Washington Wizards: John Wall, fastest player in the NBA doesn’t have sneaker deal
Why doesn’t the fastest player in the NBA, the Washington Wizards’ John Wall, have a sneaker deal?
It defies the law of physics that the fastest player in the NBA doesn’t have a sneaker deal. Why aren’t athletic brands running to the Washington Wizards‘ John Wall for a signature shoe line?
When people say it’s not about the money, it usually is. But in this instance, it’s not, because Wall recently signed a supermax contract, during the offseason. It’s about respect. Something that the point guard has earned through his tireless leadership.
Wall is the consummate professional on and off the court. For the past three summers, he has held an annual Back To School Backpack Giveaway. During the event, some of the kids tell him, that they want to grow up to be a basketball player just like him. In response, Wall asks why? Afterwards, he tells them that there are other career paths—doctor, lawyer, nurse, teacher, etc.
He’s a strong proponent of education, and believes that all high schools should have mentors. His leadership on the court, is no different than when he’s off the court.
In addition, he was awarded the 2016 Seasonlong NBA Cares Community Assist Award, for all the work that he does for the Washington, D.C. community. He’s also donated $400,000 of his own money to Bright Beginnings, an educational center for homeless children.
Wall’s provided funding for the Passport to Manhood at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington. According to the Washington Post, the “program’s designed to teach teenage boys responsibility, leadership and the importance of community.”
He has never shied away from being a role model, and is looked up to by countless youth in the underserved areas of the metropolitan D.C. area.
It’s not only the youth, but he also provides hope for a city that’s experiencing a championship drought. The Wizards aren’t a superteam, but rather a team that was built mostly through the draft. He led the 2-8 Wizards to being one game away from the Eastern Conference Finals, last season.
Although, the Wizards hardly received any nationally televised games last year, that didn’t matter to Wall. He doesn’t believe in resting and sitting out games. According to the two-way guard, that might be the only chance a child gets to see him play.
He has played through injury for most of his career, and that is an example of someone pushing through adversity and not making excuses. A lesson for everyone at any age.
This season he is fully healthy. His goal is to retire a Wizard, but not before bringing a championship to Washington.
The NBA’s Annual General Manager Survey ranked Wall as the fastest player in the NBA, and also the best point guard in the East.
It doesn’t make sense that the faster player in the league doesn’t have a shoe deal.