The Washington Wizards finally have some positive basketball buzz going forward after securing the rights to the No. 1 overall pick in June’s NBA Draft. Soon-to-be majority owner Ted Leonsis now has the best available selection to use in the franchise’s rebuilding project.
The Wizards should use that pick on Kentucky point guard John Wall, and thus far, all signs indicate they will. Wall fulfills the need for a strong, heady floor general with great vision. He’s also the best player on the draft board. Wesley Johnson is a great talent, and Evan Turner is a star. But Wall is a phenom, a player who — to this point — has followed in the path of former one-and-done standouts Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans. Both of them played a year of college ball for John Calipari, and both were named NBA rookie of the year. That’s a pedigree the Wizards can’t afford to pass on.
Wall instantly would change the dynamic in Washington. His arrival would mean more pit stops in the District from that massive free agency class of 2010. It also would mean shifting Gilbert Arenas (assuming he’s still here) to shooting guard, a move Agent Zero should make without hesitation.
Lost in the shuffle of his conviction on gun charges is that fact that Arenas has played 47 games the past three seasons. The 28-year-old is not only rehabilitating his image; he’s rehabilitating his career. He needs the Wizards as much as they need him, which means it’s time to slide over. Let Wall be the engine; Gil, you focus on putting the ball in the hoop.
One former coach characterized this draft class as a “crapshoot” beyond Wall. The Wizards shouldn’t even bother with that gamble, not after already winning the NBA’s ultimate game of chance Tuesday night. They should take their time and weigh the options. They should take a long look at Turner, the 2010 Naismith winner, because his talent warrants consideration.
And then they should take Wall anyway. It’s the only move to make.
James Irwin is The Washington Examiner sports editor. Reach him at [email protected].
Follow him on Twitter at irwinjj.
