Washington Wizards: Don’t Drop Ball on John Wall
Washington Must Cast a Wider Net
Let’s get this out-of-the-way, Satoransky is not Wall’s primary backup. Washington shouldn’t be looking for someone, who plays a few minutes in the game. Stop playing checkers.
The backup should be able to start a game, if Wall is out for whatever reason. And because Wall is out that shouldn’t pre-determine that the Wizards will lose that game. A solid backup, end of story.
Everyone is arguing that Washington only has the 52nd pick in this year’s draft. Well where did Thomas go in the draft? Last. So let’s not think that pick is nothing. If we don’t get Thomas’ reincarnate, we should try and get a strong bench player. Think big and think positive.
Washington must look both inside and outside the league. Washington should again look to Europe, for both European players and expats from the NBA.
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Washington has a pick, can look to Europe, and now let’s look inside the NBA. Specifically, a few of the league’s unrestricted free agents as Wall’s possible backup.
Hear me out. Kevin Durant is a free agent, and in order for the Warriors to retain him, they either have to give Durant the max, or he has to take a cut to retain Shaun Livingston and Andre Iguodala. Otherwise, Golden State can’t give both Durant and Curry the max and keep their core.
Interestingly enough part of the new CBA, the Designated Veteran Exception, was put in place because of Durant. It allowed a team to “supermax” their veteran in order to retain them at 35% of the salary cap, providing certain guidelines are met.
No doubt Livingston could play point in a starting lineup, but at age 31, I don’t see that happening. If Durant decides to sign the max with Golden State, Livingston is on the table and Washington should go after him full force.
Patty Mills from the San Antonio Spurs, is also a worthy backup to Wall. I don’t see him as a starter in the league next season, and he would see quality minutes with Washington.
None of those names look sexy, but they’re from winning teams. And let’s be honest, if Washington didn’t play the Celtics in the playoffs, how many fans would know Boston’s starting lineup, besides IT. That’s what Ainge does, he finds diamonds in the rough. He doesn’t go for sexy, he goes for solid and stellar play.
A problem that some NBA fans have, is that they fall in love with players. He either played college in the same city, or his personality is contagious. The truth is, if those players aren’t helping the team win, let another city fall in love with them. The season isn’t an exhibition game, where you get to watch all your favorite players.
The Kings are making moves this offseason, and I believe Washington should beat Boston to their players. Even though Darren Collison may not be on the Celtic’s radar, he should be on the Wizards’. Last season Collison averaged 12.7 points and 4.8 rebounds. I believe Collison is very much within Washington’s reach and in play.
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Whichever direction Washington takes, let’s hope they think big. They had three backups for Wall – Satoranksy, Burke and Jennings – and those three combined didn’t add up to a solid backup.
Don’t try to fill a hole with a bunch of bench players. Fill that whole with a solid backup. Also, don’t have 3 backups and throw them at the wall, and see which one sticks. Washington doesn’t have time for that, and Wall, most importantly, doesn’t have time for that.
And for those who panicked when Wall said, he was going to take his time in deciding to sign a max extension this offseason, and thought that meant he’s leaving. News flash – Wall is under contract whether he signs or not.
Wall has been passive in the past, as he admitted in the 2015-2016 season in the locker room, and of course he trusted the front office. But now Wall wants a guarantee, that he’s not being sent out to battle with no backup. He’s not asking for much, especially when so much has been demanded of him.
I agree with Wall, he should not have to go hat in hand, because his stats and the season speaks for itself.
I met President Grunfeld in passing before Game 5 in Boston, as security escorted me to talk to another basketball great (not on either team), and Mr. Grunfeld was very pleasant. He was talking to someone, and I said, “Hi, Mr. Grunfeld”, and he responded as if he knew me. So I believe Mr. Grunfeld’s affable nature could go with his hat in hand, and acquire a solid backup. But just in case bring two hats.
There are good point guards to be had throughout the league. Some would argue we can develop some of our players. There’s a league for that.
How long do you think Wall should have to wait? Do you want someone else writing this article a couple of years from now, and Wall is on the list as a potential backup point guard?
Next: John Wall is the Best Point Guard in the East
Wall did what he was asked to do and more, it’s now time for the Wizard’s to go out and pick the best backup possible. Because the time is now to make another run to the Eastern Conference Finals, and beyond.