Washington Wizards Fans Tag John Wall As Overhyped, Not The Franchise's Future

Now that the shock of landing the first overall pick in June's NBA Draft has worn off, Wizards fans can get back to doing what they do best.

Being wrong.

Too many people are jumping on the anti-John Wall bandwagon just because he's received so much attention as the best player in the draft.

Does winning mean nothing to you people?

Look at the history of first overall picks over the last 10 years. Overlook the fragile Greg Oden and Blake Griffin, who has yet to play a single NBA minute, and only Kwame Brown is a legitimate bust.

The other names over those ten years are Andrew Bogut, Dwight Howard, LeBron James, Kenyon Martin, and Yao Ming. Andrea Bargnani, rounding out the ten, is slowly but surely living up to his draft status.

In short, the last time a top pick really stunk was the last time the Wizards made the selection. This is the last time anyone should cite Brown as one of the worst picks ever. 

John Wall is the answer to Washington's many questions concerning the franchise's future.

I weep for the fans who think the Wizards should trade the pick, or use it on DeMarcus Cousins, AKA Kwame Brown 2.0.

Allow me to elaborate.

Drafting Cousins means the Wizards will have to do something with JaVale McGee, who is not nearly as expensive, and has shown the will to improve his game.

Cousins doesn't hustle back on defense, and has struggled with his weight. Not very high praise for a one-and-done freshman with dreams of being an NBA star.

Note how I said NBA STAR and not an NBA Player.

There is a difference, which roughly equates to the difference between Kwame Brown and Dwight Howard.

You can't be a star without being a dedicated player. Dedication is a major concern for Cousins, who is hardly the type of player a rebuilding team like the Wizards needs to babysit.

Think of it this way, Cousins won't be NBA ready for a few years, even with the best coaching helping him along the way.

Wall is ready now, which is exactly what the Wizards need.

The other absurd notion that has been tossed around is trading the top pick, and/or packaging it with the 30th overall pick, for a better player than Wall.

I've never been one for imaginary scenarios, but I give all the credit in the world to anyone who can keep the dream alive.

How else can you explain their rationale that the best player the Wizards can get is not in the draft, AND is available for two draft picks?

Kobe Bryant isn't on the market. LeBron is too expensive Dwight is at home in Orlando. Chris Paul is a Hornet through 2011-2012. Kevin Durant is too valuable to the Thunder to pry him away for a measly two picks.

So, who could possibly be better than Wall and be worth two first round picks?

Evan Turner is the only other player worth the number one pick. But, he is merely a great all-around talent, a complementary piece for a franchise.

Wall is a foundation for a franchise. Even so, the Wizards wouldn't have to trade anything to get him.

In a point guard driven league, passing on Wall means passing on the closest thing the Wizards will ever get for Derrick Rose, aside from actually kidnapping Derrick Rose.

Rose was the consensus first pick long before the draft, and he's averaged 20 points and six assists per game in his second season.

Tyreke Evans produced rookie numbers on par with LeBron, Michael Jordan, and Oscar Robertson.

Wall is the next John Calipari produced guard in a growing line of sure-fire All-Stars, and legitimate franchise cornerstones.

If that's not good enough, think of it this way. Wall won't have nearly as much pressure on him to succeed immediately with what few players the Wizards have in place.

Gilbert Arenas can move back to shooting guard, where he would benefit from Wall's penetration and passing ability. Andray Blatche is good for 20 points and eight rebounds on any given night, taking the scoring load off of Arenas' shoulders and letting Wall pick his spots to attack. McGee is a rim vulture, similar to Tyson Chandler, who can only benefit from a capable passer like Wall.

What's not to like about Wall in Washington?

No one expects the Wizards to contend for a title next season, and anything they do accomplish will be a plus, given the 45 wins they have "amassed" over the last two seasons.

Sure, Turner would fit nicely between Arenas and Blatche, but he isn't the game changer Wall is.

Is it fair to write Wall off as over-hyped, or overrated, just because ESPN has a fixation capable of elevating any sports figure to astronomical heights?

There is a reason Wall gets the coverage and hype everyone is already tired of. Plain and simple, he deserves every second of it.

Second chances are so rare in this life, and Washington has needed one since 2001. So, what do you say, Wizards fans? Why not welcome the best, and most dynamic player in this year's draft with open arms?