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Washington Wizards’ Star John Wall Left off Both NBA All-Defensive Teams

ByRyan Eugene|
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 19: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Atlanta Hawks go after the ball in the first half of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center on April 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 19: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Atlanta Hawks go after the ball in the first half of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center on April 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Washington Wizards’ Star John Wall was left off both NBA All-Defensive Teams fans found out Monday, despite a strong defensive season. With the 2017 NBA Awards taking place Monday night, news began coming out about the various awards that are up for consideration. Add this to the list of items Wall will use as motivation this summer.

John Wall is coming off his best offensive season of his career. With per game averages of 23.1 points and 10.7 assists, he officially rose to superstar level in the eyes of most members of the national media.

He made the All-NBA Third Team, the first such time of his career, allowing him to sign a Designated Player Veteran Extension this summer. Many great accolades and endorsements continue coming the Wallstar’s way, but just as many slights seem to as well.

The All-NBA Defensive teams were leaked ahead of the awards show on Monday, and Wall found himself on the outside looking in.

Unlike the All-NBA teams, rookie and defensive teams only have two teams, meaning the field of selectees drops from 15 to 10. Looking at the list, the guards chosen are Chris Paul, Patrick Beverley, Tony Allen, and Danny Green.

Looking at the votes, Wall had the third must of “snubbed” players. Possibly the only thing more surprising than Wall being left off the roster is the fact that Isaiah Thomas even got 1 vote. Despite his offensive expertise, it’s absurd that a player widely considered as one of the worst defenders at the guard position got a vote.

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We can save analyzing if Wall deserved to make the team, and over who for another time, but we can also take time out here to point out the some of the defensive efforts Wall displayed on the season.

On the season, Wall averaged 2 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. The steals were tied with Draymond Green for most per game in the league. Meanwhile, he led the league in total blocks (49) by a point guard. For the analytics people, his Defensive Win Shares of 3.0 was tied with Danny Green, and 0.1 behind Andre Roberson, both of whom made an All-Defensive team.

Of course, he had a few highlights to keep his name in the mention. Including the below block in March.

Wall’s Block on Serge Ibaka

Below is Wall’s Game 6 Block Against Atlanta. Yes this came in the playoffs, but it shows the type of effort Wall gives on defense, and gave during the regular season, in addition to his abilities.

We certainly know how Wall feels about being left off the teams.

Next: Ex-Wiz Show Up Clutch in the 1st Game of the Big 3

We’ll see if Wall or any other Wizards win awards tonight on TNT. Wall is still eligible to win Best Playoff Moment.

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