By Josh Cohen

There may be nothing more enjoyable or entertaining than a vehement, animated debate about the No. 1 and 2 selections in the NBA Draft.

It’s the most popular topic of discussion this time of year, and I’m already front and center at all John Wall vs. Evan Turner arguments.

The Washington Wizards selected Kentucky’s Wall with the first overall pick and the Philadelphia 76ers chose Ohio State’s Turner second.

We all had our opinions when Orlando took Dwight Howard and Charlotte ended up with Emeka Okafor in 2004, when Portland opted for Greg Oden over Kevin Durant in 2007 and when Chicago selected Derrick Rose and Miami swallowed in Michael Beasley in 2008.

It’s no different this time, and already, NBA enthusiasts are engaging in their battles – some supporting the electrifying Wall and others the poised and experienced Turner.

No matter which prospect you support, both players are walking into somewhat abnormal situations. Wall, first off, must prove he can coexist with Gilbert Arenas, who has dealt with nagging injuries and legal trouble the past few years. Turner, meanwhile, must show he can effectually collaborate with the 76ers’ current featured star, Andre Iguodala.

The expectation, nonetheless, is that Wall and Turner will ultimately be tremendous difference-makers in the NBA. But the jury is out on which talent will catapult his franchise to supreme levels.

By Dan Savage

Shortly after NBA Commissioner David Stern announced the Magic’s selection of Daniel Orton with the 29th pick in the NBA Draft, ESPN aired a short blooper clip of his TV profile video. Despite his great personality, Orton stumbled over words and looked far from being a polished future TV star. It’s very similar to basketball career.

Despite possessing a number of rare natural gifts, including outstanding size, impressive wingspan and solid athleticism, he’s yet to put all of those tools together and dominate on the court. Although he blocked 1.4 shots per contest, he averaged just 3.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in his lone season with Kentucky.

But that’s why Orlando is the perfect fit for the former Wildcat. With All-NBA center Dwight Howard in front of him on the depth chart and Hall-of-Famer Patrick Ewing as his coach and mentor, Orton will have all the guidance he needs to develop into a solid player at his own pace.

“We didn’t need a guy to come in and make us a better team right now,” Magic General Manager Otis Smith explained. “For us it’s about taking a guy that’s going to make us a better team down the line. And when he’s playing behind Dwight, he’s allowed to have that kind of luxury.”

But Orton wasn’t the only outstanding athlete to be selected by the Magic in the 2010 NBA Draft. With the 59th pick, Orlando selected the University of Connecticut’s Stanley Robinson. Although he lacks consistent perimeter shooting, he possesses the ability to run the floor, jump out of the gym and be a versatile defender.

By Josh Cohen

A blockbuster trade in sports is similar in excitement as an unexpected trip to the ice cream parlor when you are 8 years old. It’s exhilarating like the first dip down a rapid roller coaster that sends adrenaline shattering down your veins.

Draft night is typically the time when trades are discussed – if not completed. Last season, for example, it was draft day when the Orlando Magic acquired eight-time All-Star Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets.

Although there were no eye-popping deals that were finalized on Thursday, there were plenty of rumors and potential trades that may or may not happen over the next few weeks.

Players such as Chris Paul, Al Jefferson, Danny Granger, Devin Harris and Luol Deng were all talked about in various rumors. Magic GM Otis Smith admitted he had discussions with the Raptors about Hedo Turkoglu, but nothing transpired from the conversation. No marquee names were shipped -- yet -- however on draft night.

There were several deals that were fulfilled, nonetheless, according to various reports. They were mostly deals that involved swapping draft picks and future picks. Here were a few that involved current NBA players:

• Hornets send Morris Peterson to Thunder
• Bulls ship Kirk Hinrich to Wizards
• Blazers deal Martell Webster to T-Wolves

Many general managers are obviously negotiating with others in an effort to put their team's in position to make an attempt at signing one of the celebrated free agents next month.

By Josh Cohen

It may become one of the most extraordinary and inimitable active streaks in professional sports.

It’s not a winning streak or a distinctive statistic. It’s nothing that will necessarily change the way teams decide to draft down the road.

But, it would be a stretch that will deserve notice – should it happen.

If John Wall, the first overall pick of the Washington Wizards in the 2010 NBA Draft, proves to be the best prospect in his inaugural season and earns Rookie of the Year honors, it will be the third consecutive season that a John Calipari-coached player wins the award.

Derrick Rose captured the prize in 2009 and Tyreke Evans received the honor this past season -- both who played under Calipari at Memphis before the renowned collegiate coach moved to Kentucky.

Obviously, nobody knows for sure if Wall will transform into an elite point guard in the NBA. But the speculation is that he will be a dominant force immediately in the nation’s capital.

It’s a huge testament to Calipari for training these prospects into NBA-ready stars. We will see, moreover, if Wall converts into a first-rate player in his opening act like Rose and Evans did.

It’s fascinating, nevertheless, how many supreme point guards there are in the NBA. It seems that nearly every team has a legitimate All-Star caliber leader: Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Steve Nash, Tony Parker, Rose, Rajon Rondo, Jameer Nelson, Russell Westbrook, Brandon Jennings, Evans, etc. etc.

By Dan Savage

With every draft there’s a series of winners and losers. Unfortunately for NBA GMs, there’s no crystal ball that can accurately detect whether their selection process will be a success or failure. So since I refuse to be the NBA’s version of Mel Kiper, Jr. – let’s face it, if I could accurately break down a draft, I’d have a much different position with the Magic and be making a lot more money – I’ll just weigh in on which teams are the biggest winners tonight based on what we know now.

Wizards: It’s an easy choice to pick Washington. Not only did they get the best player in the NBA Draft (John Wall), but they also gave their franchise a complete makeover and their fans a reason to be excited about basketball in the nation’s capital once again. After trading away Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison and watching Gilbert Arenas tarnish his image, they needed a new look and cornerstone to their organization. They got just that.

Bulls: Although the Bulls didn’t make a splash on the big board, they could have some delayed draft day success. By trading away Kirk Hinrich and the No. 17 pick to the Washington, Chicago may have freed up enough cap space to lure two top tier free agents this offseason. If that dream comes to fruition, Bulls fans could party like it’s 1984 all over again. (WATCH)

Spurs: By selecting James Anderson with the No. 20 pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, San Antonio once again was able to get great value outside of the lottery by taking James Anderson, who possesses a highly efficient offensive game. Plus let’s face it; it’s always a safe choice to pick the Spurs, since they do such an outstanding job of pin pointing players who perfectly fit their system.

Honorable Mentions: New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings.

What do you think was the most interesting highlight of draft night?

Five Kentucky players being drafted

No big names being traded

Daniel Orton still being available at pick 29

Who do you think will be the better NBA player?

John Wall

Evan Turner