John Wall has finally done it.
After making his first NBA All-Star team this past season, Wall has been recognized for his success this season and will represent the Washington Wizards at the All-Star game once again. This time, though, he’ll be an All-Star starter.
We’re living in the golden age of point guards, and some even questioned if John Wall would make the All-Star team at all. Success, however, has propelled Wall amongst the best point guards in the league.
Washington is currently sitting comfortably in the second spot in the Eastern Conference and are on pace to win over 50 games this season. Wall is averaging 17 points and 10 assists per game this season. He’s also led the league in assists and steals.
Michael Jordan was the last NBA All-Star the Washington Wizards had in the starting lineup.
Wall will start over Kyrie Irving, who he backed up in the All-Star game last season. While some fans worried that Irving’s popularity would overshadow Wall’s great play this season, Wizards fans did a terrific job of constantly voting for Wall, hence the reason he’s in the starting lineup.
While some will say Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague deserved to start, Wall is more valuable to his team. He’s been an elite defensive player this season and he’s been the best distributor in the league. He’ll be joined in the back court by Kyle Lowry, who was snubbed out of the All-Star game last year. I expected Dwyane Wade to start, but it looks like the fans got this one right again.
Marcin Gortat was also surprisingly fourth amongst front court players.
LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Pau Gasol are also Eastern Conference All-Star starters.
John Wall has put in a lot of work to get to where he’s finally at. The road wasn’t easy, but Wall has emerged as an NBA superstar.
Congratulations, John Wall. And more importantly, congrats to the NBA fans for getting it right.
Next: Where Are They Now?: The Trials and Triumphs of the Trevors