The NBA lottery is over and the Washington Wizards were given the first pick in the draft.
They are now blessed with two franchise players to choose from in John Wall and Evan Turner.
The question is: which one of these talented future stars should they choose?
The 6’4″ point guard, Wall, possesses a rare game-changing ability.  Wall’s wide array of tools and competitive attitude make him the unique and hyped prospect he’s become. He is widely compared to 2009 Rookie Of The Year, Derrick Rose.
Evan Turner’s game may be more polished than the young Wall’s. Â Turner played for the Ohio State Buckeyes for three years before entering the draft. Â The 6’7″ point guard/shooting guard/small forward is the most NBA-ready player in the draft.
Coming into Columbus in 2007, Turner’s talents largely went unnoticed behind Greg Oden, Mike Conley, and Daequan Cook. Â When all three entered the draft following their freshman years, Turner assumed the leadership role.
Turner’s complete game was put on display in ’09-’10Â when he averaged 2o points, nine boards, six assists, and 1.7 steals a game for the Buckeyes. He was then named the Naismith Player Of The Year.
Wall’s athleticism draws more oohs and ahhs from the crowd, but when it comes down to averages, Wall is below Turner. Â Wall’s line in his freshman year was 16.6 points, four rebounds, and six assists. (It should be noted that we do not know what Wall’s averages would look like if he did stay until hisjJunior year, so the comparison is not completely relevant here.)
Wall is thought to be in the same mold of Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose. Â Rose’s comparison is legitimate, but Wall appears to have more in common with Westbrook. Â Both Wall and Westbrook play with agility and athleticism, but do not give a high free throw percentage due to their lack of range.
Turner’s comparison is Brandon Roy. Â Roy played four years at Washington and did not do as well as Turner at the college level. Â Roy is a good comparison, because they both are tall combo guards with exceptional ball control and playmaking ability.
But it is not so simple as answering the question of who would the Wizards rather have between Brandon Roy or Russell Westbrook. Wizards fans can whine and moan all they want, but the Wizards decision will come down to money and needs.  They cannot simply choose the flashiest player in the draft.
The Wizards already have a star playing point guard in Gilbert Arenas, and unless they trade him, it would be hard for them to assume another large contract. That could have them leaning towards Turner, as Turner will not demand quite as much money and would fit on their team as a small forward or shooting guard.
On the other hand, Washington is in a development phase, so they may not be thinking so much about who fits in their team as they are in finding a young star to build around. If that is the way the Wizards are approaching the draft, then John Wall, welcome to D.C.
But if it is a logical choice they are after, Evan Turner is their man. Â Turner would give the Wizards a considerable push towards playoff contention. Â If he plays to his potential, they may then be a few pieces away from playoff contention.
Decision day is coming fast for Washington. Â Who will it be John Wall or Evan Turner? Â We will find out on June 24th.
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* – John Wall photo credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America via Zimbio.com
* – Evan Turner photo credit:Morry Gash / AP via Cleveland.com
