A Mad Men guide to the 2018-19 NBA Season

“I have been watching my life. It’s right there. I keep scratching at it, trying to get into it. I can’t.”  — Washington Wizards

John Wall, NBA Superstar was supposed to be a thing by 2018.

Over the last decade, no guard has come into the league with as much fanfare, promise and potential as Wall. On the surface, he’s been fine – 18 & 9, five All-Star appearances, made the playoffs in four of the last five seasons. Much like Draper himself, Wall looks great on paper.

Just like Don though, Wall’s career has been defined not by his accomplishments but by the search for something far greater – for more meaning than the numbers can provide. So far, it hasn’t gone as expected.

Since he came into the league, he’s had 4000 chances to appear on an MVP ballot (eight seasons, 100 ballots per year, five spots per ballot). He’s gotten five votes. The Wizards have yet to make it to an Eastern Conference Finals during his tenure. Their best chance was two years ago, when Wall was out-dueled by Isaiah Thomas playing on one leg in Game 7. Wall scored 18 that day, 20 less than teammate Bradley Beal, and shot 1-for-8 from three. Last year, he missed half the season. Washington was 23-18 with him and 20-21 without him. For a player who was supposed to change the course of the Wizards franchise, it’s been an underwhelming run.

That said, Wall just turned 28. The East is as open as it’s ever going to be. If ever there were a season where his career forks from Stephon Marbury towards Jason Kidd, it’s this one.

No one’s ever doubted the talent. It’s time to reach out and grab what’s always been right in front of him.