According to the General Manager Survey for the 2017-18 NBA Season, John Wall is the best point guard in the East. The Survey also predicted, that the Washington Wizards will take the third spot in the East.
On Wednesday, NBA.com released its annual General Manager Survey for the 2017-18 season. The report predicted, among other things, that the Washington Wizards would take the third spot in the East.
This article examines the report with regards to the Wizards, as well as its finding – that John Wall is the best point guard in the East.
Eastern Conference Standings
It’s an honor that the Survey ranked the Wizards third in their conference. The Survey is based upon expert opinion. But moving away from the report for a moment, this article will also discuss the findings from a fan perspective.
The report noted, that the Wizards would come in third, behind the Boston Celtics (second), and the Cleveland Cavaliers (first), in their conference. Most fans would agree that Cleveland will take the top spot.
Whether the Cavaliers takes first or second, is dependent upon how many games, LeBron James decides to sit out and rest. Therefore, the first and second spot in the East, is Cleveland’s for the taking.
From a Wizards fan perspective the Wizards are a better team than Boston, for the following reasons. First, Boston blew up the team that got them to the conference finals. Secondly, they traded away one of the best defenders in the league – Avery Bradley.
Third, they traded Jae Crowder, as part of package deal with Isaiah Thomas, in exchange for Kyrie Irving.
The Celtics were well-known for being a physical team. Yet, they traded way their physical backbone – Bradley and Crowder.
David Aldridge of TNT reported on Twitter, that Crowder would be Cleveland’s starting power forward. (Kevin Love will move to the center position. Zero points having during two games in the Finals last season, Tristan Thompson will be coming off the bench.).
The Survey also found, that Avery Bradley, is the second best perimeter defender in the NBA. Kawhi Leonard was ranked number one.
Just because Boston got Irving, doesn’t change the fact that the best point guard in the East, resides in Washington. Wall averaged 23.1 points, 2.0 steals, and 10.7 assists per game last season. Irving averaged 25.2 points, 1.2 steals, and 5.8 assists per game.
As a pass-first point guard, Wall makes his teammates around him better. According to the Survey, he’s also a better passer than Irving.
The Celtics starting lineup is basically starting over, and now has to develop chemistry. While the Wizards lineup remained the same. Continuity goes a long way, especially when the Wizards have the best backcourt in the East.
The Celtics gave up too much this offseason, and became a weaker team. The Wizards’ front office stuck with their players, and now Washington has the foundation to build upon last season’s success.
Which Player is the fastest with the ball?
Survey says – John Wall. Wall has already stated, that he was the fastest with the ball on Tuesday, during an interview with Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports, on the Vertical Podcast. The GM Survey backs that up, ranking Wall as number one, with Russell Westbrook coming in second.
How is Irving going to guard Wall, when he’s not even fast enough to catch him?
Which player is the best passer?
The Survey ranked Wall third, tied with James Harden and Ricky Rubio. Wizards fans may disagree, because Wall throws magic-like passes. There was one instance last season, where he passed the ball in between a defender’s legs, while in transition.
Wall’s stat line already proves that he’s a better playmaker than Irving. Wall’s strength lies in making the players around him better. His assist numbers shows that he is pass-first point guard, and that he shares the ball.
Maybe a little bit too much. For example, when he launched that Tom Brady pass and knocked down his own teammate, Marcin Gortat. Can’t blame Wall for not knowing his own strength.
Wall is the best point guard in the East
The Survey placed Stephen Curry (first), Russell Westbrook (second), Chris Paul (third), and Wall (fourth). The top three players are situated in the West. Some may argue, that Wall should be ranked higher. However, it proves what most Wizards’ fans knew all along – Wall is the best point guard in the East.
In simpler terms, John Wall is a better point guard than Kyrie Irving.
With Beal, as one of the best shooting guards in the NBA, the Wizards have the best backcourt in the East. Otto Porter is a knockdown 3-point shooter. Gortat is ready to lay the boom down on Beantown. While the Celtics don’t need to be reminded about Washington’s dominant power forward – Markieff Morris.
The Wizards didn’t take their eyes off the ball this offseason. Their goal is to reach the Eastern Conference Finals and battle Cleveland. But if they have to go through Boston first, before landing in Cleveland, they’re ready.