After my column comparing Greg Oden and Derrick Rose was posted Wednesday, several more GMs responded to join the debate. Here's what they had to say:
* Eastern Conference GM: "The center and point guard are the two most important positions to fill. In the past, I would have said the 5 and probably would today. But the NBA has changed its rules, and they favor the perimeter players, so it's closer. Still, it is a huge advantage to have a rebounding, shotblocking center and how many are there? Not many people have 7-foot children. If they were both great, I would still take the center ... but I would try to get both." Verdict: Oden.
* Eastern Conference GM: "Difficult question to answer. The two most difficult positions to fill in the league the 1 and 5 spots. ... I would probably go big and take Oden. Then Oden has the bad night at the Garden and Rose is playing great. But being honest, if you are talking about both guys coming out at the same time in the same draft, I probably take Oden. But now after the fact, with Oden's injuries and with Rose playing so well, I -- like everyone else -- would take Rose. But that's easy to say after the fact." Verdict: Leaning Oden.
* Western Conference GM: "Probably Oden. The big is harder to find." Verdict: Oden
Add these opinions to the three GMs who weighed in for the column, and here's the unofficial tally:
Rose: 1
Leaning Rose: 0
Oden: 1
Leaning Oden: 4
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