This was the season that NBA fans were going to learn what John Wall was really about, where he was going in his career. The malcontents from his first two seasons would be totally gone for a full season – JaVale McGee and Andray Blatche among them – and instead would be replaced with solid veterans such as Nene Hilario, Trevor Ariza, and Emeka Okafor. This was to be the year that John Wall shows what he could do for a full season without distraction. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out the way you want. Per the Washington Post:
The Wizards’ enthusiasm for the upcoming season experienced a major setback on Friday when the team announced that point guard John Wall would miss about eight weeks after being diagnosed with the early stages of a non-traumatic stress injury in his knee. Surgery isn’t required, according to a statement released by the team, but Wall will have to begin rehabilitation immediately.
After experiencing discomfort in his left knee, which Coach Randy Wittman initially thought was bursitis, Wall visited orthopedic specialist David Altchek in New York on Thursday and underwent an MRI that revealed the early stages of an injury that could eventually lead to a fractured patella.
Hopefully Wall can rehab quickly enough to be 100% and get back on the court. He sounds ready to truly succeed in the NBA by leading the Washington Wizards into the playoffs and understands the importance of the upcoming season:
“I think the pieces we have is great, but I think for us to take that next step, it’s going to be keyed on me,” Wall said. “Your third year is a key year. It makes or breaks you, what you’re going to be in the this league. This is a big year for me.”
Hopefully the stress injury won’t rob Wall of his explosiveness, which is his major attribute along with his ball handling skills and vision. However, it’s hard to bet against John Wall, who entered his senior season in high school as a no-name before he hit the summer circuit and became the top prospect almost as quick as Wall driving to the hoop on a crossover. Wall knows all about adversity and overcoming it. I can’t wait to see his determination translated into production on the hardwood. It’s just going to be a little later than expected.
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