Washington Wizards’ John Wall May Soon Run the Eastern Conference
Washington Wizards guard John Wall had himself a great season. After LeBron James, much debate has been made over who the second best player in the Eastern Conference is. John Wall separated himself from the pack in the eyes of many with his playoff performance this year, despite a subpar showing in game 7 against the Celtics. With elite players moving and looking to move West, it won’t be long before Wall reigns supreme in the East.
For years, the debate regarding the 2nd best player in the East has revolved around Jimmy Butler, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, Kyrie Irving and John Wall. Meanwhile, Isaiah Thomas entered the conversation with a career year this past season. While Wall has often struggled to receive recognition in the national spotlight in comparison to the other names, he’s arguably the best player of the bunch.
Jimmy Butler was recently traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, removing himself from consideration. If things hold to fruition, Paul George will be a Laker this season or the next. He’s said openly that’s his preferred destination, and the Lakers are trying to work out a trade. Even if he were to join an Eastern Conference power like the Cavaliers, Celtics, or even Wizards, it appears he’d still likely join the Lakers in free agency after one season.
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No PG-13 or Jimmy Buckets, and that leaves only three options left. Carmelo Anthony is still an elite offensive player at the age of 33, but does not offer much outside of scoring. As his athleticism declines, he’s no longer the superstar talent he once was.
Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas are also elite scorers, but are poor defenders and sub par passers. John Wall is a better all-around player than these three. He produces as a scorer, defender, and passer.
But if John Wall is the only second best player in the East, how will he run the conference? Well, LeBron James could be on his way out, too, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, host of the Vertical Podcast and soon to be ESPN official.
"“Not only is there no guarantee he’s coming back, I’m not sure there’s an expectation he’s re-signing there [with the Cavaliers]. I think they feel, I think within Cleveland and around the league, they feel that he’s very much in play to leave again and likely head out West to one of the two L.A. teams. The Lakers could very well be a target.”"
If the Cavaliers are unable to compete with the Warriors again this season, James could look to join the Lakers. In addition to family and business benefits, the move would make sense for basketball reasons. The Lakers offer a promising core of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and possibly Paul George. After leading the NBA in minutes this past season, LeBron could decrease his workload as he ages into his mid 30’s.
If James does join the Lakers in free agency, he leaves behind a giant hole in the hierarchy of the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers would seemingly become a lottery team once again, and the Wizards can then challenge the Celtics for the best team in the Eastern Conference.
Next: Wizards Free Agent Options, Kings Guard Ben McLemore
With no George or Butler, and a declining Carmelo Anthony, somebody has to take the title of best player in the Eastern Conference should LeBron leave. John Wall has the chance to seize and runaway with it.