Wizards pick John Wall at No. 1 in Kentucky-heavy NBA draft

NBA commissioner David Stern, left, shakes hands with No. 1 overall draft pick John Wall as he welcomes the Kentucky standout to the pros. Photo by Bill Kostroun, AP

Wizards pick John Wall at No. 1 in Kentucky-heavy NBA draft
By Nicole Auerbach, USA TODAY

NEW YORK — Point guard John Wall led a record five Kentucky players taken in the first round of the NBA draft Thursday, while the Chicago Bulls became the latest to clear cap space in pursuit of LeBron James.

Chicago agreed to trade guard Kirk Hinrich and its No. 17 pick (forward Kevin Seraphin from France) to the Washington Wizards, who took Wall as expected No. 1 overall. He was the first Kentucky player ever chosen first.

Ohio State guard Evan Turner went next to the Philadelphia 76ers, then Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors to the NBA-worst New Jersey Nets.

"Words can't even explain (how I feel) right now," said Wall, the national freshman of the year and Southeastern Conference player of the year.

His first-round teammates: center DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings), forward Patrick Patterson (Houston Rockets), guard Eric Bledsoe (Oklahoma City Thunder), center Daniel Orton (Orlando Magic). The Big 12 had the most first-rounders: seven.

Chicago's trade, confirmed by two people familiar with the situation who asked for anonymity because deals can't be announced until the new salary cap takes hold July 8, clears about $10.3 million in salary for the Bulls. That leaves them with $30 million to go after James and another top free agent, such as Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh or Amar'e Stoudemire.

The New York Knicks and Miami Heat also have enough to go after more than one maximum-level free agent.

Underclassmen so dominated the first round that the first senior went as a record-low No. 23 pick, Clemson forward Trevor Booker to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Wall goes to a team still reeling from Gilbert Arenas' (FSY) season-ending suspension for bringing guns into the team locker room.

Wall could replace Arenas as the Wizards' point guard, or perhaps play alongside him in a potential high-scoring backcourt. He'll try to become the third straight freshman point guard to win Rookie of the Year honors after Chicago's Derrick Rose (FSY) and Sacramento's Tyreke Evans (FSY)— who like Wall also played for John Calipari.

The pick came shortly after a person familiar with the deal told the Associated Press that the Chicago Bulls had agreed to trade veteran guard Kirk Hinrich (FSY) and the 17th pick in the draft, Kevin Seraphin (FSY), to the Wizards. Hinrich is a solid veteran defensive guard who could help with Wall's transition to the NBA.

After his name was announced to begin the draft, Wall hugged family members and donned a blue Wizards cap before climbing onto the stage to shake commissioner David Stern's hand.

Predicted to finish in the top half of the Eastern Conference last season, the Wizards' season quickly spiraled out of control, reaching its low point on New Year's Day when news broke of the altercation involving guns between Arenas and fellow guard Javaris Crittenton (FSY), who also was suspended for the year. Washington eventually traded fellow stars Antawn Jamison (FSY) and Caron Butler (FSY) in a dismal 26-56 finish.

Arenas is eligible to return, but Wall is ready to take charge of the team.

"I was always a leader by example being the first in the gym and the last in the gym," Wall said. "But I'm a leader that doesn't mind speaking up to the older guys."

The Minnesota Timberwolves then grabbed Syracuse forward Wesley Johnson (FSY), whom the Nets also had considered. Stern seemed impressed by the Christmas-colored slacks worn by Johnson, who held up his leg to show them off.

Baylor's Ekpe Udoh (FSY) also is headed to Northern California, chosen by Golden State at No. 6. Detroit kept up the run of big men by selecting Georgetown center Greg Monroe (FSY) with the seventh pick, before the Los Angeles Clippers went for Wake Forest's Al-Farouq Aminu (FSY).

Butler's Gordon Hayward (FSY) went ninth to Utah, one spot before the Indiana Pacers would've faced pressure to pick the hometown star. Instead, they chose Fresno State forward Paul George before Kansas teammates Cole Aldrich (FSY) (New Orleans) and Xavier Henry (FSY) (Memphis) went with back-to-back picks.

Aldrich's rights were later sent to Oklahoma City along with veteran swingman Morris Peterson (FSY) for the rights to the Thunder's Nos. 21 and 26 picks, which became Iowa State forward Craig Brackins (FSY) and Washington guard Quincy Pondexter (FSY).


2010 NBA draft order (from USA Today)

The order of picks for the 2010 NBA draft in New York:

FIRST ROUND
Team Player Pos., Ht., Wt. School/Country

1 Washington Wizards John Wall PG, 6-4, 195 Kentucky

2 Philadelphia 76ers Evan Turner SG, 6-7, 214 Ohio State

3 New Jersey Nets Derrick Favors F, 6-10, 246 Georgia Tech

4 Minnesota Timberwolves Wesley Johnson F, 6-7, 195 Syracuse

5 Sacramento Kings DeMarcus Cousins C, 6-11, 290 Kentucky

6 Golden State Warriors Ekpe Udoh F, 6-10, 240 Baylor

7 Detroit Pistons Greg Monroe F, 6-11, 240 Georgetown

8 Los Angeles Clippers Al-Farouq Aminu F, 6-8, 210 Wake Forest

9 Utah Jazz
(from New York via Phoenix) Gordon Hayward F, 6-8, 200 Butler

10 Indiana Pacers Paul George F, 6-9, 185 Fresno State

11 New Orleans Hornets Cole Aldrich C, 6-11, 245 Kansas

12 Memphis Grizzlies Xavier Henry G, 6-6, 210 Kansas

13 Toronto Raptors Ed Davis F, 6-9, 215 North Carolina

14 Houston Rockets Patrick Patterson F, 6-8, 223 Kentucky

15 Milwaukee Bucks
(from Chicago) Larry Sanders F, 6-9, 205 Virginia Commonwealth

16 Minnesota Timberwolves
(from Denver via Charlotte) Luke Babbitt
(traded to Portland) F, 6-7, 215 Nevada

17 Chicago Bulls
(from Milwaukee) Kevin Seraphin F, 6-9, 265 France

18 Oklahoma City Thunder
(from Miami) Eric Bledsoe G, 6-1, 190 Kentucky

19 Boston Celtics Avery Bradley G, 6-3, 180 Texas

20 San Antonio Spurs James Anderson G, 6-6, 195 Oklahoma State

21 Oklahoma City Thunder Craig Brackens F, 6-10, 230 Iowa State

22 Portland Trail Blazers Elliot Williams G, 6-5, 180 Memphis

23 Minnesota Timberwolves
(from Philadelphia via Utah) Trevor Booker F, 6-7, 240 Clemson

24 Atlanta Hawks Damion James
(traded to New Jersey) F, 6-7, 225 Texas

25 Memphis Grizzlies
(from Denver) Dominique Jones
(Traded to Dallas) G, 6-4, 215 South Florida

26 Oklahoma City Thunder
(from Phoenix) Quincy Pondexter F, 6-6, 225 Washington

27 New Jersey Nets
(from Dallas) Jordan Crawford
(Traded to Atlanta) G, 6-4, 195 Xavier

28 Memphis Grizzlies
(from L.A. Lakers) Greivis Vasquez G, 6-6, 210 Maryland

29 Orlando Magic Daniel Orton C, 6-10, 260 Kentucky

30 Washington Wizards
(from Cleveland) Lazar Hayward F, 6-5, 225 Marquette


SECOND ROUND
Team Player Pos., Ht., Wt. School/Country

31 New Jersey Nets Tibor Pleiss
(Traded to Atlanta, then to Oklahoma City) C, 7-1, 220 Germany (Brose Baskets)

32 Oklahoma City Thunder
(from Minnesota) Dexter Pittman C, 6-11, 303 Texas

33 Sacramento Kings Hassan Whiteside C, 7-0, 235 Marshall

34 Portland Trail Blazers
(from Golden State) Armon Johnson G, 6-3, 195 Nevada

35 Washington Wizards Nemanja Bjelica F, 6-10, 223 Serbia (Red Star Serbia)

36 Detroit Pistons Terrico White G, 6-5, 200 Mississippi

37 Milwaukee Bucks
(From Philadelphia) Darington Hobson F, 6-6, 205 New Mexico

38 New York Knicks Andy Rautins G, 6-5, 190 Syracuse

39 New York Knicks
(from Denver via L.A. Clippers) Landry Fields F, 6-7, 210 Stanford

40 Indiana Pacers Lance Stephenson G, 6-5, 225 Cincinnati

41 Miami Heat
(from New Orleans) Jarvis Varnado F, 6-10, 210 Mississippi State

42 Miami Heat
(from Toronto) Da'Sean Butler F, 6-7, 225 West Virginia

43 Los Angeles Lakers
(from Memphis) Devin Ebanks F, 6-8, 210 West Virginia

44 Milwaukee Bucks
(from Golden State via Portland via Chicago) Jerome Jordan C, 7-0, 235 Tulsa

45 Minnesota Timberwolves
(from Houston) Paulao Prestes C, 6-10, 275 Brazil

46 Phoenix Suns
(from Charlotte) Gani Lawal F, 6-9, 230 Georgia Tech

47 Milwaukee Bucks Tiny Gallon F, 6-10, 302 Oklahoma

48 Miami Heat Latavious Williams F, 6-8, 205 Tulsa 66ers (NBDL)

49 San Antonio Spurs Ryan Richards F, 6-11, 230 England

50 Dallas Mavericks
(from Oklahoma City) Solomon Alabi
(traded to Toronto) C, 7-1, 240 Florida State

51 Oklahoma City Thunder
(from Dallas and Minnesota) Magnum Rolle C, 6-11, 225 Louisiana Tech

52 Boston Celtics Luke Harangody F, 6-7, 240 Notre Dame

53 Atlanta Hawks Pape Sy F, 6-7, 225 Senegal

54 Los Angeles Clippers
(from Denver) Willie Warren G, 6-4, 200 Oklahoma

55 Utah Jazz Jeremy Evans F, 6-9, 190 Western Kentucky

56 Minnesota Timberwolves
(from Phoenix) Hamady Ndiaye C, 6-11, 235 Rutgers

57 Dallas Mavericks Ryan Reid F, 6-8, 235 Florida State

58 Los Angeles Lakers Derrick Caracter F, 6-9, 280 Texas-El Paso

59 Orlando Magic Stanley Robinson F, 6-7, 210 Connecticut

60 Phoenix Suns
(from Cleveland) Dwayne Collins F, 6-8, 238 Miami (Fla.)
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Team-by-team analysis: Sizing up draft night fortunes
By Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

Team-by-team breakdown and analysis after the 2010 NBA draft:

Atlanta: With the 24th pick, the Hawks got Texas swingman Damion James, then traded him to New Jersey for what ended up to be Xavier guard Jordan Crawford. Atlanta needs size, but Crawford is a quality scorer.

Boston: The Celtics took Texas guard Avery Bradley at No. 19. A combo guard, he needs work on his jump shot. But Boston needs a backup point guard to run the offense who is not worried about scoring.

Charlotte: The Bobcats did not have a first- or second-round pick.

Chicago: The Bulls had the 17th pick but will send forward Kevin Seraphin of French Guyana to Washington when trades are announced July 8. The deal gives the Bulls more salary-cap room for two top-tier free agents.

Cleveland: The Cavaliers did not have a first- or second-round pick.

Dallas: The Mavericks did not have a first-round pick but purchased the rights to South Florida guard Dominique Jones from Memphis. Dallas gets a scorer on the perimeter.

Denver: The Nuggets did not have a first- or second-round pick.

Detroit: Georgetown forward/center Greg Monroe went at No. 7. He is considered one of the best passers in the draft, and he step in if Ben Wallace retires.

Golden State: The Warriors, with the No. 6 pick, took Baylor's Ekpe (the "k" is silent) Udoh. The 6-10 forward is a skilled shot-blocker and rebounder. Backcourt depth was another need, but Udoh should fit in with Golden State's fast-paced tempo.

Houston: The Rockets took Kentucky forward Patrick Patterson, a versatile offensive player, with the 14th pick. With an NBA-ready body, Patterson needs to focus on defense. He has time with Houston, which looks to return to the playoffs with a healthy Yao Ming.

Indiana: The Pacers, at No. 10, took Fresno State forward Paul George, who can knock down three-pointers, is an outstanding leaper and flourishes in the open court. Indiana still needs a point guard but none was worth the 10th pick.

Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers added to an already promising frontcourt with Wake Forest forward Al-Farouq Aminu at No. 8. He is another athletic big man with defensive and rebounding skills and who's strong in transition. The Clippers also acquired combo guard Eric Bledsoe of Kentucky in a trade with Oklahoma City, adding much-needed depth in backcourt.

Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers selected West Virginia forward Devin Ebanks at No. 43 and UTEP forward Derrick Caracter at No. 58. Both will have to battle for roster spots.

Memphis: The Grizzlies took Kansas shooting guard Xavier Henry at No. 12. He is a scorer who joins a team of scorers. A center would have been helpful but one wasn't available there. At No. 28, they took Maryland combo guard Greivis Vasquez, known for his fierce competitiveness.

Miami: The Heat are focused on free agency. But they took Texas center Dexter Pittman at No. 32 and West Virginia forward Da'Sean Butler at No. 42.

Milwaukee: The Bucks, with the 15th pick, took Virginia Commonwealth big man Larry Sanders, a great shot-blocker and rebounder who can run the court. His offense is a work-in-progress.

Minnesota: The Timberwolves took Syracuse forward Wesley Johnson with the No. 4 pick. Johnson is a versatile athlete who can score from three-point range and get out on the break. Through separate trades they ended up with Portland Trail Blazers forward Martell Webster and Marquette forward Lazar Hayward. Minnesota is loaded at forward, but Johnson adds a much-needed perimeter threat and liked the triangle offense when he worked out for the team.

New Jersey: By selecting forward Derrick Favors at No. 3, the Nets added another piece to their frontcourt. Favors needs work on offense but the tools are there, and he is committed on the defensive end. He can rebound and block shots. With the 27th pick, the Nets took Xavier guard Jordan Crawford, a great scorer inside and out, but traded him to Atlanta. The Nets are still in search for a perimeter scorer.

New Orleans: The Hornets took Kansas center Cole Aldrich at No. 11. Aldrich is a large (6-11, 245) interior presence who can rebound and block shots. But like many big men entering the NBA, he needs to improve offensively. But a proposed trade which requires league approval would send Aldrich and guard Morris Peterson to Oklahoma City for Iowa State forward Craig Brackins, the Thunder's 21st pick, and Washington Huskies guard Quincy Pondexter, the Thunder's 26th pick. This trade gives the Hornets cap room and more young scoring at two positions.

New York: The Knicks did not have a first-round pick. But with the 38th and 39th picks in the second round, New York took Syracuse guard Andy Rautins, a long-distance shooter, and Stanford forward Landry Fields. Like Miami, the Knicks are looking at free agency.

Oklahoma City: With the 21st pick, the Thunder took Iowa State forward Craig Brackins, a solid scorer and rebounder. The Thunder took Washington's Quincy Pondexter, an athletic guard who can do a little bit of everything. But a proposed trade would send him and Brackins to New Orleans for Aldrich and Morris Peterson. It's a wise move for the Thunder, who also acquired the rights to Tibor Pleiss to develop centers.

Orlando: The Magic drafted Kentucky center Daniel Orton with the 29th pick. Orton has the physical tools, including strength in the low post. But, like his college teammate DeMarcus Cousins, is Orton mature enough for the NBA after just one year of college? With center Dwight Howard and assistant coach Patrick Ewing, Orlando looks like the right place

Philadelphia: With the No. 2 pick, the 76ers took shooting guard Evan Turner of Ohio State. Philadelphia drafted a proven winner, a leader and a scorer. Not only the best available, he fills a need for a team that needs help now.

Phoenix: The Suns drafted Georgia Tech forward Gani Lawal at No. 46 and Miami's Dwayne Collins at No. 60. They'll battle for roster spots.

Portland: The Trail Blazers, at No. 22, took Memphis guard Elliot Williams, who can play the point or two guard. He gives Portland versatility. The Blazers also got a creative scorer in Nevada forward Luke Babbitt. But their draft was overshadowed by general manager Kevin Pritchard's dismissal.

Sacramento: The Kings drafted Kentucky center DeMarcus Cousins with the No. 5 selection. At 6-11, 290 pounds and with gifted physical skills, Cousins is regarded as the best big man in the draft. The Kings needed a center, and they got one. But he must overcome questions about his maturity. The Kings also took a chance on Marshall center Hassan Whiteside, a 7-footer with tremendous potential.

San Antonio: With a proven track record in the draft, the Spurs drafted Oklahoma State guard James Anderson at No. 20. The Big 12 player of the year is a scorer with a great range on his jump shot. He can play at shooting guard or small forward. Gives the Spurs more backcourt depth.

Toronto: The Raptors, at No. 13, drafted North Carolina forward Ed Davis. The son of former NBA player Terry Davis, he can rebound and block shots but his offensive game in halfcourt sets needs improvement. Potential and willingness to learn are positives.

Utah: With the No. 9 pick, the Jazz drafted Butler forward Gordon Hayward, who made a name for himself in the NCAA tournament. Gordon can score inside and out.

Washington: The Wizards selected Kentucky's John Wall with the No. 1 overall pick.
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Trade wrap-up: Plenty of wheeling, dealing on draft night
By Yannis Koutroupis, Hoopsworld.com via USA Today

A recap of a busy night of NBA draft day trades, plus analysis of their potential impact:

• The Atlanta Hawks get Jordan Crawford and Tibor Pleiss; the New Jersey Nets get Damion James.

Analysis: With Joe Johnson potentially leaving in free agency the Hawks get their top choice in Crawford. It cost them James, one of the best rebounders and defenders.

• The Oklahoma City Thunder get Cole Aldrich and Morris Peterson; the New Orleans Hornets get Craig Brackins and Quincy Pondexter.

Analysis: The Hornets save $6 million, putting them under the luxury-tax threshold while receiving two promising rookies. Aldrich should help to shore up the Thunder's poor rebounding. Peterson will become one of the team's elder statesmen.

• The Dallas Mavericks get Dominique Jones; the Memphis Grizzlies get cash.

Analysis: The Mavericks, always willing to spend, got Jones to address shooting-guard issues.

• The Minnesota Timberwolves get Martell Webster; the Portland Trail Blazers get Luke Babbitt and Ryan Gomes.

Analysis: Webster never panned out. The Trail Blazers get two solid forwards. Gomes should be able to step in and contribute right away.

• The Los Angeles Clippers get Eric Bledsoe; the Thunder get a future first-round pick.

Analysis: The Clippers are hoping to be back in the playoffs next year and needed a backup for Baron Davis. Bledsoe should transition back to point guard.

• The Washington Wizards get Kirk Hinrich and Kevin Seraphin; the Chicago Bulls get a future second-round pick.

Analysis: Seraphin is a nice big man who could wait a year or two before going to the NBA. Hinrich will play the same role as in Chicago. His acquisition leads to questions about the future of Gilbert Arenas.

• The Miami Heat get Dexter Pittman; the Thunder get Daequan Cook and Eric Bledsoe.

Analysis: The Heat are creating cap space. Pittman gives the Heat their replacement for Joel Anthony.

• The Milwaukee Bucks get Corey Maggette and the No. 44 pick; the Golden State Warriors get Dan Gadzuric and Charlie Bell.

Analysis: The Warriors finally found a taker for Maggette. The Bucks might lose John Salmons to free agency. Gadzuric will help improve the Warriors' lackluster interior play. Bell will give leadership.

• The Warriors get the No. 44 pick and cash; the Trail Blazers get Armon Johnson.

Analysis: The Warriors want to save as much as they can. The Trail Blazers add one of the draft's best point guards but don't have much room for him now.

• Also: Dallas sent No. 50 Solomon Alabi to Toronto for a future second-round pick and cash; Oklahoma City gets No. 31 Pleiss from Atlanta for cash.