John Wall is easily the top pick in the NBA Draft. We've heard it all year long and it probably end up being true. However, Wall may not fit some of the needs of the teams who could be holding that top draft spot. In fact, Evan Turner makes more sense for many of these teams. Let's take a look:
NETS: Obviously the Nets need a ton of things. One thing they do have (besides Lopez as their center) is point guard Devin Harris. Sure, like most of these teams, the Nets could draft Wall and deal Harris away for help elsewhere, but do you think they'd really get true value?
TIMBERWOLVES: Last year, the Wolves drafted four different point guards (they dealt Ty Lawson to Denver). One, Johnny Flynn, is showing promise. Another, Ricky Rubio, is tearing up the Euroleague and would be the favorite to start in Minnesota whenever he gets over here. He's the exact same age as Wall yet has so much more competitive experience. Again, Rubio's stock keeps soaring that he could bring in a lot via a trade. But the Wolves have maintained their commitment to Rubio and I think that would stick.
WARRIORS: Let's see, they already have Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry as their starting backcourt. Evan Turner would make so much more sense.
PACERS: Well, here is a definite Wall flower. Indiana would almost certainly select Wall if they had the opportunity.
WIZARDS: Same thing here. Though the Gilbert Arenas saga will come back next season, Washington really needs to bury the past and move on with the future. Wall would bring excitement back to the DC area. Even if Arenas sticks around, he could move over to the shooting guard spot or even be traded (though the market on him and his massive contract seems light).
SIXERS: This will be interesting. Wall most certainly would help, but they did draft Jrue Holiday (and are starting him now). Do they draft Wall and try to move Holiday or do they draft Turner and try to move Andre Igoudala?
PISTONS: Another tough one. They already have Rodney Stuckey (they were so high on him that they prematurely dealt Chauncey Billups) as well as a resurgent Will Bynum. They spent a ton of money on Ben Gordon, a combo guard that isn't even starting right now. With Rip Hamilton on the down side of his career, Turner could be the way to go.
KINGS: They just drafted John Calipari's last point guard phenom, Tyreke Evans. Sure, Evans could move over to the two spot and he and Wall would make an insane backcourt. The issue here is that both Evans and Wall would demand the ball to be effective. It's not working out as well over in Golden State where (if you watch the Warriors play) you can see a kind of friction between the two guys who need to be ball hogs. While Wall would bring in a much needed boost to the franchise, with Kevin Martin dealt away, Turner may be a better fit.
JAZZ (FROM KNICKS): Uh, they have Deron Williams already. They don't need Wall. If Utah did get the first pick, expect a trade.
CLIPPERS: The kings of the top overall pick, the Clippers could use anybody. The only problem is that LA has spent a ton on point guard Baron Davis and have an exciting combo guard in Eric Gordon. They really need more of a swing player to fit with Davis, Gordon, Chris Kaman and Blake Griffin.
BULLS/BUCKS: Milwaukee has the option to swap picks with Chicago, which they may ultimately do. The Bucks put a lot on Brandon Jennings, so Wall doesn't really fit.
HORNETS: Um, Chris Paul anyone? Even if they deal him, Collison has tore up the league.
GRIZZLIES: Interesting spot here. Memphis isn't sold on Mike Conley and O.J. Mayo isn't right to play the point. Wall makes all the sense in the world here.
ROCKETS: Well, they do have Aaron Brooks who is a budding star.
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