The Washington Wizards failed to build off of back-to-back fifth places finishes in the Eastern Conference. Their tenth place finish made them one of the league’s biggest disappointments last year, which prompted a coaching change. New coach Scott Brooks has helped ignite the upstart Wizards, currently third in the East. While the improved play of Bradley Beal and Otto Porter has been a factor in Washington’s success, John Wall has been the biggest reason behind it.
Wall has become a bona fide franchise player in the league. Now 26, he appears to be coming into his prime. Wall is averaging career highs in points and assists, with 22.9 and 10.8, respectively. Additionally, he is tied for second in the league in steals and is primed to shoot his best percentage from the field. Wall also continues to be an excellent two-way player and should manage to make one of the All-Defense teams for the second time in his career. He is living up to his potential, and Wizards fans should be thankful for their franchise centerpiece.
The only real hole in Wall’s game is his 3-point shooting, down to 31 percent. This isn’t the biggest deal because he doesn’t shoot them terribly frequently, and he is one of the game’s best athletes and can get to the rim at will. Wall does a good deal well; he leads Washington with his game, and is the biggest reason why they are 28-15 in 2017. He may end up leading the Wizards to a surprising march through the Eastern Conference playoffs this season.