The Washington Wizards believe point guard John Wall “can get back to that guy” in 2020-21, meaning the franchise is confident Wall will be an All-Star again.
Wall is recovering from an Achilles injury and likely won't play at all next season.
A Wizards executive talked to Keith Smith of Real GM about working around Wall's contract for next season. Wall signed a four-year, $170 million contract extension (Designated Veteran Player Extension) with the Wizards in the summer of 2017. It kicks in next season.
“I don’t like to think of it that way. John has been an important part of our success,” the Wizards exec said. “We think he can get back to that guy, but it won’t be next year. So, sure that leaves us with an obstacle. But I think of it in terms of missing a great player versus having a terrible contract. Let’s just see what John is when he gets back. Then we can revisit this conversation.”
John Wall played in 32 games last season before undergoing his season-ending heel surgery. Wall then fell at his house and tore his Achilles tendon. The former No. 1 overall pick averaged 20.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 8.7 assists in 2018-19 while shooting 44.4 percent from the field, 30.2 percent from beyond the arc and 69.7 percent from the free-throw line.
The Wizards missed the postseason without Wall, as they won only 32 games.
Wall, who will turn 29 in September, has career averages of 19.0 points and 9.2 assists in 573 games. It's going to be very interesting to see what type of player Wall will be once he steps back onto the court. The Wizards aren't giving up on Wall and are supporting him, both publicly and privately.
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