2010 NBA Redraft: Looking back at how things change with hindsight

#1 Pick: Paul George (Originally: John Wall)

Paul George was not in the running for the top pick coming out of Fresno State. He played two seasons there and the team was mediocre. He was credited as one of the most entertaining players in the country and jumped onto mock draft boards for the first time a month into his sophomore season.

While John Wall was very good for the Wizards until injuries completely derailed him, George still would have been a better choice. The hustle on both ends of the court would have reset the culture in such a meaningful way and it’s not hard to imagine that the Wizards would have eventually been able to get out of their malaise.

He was not as successful off the bat as John Wall so I will not blame anyone who would still take Wall here. Also, George has shown that he may not have been suited for the East coast for the long haul. But possibly learning under coach Flip Saunders would have benefited him enough that the pair would have stayed.

More importantly, perhaps the Wizards would not have reached the following season for Jan Vesely and taken a guard instead. Guards taken in their approximate draft range in 2011 include Kemba Walker, Jimmer Fredette, Brandon Knight and Klay Thompson. Say what you will about Fredette, but he is no Jan Vesely.

Moving on, with the second pick in the 2010 NBA Redraft, the Philadelphia 76ers select…