Washington Wizards guard John Wall seizes leadership role

By Ed Carroll | Oct 4, 2014

Washington Wizards' point guard John Wall is looking to become more of a leader Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Wizards’ point guard John Wall is looking to become more of a leader

Is John Wall poised to make the leap from great NBA talent to NBA star? The fifth-year Washington Wizards; point guard has been both the most vocal player on the court and the most energized for the Wizards, according to Washington head coach Randy Wittman. Even veterans are listening to John Wall as he barks orders out on the court.

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“A lot of the things we get accomplished has to start out front with John and Brad [Beal], whether you’re talking defensively or offensively,” Wittman told CSNWashington.com. “That’s where it all filters down. If those two guys are up to doing what I’ve seen John doing these first four days, it filters down.”

John Wall is said to be taking the leadership role seriously and with the departure of Trevor Ariza, Wall thinks he’s the Wizards’s best one-on-one defender:

“I always could play defense,” Wall said. ” I think anybody in this world can play defense. It’s just you commit yourself to it. That’s the one thing I want to be known as a two way player, so I committed myself to that. The three-pointer, I’m still working on it to get better. I can guard.”

The Wizards made the playoffs last season despite a 2-7 start to the year, so having John Wall exhibit a willingness to play defense and show leadership might get Washington ahead of the curve in the upcoming season.

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