Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: Will John Wall’s legacy be like Reggie Miller or Charles Barkley?

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 27: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 27, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 27: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 27, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 27: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 27, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 27: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 27, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Time is not on Wizards’ side

Time waits for no one. That ‘one piece away‘ mantra is starting to sound like one year away as each year passes.

Maybe John Wall will be like LeBron, in that he could still be at his optimum 15 years into the league? During that time, maybe the Wizards will by then have gotten it together.

But it’s not just the organization, the writers who cover this organization also have a duty. It’s okay to be a fan, when one writes on a blog such as this. But the fans who read our work, also deserve some objectivity.

Therefore, It was during the draft, when I realized that John Wall may never get a ring. Not because of the Warriors or any LeBron-led team in the East. But because he is on the Wizards.

I thought I can’t write that. Even though that’s where it looks like his career is headed. I will lose a lot of readers. Also, all those late nights I put in this season would go to waste.

But sometimes you have to take a stand on what you believe.

Of course, Wall isn’t perfect, but he is a future Hall of Famer. He’ll most likely get his jersey retired and hung up in the rafters.

But a ring while playing for the Wizards? Based on the direction the organization, the coach and the team is going, it’s appearing unlikely.

Wall can be content with endorsements and individuals awards, and still have a successful basketball career.

Washington may be his home but this is not his city. If it was, he would demand more and be granted the tools he needs for this team to succeed.

Wall has said repeatedly, that he wants to retire here. He deserves it. Both he and his jersey will retire with the Wizards.

But unless Wall demands a fundamental change, he has to decide how he want to be remembered. Like a Reggie Miller who is considered a great. Or Charles Barkley, where there’s room for debate?

Every year the Wizards do the same thing, and every year they get the same results.

If Wall is the face of the franchise, he needs to face the facts. The way the Wizards are doing business may be good for business, but not his legacy.

Wall deserves better. Everyone on the team deserves better. The fans deserve better.

Fans can accept the Wizards giving it their best shot and falling short. But they can’t accept the organization not even giving the team a proper roster, such that they have a fighting chance. That is unacceptable.

The Wizards should never be sent into battle again with half a team.

So for free agency, the Wizards have to go big or go home again early next season. There’s always next year.

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