Ok so who should it be for the Washington Wizards? John Walls or Evan Turner? That is the beautiful scenario facing an organization badly in need of a fresh start and a young superstar who can put butts in the seats and represent D.C. for the next 10 years.
John Wall's YouTube traffic jumped over a million views overnight. The world has known about him since he was a 19 year old superstar in North Carolina leaping over high school kids in a single bound and even dunking on a cement shoed Jerry Stackhouse.
So who should the Wizards select? It's really not as easy as purist and fans think it is. It mainly comes down to business (ticket sales, jersey sales, franchise profile) or long term wins.
Thankfully for the Wizards the talent picture is clearer than it was in 2001 when they last held the No. 1 draft position. We all know how that turned out.
While it's obvious both Wall and Turner have the talent, the decision could come down to something called star power. If you take that into consideration, Wall is the man.
If you take into account versatility, physical and mental maturity along with the ability to score from anywhere on the court, then Turner maybe the guy.
The No. 1 pick is powerful but with it comes great responsibility.
Walls like Rose has a large fanbase
From a business perspective, that is factoring in the ability to electrify crowds, sell merchandise worldwide and fill the Verizon Center night in and night out, Walls is the man hands down. He has a built in fanbase.
Walls could be that superstar that ups the Wizards cool factor in the burbs and the in hoods nationwide. Walls has a high "Q" rating just like Derrick Rose because fans have followed his exploits from high school to the league via the internet.
Walls can flat out play but is still relatively raw
Walls is fast with the ball but under control and is extremely gifted athletically. He won't be able to abuse defender like he did in high school but will be able to get his shot off anytime he wants. He does need to develop a consistent outside shot if he is to become a dominant scorer but their is no substitute for speed. The NBA is a playground for players with supreme athletic ability like Walls.
Will Walls complement Arenas?
This is the key especially if fans are looking for an answer to the Wizards long term hopes of becoming playoff contenders. Before his legal troubles, Gil averaged over 20 points per game and despite what anyone says, can ball his a** off. It's Gilbert Arenas who will prove to be Walls greatest asset.
Turner has a solid NBA body with double, double skills
Evan Turner has the size and skill set to contribute immediately to the win column.
One NBA insider said Turner is "cerebral with good size and who can get to the basket and finish with contact."
Could Turner develop into a dominant two guard in the mold of Paul Pierce? Joe Johnson or need we say Kobe Bryant?
Turner averaged close to a double, double at Ohio State (20 ppg, 9 rebounds, 6 assists).
Who should it be?
John Walls. With Walls on the floor, the Wizards organization will get an immediate boost in ticket and jersey sales along with status among fans worldwide.
Besides Gilbert Arenas, the Washington franchise hasn't had a marquee player that could sell tickets and move merchandise since Chris Webber.
Washington fans may finally get to see a young superstar grow and mature into a dominant player before their very own eyes. Maybe Walls will turn into a beloved local icon like Kobe in LA, Iverson in Philly, LeBron in Cleveland, Derrick Rose or MJ in Chicago.
DC area fans need someone they can rep when they're in LA or New York.
John Walls is Mr. Right-Now.
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