2012 Olympics: How John Wall Replacing Derrick Rose on Team USA Helps Wizards

Derrick Rose's torn ACL not only left a gaping hole the Chicago Bulls can't possibly fill, but it has left Team USA with a rather large roster spot to fill for the 2012 Olympics from London. Fortunately, the Washington Wizards are willing to vouch for their young point guard John Wall. 

According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Wizards are "lobbying hard" for Wall to be added to the Team USA roster. 

"

Some Team USA scuttle: Hearing Wiz lobbying hard to get John Wall added to roster, but have to believe Kyrie Irving is the guy IF a PG added

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 3, 2012"

Wall could be closer to making the team than you think. Michael Lee of the Washington Post reports that the star point guard was "invited to participate with the Team USA select team that will scrimmage with the Olympic team this summer..."

"

(USA Basketball director Jerry) Colangelo said earlier this week that he would likely have to expand the pool for the Olympic team roster given recent injuries to Dwight Howard, Derrick Rose, Chauncey Billups and Lamarcus Aldridge.

"

Irving, who was born in Australia but will not play for the country in the Olympics, would be a much better addition to the squad than Wall because his game is far more advanced at this stage of their respective careers. 

Boyer Reed of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that Colangelo has confirmed that Irving will also be given a spot on the USA select team. 

"

USA Basketball director Jerry Colangelo confirms Kyrie Irving will receive an invite to participate on US Select Team. #Cavs

— Reed, Boyer (@PDcavsinsider) May 3, 2012"

It sounds like there is going to be some friendly competition between Wall and Irving, as well as a few others, to make an impression on the Team USA coaching staff. 

You can certainly understand why the Wizards would be pushing for one of their own to be put on the Olympic squad. 

That franchise has been a disaster since the start of the 2008 season. In four years, they have gone 88-224, never winning more than 26 games in a single season. 

The Wizards need something positive to build around. Wall was supposed to lead the turnaround when the team made him the No. 1 pick in 2010, but a lack of talent around him has stalled his development. 

By getting Wall on Team USA, they can at least market him to their crowd and generate some national buzz by getting mentioned on television, radio, etc. whenever he steps on the court. 

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and the Wizards are as desperate as any franchise in the NBA right now. 

Follow @adamwells1985