Did the Washington Wizards just create a civil war?
The Wiz were caught in a Catch-22 on Thursday when they selected Kentucky point guard John Wall with the first overall selection. The problem is Washington already has a point guard in Gilbert Arenas. Wall clearly was the NBA Draft’s best player, so there was no getting around choosing him, but it sure creates an awkward situation at Verizon Center.
Wait, an awkward situation for the Wizards? Imagine that.
Each player needs to be No. 1 on his team. Each is the ball handler who runs the floor. Unfortunately, there is no 1 and 1A. Therein lies the challenge — chemistry between two leaders at the same position.
The solution could be Kirk Hinrich, whom Washington reportedly will obtain along with Chicago’s 17th overall choice for seemingly nothing in return. The deal can’t be finalized until July 8, when Washington will pick up the needed salary cap room. The Wizards help the Bulls free up cap space in return for not just a mid-first round pick but someone who may help ease the difference between Arenas and Wall.
Hinrich would give Washington not only a needed top reserve but depth so the Wiz can trade Arenas should there be a problem. And until he proves otherwise, Arenas looms as a problem.
After all, let’s not forget Arenas’ gun debacle in the locker room that resulted in a 50-game suspension and a stint in a halfway house. Until he proves to be a model teammate, the Wizards must expect there will be a problem.
It’s an easy choice between Wall and Arenas — take the younger star. Fans are done with Arenas; they’re just getting started with Wall.
If Arenas can rebound from nearly two missed seasons with knee injuries and last year’s suspension, he can be a superstar again. But that’s asking an awful lot. Wall hasn’t hit one shot in the pros yet, but he’s the one who will pack Verizon Center this fall, not Arenas.
Trading Arenas, probably during the season, won’t be easy. Owner Ted Leonsis likely will eat big money at some point — just call it an entrance fee as a new NBA owner. Hinrich would be an expensive reserve at $9 million, but it’s part of the cost of dumping Arenas.
Overall, a team that was absolutely dreadful the last two years is suddenly much better. Unfortunately, the Great Wall of Chinatown may find his enemy exists inside the gates.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
