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Washington Wizards: Early Forecasts for NBA MVP, Why John Wall Has a Shot

By Alishah Pearine

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 29: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards dunks the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 29, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 29: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards dunks the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 29, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 12: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards shoots the game-winning three-point basket against Avery Bradley #0 of the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals at Verizon Center on May 12, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 12: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards shoots the game-winning three-point basket against Avery Bradley #0 of the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals at Verizon Center on May 12, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

John Wall

A serious candidate for this season’s race is the Wizards’ superstar, John Wall. The unbelievable highlights, jaw-dropping plays and sheer mastery of passing he showcased last year, unfortunately, didn’t do much for his MVP case. He only garnered a measly 7 votes from the MVP Voters.

Last season, Wall averaged 23.1 points, 2 steals and 10.7 assists per game. The 2017-18 GM Survey ranks Wall as the best point guard in the East, and also the fastest player in the NBA with the ball.

His speed, strength, lateral quickness, hustle and IQ are all at elite levels. Coupled with the fact that he’s only 27 years old (an age where NBA players usually hit their absolute peak).

Wall is motivated to lead the Wizards to a 50+ win season. A feat that hasn’t been reached in the organization since the 1978-79 season, but appears more than likely this year.

If he’s able to deliver a 50+ win season, while averaging a double-double and playing elite level offense and defense, it’s hard to see Wall not claiming his first MVP award this year.

His backcourt mate, Bradley Beal is one of the best shooters in the game. While Otto Porter, Jr. had a breakout season last year. The Wizards also improved their bench during the offseason. Washington has arguably one of the best starting lineups. With their seasoned core, the sky is the limit for Wall to fully maximize his total offensive and defensive skill-set.

In addition, Wall’s passing abilities is without equal, so it will be hard to see the league passing on him as MVP.

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