10: John Wall
The brow-raising reports that Wall had been feeling discomfort in his left knee for three years and “playing on one leg” for one were essentially alarm bells and flashing lights to a fan base that lost their last superstar to a blown out knee.
And while Wall’s surgery was successful, Johnny Franchise is going to be spending his summer rehabbing, and that gets him the bottom spot in these rankings.
But Wall has earned some time off, and honestly he is the player on the team I’m the least worried about. We know who John Wall is, and that’s just fine.
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Wall is a three time All-Star with two playoffs series wins and no All-NBA selections.
He’s a point guard with a 6’9 wingspan who can switch onto wings and be a weapon on defense; he’s the fastest player in the league (although not quite Young Wall anymore) and a one man fast break; he’s an elite three-point shot creator; he’s the best shot-blocking point guard in the league (ever?); and he’s the emotional leader of this team.
He is one of seven players to average 18 points and 9 assists through his first six seasons – along with Oscar Roberson, Magic Johnson, Chris Paul, Isiah, Kevin Johnson, and Tim Hardaway.
He is also an inefficient scorer who should probably not be the number one scoring option.
He is a unique player and an elite one, and he has never played with an All-Star.
Last time Wall took extended time off he came back and did this.
9: Garrett Temple
For an NBA journeyman like Temple, the summer brings a degree of uncertainty.
Temple has been with the Washington Wizards for four years, and last summer he opted in to $1.1 million and proceeded to have the best season of his career.
He should expect to easily double his career earnings of $3.6M with his next contract.
I put him on this list despite his free agent status because the Wizards hold Temple’s Bird rights. With this many roster spots to fill, I bet they bring him back.
Next: Rankings 8-7