No surprise here. John Wall is number one on my list, just like every other list out there. Check out the entire
9 players, 9 days series here. Info after the jump.
Age: 20 (in September. He's 3 months younger than Jrue)
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 195 lbs (DraftExpress), 185 lbs (ESPN)
Wall is an unbelievable athlete with exceptional size and pure point guard instincts. He's got superstar written all over him, and there's absolutely no way the Sixers can pass him up. Period.
Short term, Iguodala, Wall and Jrue all start on the perimeter and absolutely terrorize teams on the defensive end of the floor.
Long term, the Sixers would need to figure out if Jrue and Wall can exist together in the back court. This is a very, very good problem to have. If it turns out they can't, Jrue's trade value is sky high, and there's really no rush to move him even if those two can't play 30+ minutes together. He's an extremely affordable rookie contract for the next four seasons. The team is built around Wall, he's your superstar. He's your gate draw. Essentially, he's the savior.
A couple of minor concerns with Wall. 1) The turnovers. The game needs to slow down for him, and I don't have a doubt it will. 2) The three-point shot. It's not absolutely critical, but for him to really punish teams he's going to need to add that to his arsenal some time down the road.
Best-case scenario: Jrue and Wall find a way to coexist and thrive together. The Sixers suffocating perimeter defense leads to endless transition points, Wall turns into the guy who takes the big shots in the half court, the front court can then be filled in with guys who will do the dirty work through trades and free agency. Jrue's catch-and-shoot skills are enough to stretch the floor and 2010-2011 is the first of a decade of playoff appearances, with the team growing into a contender.
Here's my final top 9
9. Ed Davis
8. Cole Aldrich
7. Ekpe Udoh
6. Al-Farouq Aminu
5. Wesley Johnson
4. DeMarcus Cousins
3. Evan Turner
2. Derrick Favors
1. John Wall
Today is the day, folks. Jrue Holiday is on his way to Secaucus, lucky charms in tow. I wish so much wasn't riding on silly ping pong balls, but this is the hole the Eds have dug for us. Now all we can do is wait and cross our fingers. I'll have a Lottery Viewer's guide this morning for you, and of course we'll do a live blog during the lottery tonight. Check back throughout the day.
Ha, Jrue and Wall, and Thad and Iguodala - accumulating guys that play the same position. But I guess it doesn't really matter these days what position players project as. As you pointed out in a previous post, most guys are expected to, and do play multiple positions.
Everybody says D.Rose for the Wall comparison, I see more D.Wade in his game and feel Jrue and he can mesh and be a great backcourt. Jrue showed a spot up and shoot game last year and seems to be able to play with and without it. Wall should mean sellouts and excitement back quickly, something we all should look forward to.
That is exactly who I see. A more natural playmaking DWade
I think there's a good chance they can play well off each other, but even if they can't, Jrue is either a great (cheap) backup, or an excellent trade piece. Possibly the type of trade piece that can get Elton Brand off your books this year.
Interesting perspective on Wall possible impact. Sixers not included..........................
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/05/2010-nba-draft-how-john-wall-could-change-the-world-for-one-lucky-lottery-team.php
Kobe like athleticism from the point guard position. Let's get lucky tonight, Jrue!
I'm really looking forward to see a Wall/Holiday back court next year. Overly optimistic.
If we don't get Wall, Turner, Favors, or W. Johnson from this draft, it'll be a failure. Crossing my fingers all day today.
Am told Sixers are figuring out if they'll hold second interviews or offer the job to one of the former head coaches they've interviewed (Collins, Johnson, Mitchell), with Collins seeming to be the front-runner.
http://www.phillyburbs.com/opinions/blogs/intell_blogs/tom_moore.html
Pies for everyone courtesy of a Golden State of Mind...
http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2010/5/2/1455274/2010-nba-draft-lottery-odds-redux
If we get 1-5 in the lottery I will be excited in the reverse order of whatever number we get.
1=5 levels of excitement, getting John Wall and pairing him with Jrue to see if they can form the Ultimate AI/Snow backcourt that I think they can.
2=4 levels, with Turner/Favors and the possibility of moving Iggy to get another pick.
3=3 levels, Favors who would be great to put next to Jrue for the next decade.
and 4 and 5 are Cousins/Johnson, whoever falls to us.
If we can get into the top 5, I will be happy.
LETS GO JRUE.
If the sixers get 4 or 5 in the lottery there will be a thorough investigation since those are impossibilities.
1,2,3,6,7,8,9 are the only places the sixers can pick
I am happy you are always here to correct me typing stupid shit.
(that isn't sarcastic either)
Well, go 1-3 then. WEEEEEEEEEEE. If we get 6-9 I will be very sad.