ve always been fascinated by how drafts shape legacies, not just for players but for entire franchises. That year, names like Kevin Durant, Greg Oden, and Al Horford dominated headlines, each carrying the weight of sky-high expectations. Fast forward to today, and it’s clear that this draft class didn’t just produce stars—it sculpted the modern NBA in ways we’re still unpacking. In this piece, I’ll revisit where the top picks landed, how their careers unfolded, and why this group remains one of the most compelling in league history.
When the Portland Trail Blazers selected Greg Oden first overall, the buzz was electric. At the time, I remember thinking he was a can’t-miss prospect—a defensive anchor with the potential to dominate for a decade. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant went second to the Seattle SuperSonics, and debates raged over whether Oden’s defensive prowess outweighed Durant’s scoring genius. Of course, hindsight tells a different story. Oden’s career was derailed by injuries, limiting him to just 105 NBA games, while Durant evolved into a two-time Finals MVP and one of the greatest scorers ever. It’s a stark reminder of how fragile draft projections can be. Beyond those two, Al Horford (pick No. 3) carved out a remarkably steady career, earning five All-Star selections and becoming a cornerstone for multiple playoff teams. Then there’s Mike Conley (No. 4), who quietly built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable point guards, and Jeff Green (No. 5), whose journeyman path included a memorable stint with the Boston Celtics.
What strikes me most about the 2007 draft is its depth. Late picks like Marc Gasol (No. 48) and Ramon Sessions (No. 56) outperformed many lottery selections, with Gasol winning a championship and Defensive Player of the Year honors. This class also highlights the globalization of the NBA—players like Joakim Noah (No. 9), born in New York but raised in France, and Yi Jianlian (No. 6) from China, underscored the league’s expanding reach. In a way, their stories remind me of today’s international talents, such as Alex Eala and her partner Renata Zarazua, who are navigating the women’s doubles circuit at the 2025 French Open. Just as Eala and Zarazua face gritty opponents like Olga Danilovic and Anastasia Potapova, these NBA rookies battled their own hurdles—adapting to new cultures, injuries, or heightened pressure. The parallel isn’t perfect, but it’s a testament to how draft picks, whether in sports or beyond, represent hope and uncertainty in equal measure.
Analyzing the impact of the 2007 draft class, it’s impossible to ignore how it influenced team-building strategies. Durant’s success, for instance, accelerated the trend toward positionless basketball, where versatility and shooting trump traditional roles. Meanwhile, Horford’s longevity—he’s still contributing meaningful minutes in his late 30s—showcases the value of high-IQ big men. From my perspective, this draft also exposed the risks of overvaluing potential. Oden’s case, in particular, serves as a cautionary tale; teams now prioritize medical evaluations more than ever. On the other hand, Durant’s ascent fueled the “tank for talent” mindset, with franchises willingly bottoming out for a shot at a franchise-altering player. Statistically, the top 10 picks combined for over 30 All-Star appearances and multiple championships, though individual outcomes varied wildly. For example, Durant alone has racked up four scoring titles and two rings, while Oden never averaged more than 9.4 points per season.
Reflecting on all this, I can’t help but feel a mix of admiration and melancholy. Admiration for players like Durant, who exceeded the hype, and melancholy for what might have been with Oden. Personally, I’ve always been drawn to underdog stories—like Gasol’s rise from a second-round pick to an NBA champion—because they underscore the draft’s unpredictability. Even today, as I follow prospects in other sports, such as Alex Eala’s journey at the French Open, I’m reminded that potential is only part of the equation. Luck, health, and resilience play huge roles. In the end, the 2007 NBA Draft wasn’t just a snapshot of talent; it was a catalyst for change, pushing the league toward a more analytical, globalized future. And for fans like me, that’s what makes revisiting it so rewarding—it’s not just about where these players are now, but how their paths continue to echo across the game.