Is it possible for the Washington Wizards lightning quick point guard John Wall to feel undervalued?
He is certainly feeling that way these days, and uncertain how much of the new CBA he will benefit from.
His main concern is in regards to the designated veteran rule.
The rule will either make or break extra earnings depending on his All-NBA Team status.
This season has been tough, and Wall spoke to the Washington Post about how winning now affects him personally.
“I feel like it’s amazing and crazy because I had my best year, like, two years ago, my second year [as an] all-star, I averaged 20 and 10 and was a starter but couldn’t make all-NBA team. So I mean, you want those individual accolades but it’s to the point that [if] you get your recognition, then you get it. You only get those [individual honors] by winning. When I did and had an opportunity to win, I still didn’t make it.”
The incentive is a longer contract to remain with the Wizards which is what Wall is really looking for.
While the rule extends to players who earned those honors previously, Wall has yet to reach that status.
If Wall fails to make All-NBA this season, he will undoubtedly miss out on his heftiest pay day.
Wall is an All-Star who is among the best in his peer group at his position, but his pay grade doesn't reflect his talent or accomplishments.
One other problem Wall points out is that the Wizard's lack of national TV exposure can be a problem.
“We don’t play on TV a lot so a lot of people don’t get to see us play. If you don’t have NBA League Pass and stuff like that, you don’t see the things that I’m doing in the game or what we’re doing trying to win. So if you ain’t checking on Twitter and stuff like that, you don’t know. All these other teams get a lot of TV games, that’s why they get these accolades from the media and fan votes. Until we get an opportunity to be on TV more, it would be tough for people to realize and see what I do.”
When it's all said and done, and if Wall is able to earn All-NBA accolades for a longer extension, will he still have a desire to remain in a market devoid of national attention?
“I just look past it and try to play the game. Be the best I can and help my team and try to make the playoffs. If it happens, it happens. But it would be a great honor to be able to get a bigger extension with those things involved into it.”
Make no mistake Wall will get paid, but his concern is if he will get paid what he's really worth.
Follow Us
Subscribe