In a perfect universe, the Wizards would nab a quality rotation player with their #46 overall pick in Thursday's draft. Also, in said perfect universe, cheeseburgers would be fat free, weather would be 70 degrees with a mild breeze year round, and my kids would not know that a loathesome cartoon called "Caillou" was ever created. Sadly, such a place does not exist.
Here's reality: the Wizards will likely pick someone who'll be out of the league in a season, or at best, go on to become some other team's contributor. To underscore the long odds a team faces picking #46, I pulled the a list of draftees since 2003. The results were not encouraging.
2013 Erick Green - College SG failed to make transition to PG.
2012 Darius Miller - Rode the bench for the Pelicans.
2011 Andrew Goudelock - Rode the Lakers bench before getting one out of necessity playoff start.
2010 Gani Lawal - Undersized big blew guaranateed contract in Sixers camp last Fall.
2009 Danny Green - The rare best case scenario. Cut by the post-Lebron Cavs (!) and bounced around Spurs D-League affiliate until sticking.
2008 Trent Plaisted - Who?
2007 Stephane Lasme - Who?
2006 Dee Brown - One time Wizard was picked as a favor to Deron Williams.
2005 Erazem Lorbek - Who?
2004 Bernard Robinson - DC product got solid minutes for expansion season Bobcats. Nothing since.
2003 Matt Bonner - The Red Rocket found an early role with Toronto before landing with the Spurs.
Sorry folks, those are some loooong odds.