Junior, Raleigh, N.C./Word of God Christian Academy
There isn't a more gifted point guard in the country than Wall. His length, speed, quickness, handle and overall athleticism are peerless, at least on this level. He is a one- man fast break and goes through opposing defenses similar to Memphis standout Derrick Rose. In a classic matchup with fellow superstar Abdul Gaddy (NW Panthers), each accentuated their respective strengths. Wall was unstoppable in the open court and had very little trouble getting to the rim or delivering a spectacular assist. Gaddy, on the other hand, utilized his high basketball IQ, savvy and clever playmaking ability to bring his team back from a 13-point second half deficit to pull out the victory. Hall has the higher upside than Gaddy due to his athletic prowess, but he must become a better jump shooter and develop more savvy because at the next level and beyond defenses will adapt to his up-tempo style.
July, 2008: Wall is a long-armed and athletic lead guard. He can organize and run the team and is an excellent ball handler and passer. At times, he seems to have eyes in the back of his head. He changes speed and directions with a great burst of speed around defenders. He pushes the ball with great pace and makes the right decision on the fast break. He also penetrates deep into the lane and has a special talent to fit the ball into tight places for layups that would result in a turnover for most players. Wall can also drive, draw and kick to open shooters. During this event, he kept his turnovers to a minimum. Wall's an explosive driver both ways in the half court, he likes to drive baseline especially from the left corner. He understands how to play, I saw him repeatedly pass read the defense and make the proper cut after giving up the ball. He's not a great shooter, but is good enough to keep the defense honest. He also showed range with all his 3-point attempts being from off the catch. His shooting form is not bad, but he has an inconsistent release and he does not put his hand toward the rim on his follow through. That problem can be corrected by shooting a high number of quality shots on a daily basis. He's a good defensive rebounder and is always a threat to go coast-to-coast in about four or five dribbles. He is also a skilled offensive rebounder at the scoring guard position when his coach inserts a smaller point guard. He plays in a defensive stance and is a pretty good on-ball defender with quick hands. At times, he hops around too much which could get him beat off the dribble. He's a good shot-blocker from behind in transition or from the weak side in the half court. Wall reminds me of Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics at times; he's an immediate impact player at the high major level.
Re: Will the Knicks draft John Wall as the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft?
Knicks are bad, but not bad enough to have the worst record in the league. Unless they tank or have alot of injuries, they are atleast going to be 11th in the east.
Re: Will the Knicks draft John Wall as the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft?
Wall is incredibly raw and would likely crumple under the pressure to develop quickly to help the Knicks. His entire game right now is based entirely on his physical gifts.
Of course that got Derrick Rose drafted #1 but that doesn't meant either will be the player many suggest they will(might in Wall's case) become.
Re: Will the Knicks draft John Wall as the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft?
Quote:
Originally Posted by HaNdLe ThE RoCk
John Wall might not be the first pick. Ricky Rubio and Blake Griffin will go before him
Griffin is solid and this early in the game you basically have no choice but to list him as a top five prospect. With that said, I can almost guarantee he's going to slip as the year moves along.
He's 6'7" or 6'8" and while a nice athlete he doesn't really play above the rim. Griffin is basically Mike Beasley minus the face-up skills.
Unless this draft class is really as weak as it appears (to me at least) at first glance, the reality of what Blake Griffin is will knock him out of the top five.
As for the actual point of your post, Griffin and Rubio will likely declare for 2009 while Wall will not be eligible until 2010.
Will the Knicks draft John Wall as the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft?
[
