The magical word for many NBA teams right now is optimism.

You know that is the case for Portland and Seattle as the decisions are made. Will it be Mr. Oden or Mr. Durant going numero uno, with the other player going to the Sonics. These are two high-impact players, guys who will be difference makers early on in their pro careers.

There is something else that separates them; these are two quality individuals. Trust me, they will be first-class citizens on their respective rosters. They will be a delight for coaches to work with, to teach, and instruct. There won't be an issue of egos, of where they will cause embarrassment or humiliation to their franchises.

I just get so fed up and tired of reading about the Tank Johnsons and Pac Man Joneses of the world. These guys just don't get it, failing to understand the responsibility and accountability of being an athlete, or even being a good person. They have no clue of what life is about, making good decisions.

I'm talking about individuals who seem to make one bad life decision after another. It is frustrating to see clubs give them second, third and fourth chances, only because they are athletically gifted.

I prefer to hear about the good guys, like Tim Duncan, Derek Jeter, Peyton Manning, Grant Hill, people that understand the difference from right and wrong. These guys do things with class, grace and dignity.

That, my friends, are the same characteristics that will make Oden and Durant so special. They have great size, and ability on the court. These two guys have also been brought up the right way, with people doing a phenomenal job teaching them how to make good decisions.

It is great to see and hopefully the multi-millions will not change them.

Sports can do without guys like Pac Man Jones and Tank Johnson. We need more guys like Oden and Durant.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.