As the 2010 NBA Draft approaches, the buzz around the league regarding this year’s number one overall pick is almost the same as it was few months ago. All signs are showing that John Wall will headline the 2010 Batch of NBA Draftees.
The Washington Wizards own the right to select first in the Annual Draft that will be held on June 24 at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. Unlike the other lottery teams, the Wizards have made up their mind and will choose John Wall of Kentucky as their first pick. The Organization has been very vocal about their plans since winning the lottery and they let John Wall take part in a solo workout with the team.
Wall impressed Wizards head coach Flip Saunders and team owner Ted Leonsis with his terrific skills in their 30-minute workout last Friday. The six foot four point guard, who averaged 16.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in his one-year stay with Kentucky, showcased his amazing dribble and drive ability together with his pull up jumpers. He also had some dunks during the session which showed how athletic he is and why he is compared to the likes of Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls and Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics.
"He is certainly a very talented player, and there is consensus if you go across the board that he would be the first pick. But the scouts, the coach, the staff, they all have to weigh in." said Leonsis, who also denied that they will try to shop their pick before the draft.
“I won't make the first round pick just as I never made the first round pick for the Capitals but I will tell you that we won't trade the first pick in the draft because that would be against the strategy that we laid out, which is we want to rebuild through the draft."
The First-Team All American member expressed confidence that he did a great job in showing the Wizards officials how he can make an impact for them next season.
"I felt I could have shot the ball a little better, but my back started tightening up. I think I did a good job." Wall said
"My dream growing up is to be the No. 1 pick, but the Wizards haven't told me I was going to be the guy and I don't know if I'm going to be the guy yet. I just come out, working out, trying to impress them and hopefully they pick me." Wall said.
Barring any last-minute changes, Wall will be the third point guard to be selected as the top overall pick since 1996 after Allen Iverson and Derrick Rose, who was the 2008 NBA Draft top overall pick. Wall will be paired with Gilbert Arenas and will form one of the deadliest backcourts in the NBA.
"Talented player and a great scorer," Wall said when asked about Arenas.
"I feel like if I get picked here, the coach will figure out a way to put us on the court together and let it work from there. I feel like I can play with anybody."
Wall also acknowledged the fact that there will be a lot of expectations from him if he is selected by the Wizards but he feels confident that he can handle the pressure well. He also added that he had received some pieces of advice from the two-time Most Valuable Player Lebron James, who was the top pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2004 NBA Draft.
"The one advice LeBron told me was not to try living up to all the hype. Just go out there and play basketball. Enjoy the game, be happy to be out there and play." Wall said.
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