When they live up to the hype, No. 1 draft picks are the gravity force in sports, the drivers of water cooler debates and the magnetic personalities that turn games into appointment viewing. They are the players who transform casual observers — and in some cases other professional athletes — into hard-core fans.
“The only bad thing about having a lot of No. 1 picks is that you were really bad to get them in the first place,” Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman said. “But as long as you keep doing well with your draft picks, it pays off.”
Look no further than the red-rocking Verizon Center attendance records that have been shattered since Alex Ovechkin took the ice for the Capitals. John Wall, should he be taken as expected by the Wizards with the top pick in the NBA Draft, could do the same on nights when the ice is covered by hardwood.
Meanwhile, by the time Wall arrives, Stephen Strasburg should own Nationals Park.
“Now when [Strasburg] comes here, there’s a big appeal, too, because fans can see him on the biggest stage against the best hitters,” said Nationals pitcher Drew Storen, himself a first-round pick. “That’s the big thing that’s going to draw people. There’s so much excitement. I always parallel him to LeBron [James]. There’s so much hype with them both and — kind of like LeBron — Strasburg’s living up to it all.”
To think that Bryce Harper could be right behind him.
Last week’s NBA Draft Lottery turned Wizards forward Andray Blatche’s house into just another sports bar, where a heated argument ensued: Should Washington take John Wall or Evan Turner? Blatche said he took both sides.
“Either one, I don’t care,” said Blatche, who is going to be teammates with one of them June 24. At that point, he’ll have to turn back into a participant, not just a spectator.
Unfortunately, one other comparison with James also holds true — questions will come over how long Washington will be able to hold on to its new stars and whether they can deliver championships.
Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, who shortly will find himself with the same status with the Wizards, handed Ovechkin a 13-year, $124 million deal two summers ago.
“I believe that young players, you can mold and teach,” Leonsis told a National Press Club audience Friday. “They’ll know that if they play well, they’ll be the ones who are rewarded with your loyalty and money.”
