By: Kevin Plaza
Tonight is the night that many college and international NBA prospects dream about. To finally get drafted, sign that NBA contract, make real money, and begin their journey to the NBA title. But it has to be especially special for the number 1 pick, whoever it may be. The number 1 pick means that you are the cream of the crop. The team drafting number one has chosen you first, saying that they could have drafted anyone out there, but they thought that you were the most talented, you gave them the best chance to win, you are the best player in the draft. Recently some number 1 picks have been guys like Blake Griffin, Greg Oden and Kwame Brown, who so far have not panned out, some like Griffin and Oden have had injury problems and can still get back to the form of their college days. And then there is Kwame Brown, who has to be one of the worst overall number 1 picks in the history of the NBA, the guy has amounted to nothing and set the Washington Wizards back a few years. But there are also top picks like Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard and LeBron James, who have dominated the league and have made their respective franchises instant playoff and championship contenders. So it’s a huge night for many teams, to make the right decision for their organization and essentially bring their franchises back to relevance. So instead of having you watch the draft, I’m going to tell you what happens before the draft even begins. Well still watch it, because it’s cool to see and there are trades but just remember that what you’re reading here in my TOP 5 mock draft is what is going to happen. I may be wrong, but I doubt it.
With the first overall pick, in the 2010 NBA Draft the Washington Wizards select…
John Wall – This is a pick that the Wizards have to make. He is the most explosive player in this draft and reminds me a lot of Derrick Rose, but Wall is quicker, more explosive and a better passer. Yeah so basically this guy can come onto the Wizards and give them what they were getting from Gilbert Arenas before Arenas went all Wild Wild West in the locker room on us. The easiest NBA Draft pick for a front office to make since the Sonics selected Kevin Durant second overall. Wall and his court vision will quickly reverse the direction of the Wizards.
With the second overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers select….
Evan Turner – He may not be the fastest or jump the highest, but either is Brandon Roy and he is a All Star and one of the purest scorers in the league. And that is exactly who Turner reminds me of, Brandon Roy. If the 76ers can get Roy-like numbers out of Turner, and solid contributions out of Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand, this team can easily become a contender in the East. He is the right pick for Philly and will improve them as soon as he steps out on the court.
With the third overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, the New Jersey Nets select….
Derrick Favors – There isn’t much doubt the Nets will select Favors – or Turner if the Sixers pull a surprise move at No. 2. Favors and center Brook Lopez could be a devastating inside combination in a few years. Favors is an impressive athlete who compares favorably in size and leaping ability to Dwight Howard, but who knows if he can actually compare to the player Howard is. Credit to Rod Thorn for making an attempt on that Wesley Johnson smokescreen, but Favors is all too talented and all too logical.
With the the fourth overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves select….
Wesley Johnson – Interesting that Derrick Favors worked out for the Timberwolves last week, but DeMarcus Cousins had refused to make the trip as of Sunday. There have been rumors for months that Minnesota will listen to offers for power forward Al Jefferson, which could open a spot for a big man in the lineup. Johnson makes plenty of sense, though, because he could add length, athleticism and outside shooting. This pick is a lot like Turner with the Sixers where it isn’t the best pick, but it is the right one for what Minnesota needs. Passing on DeMarcus Cousins may make the 2009 NBA Draft a quickly overshadowed event.
With the the fifth overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select….
DeMarcus Cousins – If HBO wants to bring Hard Knocks onto the hardwood, this will be the perfect situation. Cousins and Tyreke Evans will be a scary combination in about a million different ways and they become must see TV on League Pass. This may be the steal of the draft, if he stays in shape and commits himself to being a professional, Cousins can become the good Derrick Coleman and Shawn Kemp, but if he falters and is lazy he will become the bad Kemp and Coleman.
This Top 5, along with each successive pick, can change the landscape of the NBA. Tune in tonight at 7pm to get your fill of the draft and see the stars of tomorrow begin their journeys.
