The Wizards are trying their best to position themselves well for the NBA draft lottery — losing 13 straight games. And there is no better place to look for Washington’s future savior than the Sweet 16:
John Wall, Kentucky
Similar to » Derrick Rose
Strengths » The Wizards will have to win the lottery to get Wall. The point guard is big (6-foot-4) and athletic. He is a great passer and rebounds well for his position. Wall is very creative around the rim and can get in the lane at will.
Weaknesses » He needs to work on his outside jumper and take care of the ball. Wall is only shooting 34 percent from behind the arc and is averaging four turnovers a game, way too high for a point guard.
Evan Turner, Ohio State
Similar to » Brandon Roy
Strengths » Turner can play point guard or off the ball. He has good size (6-foot-7, 205 pounds) and has done everything for Ohio State this season — leading the team in points, rebounds and assists — while being very efficient (52.3 percent from the field). His quick return from his back injury shows his toughness.
Weaknesses » Like Wall, Turner could shoot better from behind the arc (35.3 percent this season) and needs to reduce turnovers (4.3 per game).
Wesley Johnson, Syracuse
Similar to » Shawn Marion
Strengths » Johnson has great range and good shot selection. He has a nice jab-step move to free up his mid-range jumper. Johnson has averaged nearly two blocks per game and is quick to get off the floor. He also leads the Orange in rebounding.
Weaknesses » For being so athletic, Johnson doesn’t get to the rim enough. The 198-pound forward needs to improve his strength and ball handling. He’s also older than the last two NBA rookies of the year — Kevin Durant and Rose.
DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky
Similar to » Zach Randolph
Strengths » Cousins is a beast down low and is big enough (6-foot-11, 260 pounds) to play center or power forward in the NBA right away. Although he’s big and powerful, he also has a nice touch, great footwork and can hit shots away from the basket.
Weaknesses » He has a poor attitude and is not a great athlete. If he matures he has the tools to be an All-Star. But if he doesn’t Cousins could be the biggest bust of the draft.
