It’s John Wall.
Anybody else and the Washington Wizards lose whatever fans remain after two of the worst seasons imaginable for a team this side of the Los Angeles Clippers. The Wiz made the Nationals and Redskins feel better about their miserable recent resumes.
The Wiz must make the Kentucky guard the first selection overall in Thursday’s NBA Draft to rebuild the franchise again. And frankly, this team has been made over more often lately than BP’s offshore oil policy.
There’s no drama. Evan Turner, the consensus second pick headed to Philadelphia, didn’t even work out for Washington. Guess he didn’t feel like wasting time. That was the final sign the Wiz will go for Wall at point guard and move Gilbert Arenas to shooting guard.
If nothing else — and the Wiz have nothing else — the backcourt will be good.
But is that enough to fill Verizon Center again under new owner Ted Leonsis? This town adores basketball, but the Wiz have made it a one-sided love affair. Last year seemed miserable, and it was better than 2009.
The Wiz need a bold move when free agency begins July 1. They’re not getting LeBron James, but there are plenty of good players to become the third wheel.
But first, the Wiz need to find a second gem in this draft. With the 30th and 35th picks pending a rumored trade, Washington can find some role players.
Getting Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez would be big among fans after four fabulous season with the Terrapins. But it’s awfully hard to take another point guard with Wall and Arenas. Still, it’s worth considering.
Also, wouldn’t it be a hoot if the Wiz took guard Lance Stephenson in the second round after he once spurned Maryland? Stephenson would draw hecklers instead of fans, though.
The Wiz need frontcourt help — but not long-term projects. On this whole planet, there has to be someone who can deliver 10 quality minutes a night. Washington small forward Quincy Pondexter can play an uptempo game after a breakout senior season. New Mexico’s Darington Hobson, West Virginia’s Devin Ebanks, Clemson’s Trevor Booker and Georgia Tech’s Gani Lawal are talented forwards.
With only six players under contract and four starting jobs open, the Wiz need to score more than Wall in the draft. After all, a Great Wall of Chinatown needs more than one building block.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
