Why Holding John Wall out for Next Season is a Smart Move

It was expected that John Wall would be out for most of next season. Now it is likely that we will not see him on the court at all.

Wizards owner, Ted Leonsis, stated last Monday that John Wall “probably won’t play” next season due to his torn achilles per Chase Hughes.

The five time All-Star tore his achilles in early February, 2019.  Right before the tear, Wall underwent surgery to remove bone spurs in his left heel to prevent a serious injury such as an achilles tear. This procedure would have sidelined him six to eight months. Wall would have likely missed the rest of last season, but would have been available for the start of this upcoming season.

After the surgery, Wall tore his achilles anyways by slipping and falling in his home. It was expected that he would miss significant time next season due to his injury. However, now we know that we should not expect Wall back on the court at all.

Over the last two seasons, Wall has not been healthy. In the 2017-2018 season, he dealt with pain in his knee. In January 2018, he opted to undergo a knee scope procedure to cleanup the area and get rid of the pain, sidelining him two months. Last year he was dealing with pain in his left heel.

His injuries have resulted in a decline in Wall’s points, assists, and three point percentage. The last season Wall played fully healthy was the 2016-2017 season. During that season, Wall averaged 23.1 points, 10.7 assists, and 2 steals per game and he nearly led the Wizards to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Wizards must get Wall fully healthy so he can return to his 2016-2017 form. Holding him out next year is the correct decision as it will allow Wall to get fully healthy for the 2020-2021 season.

Normally, players with achilles tears are sidelined for about a year rehabbing their injury. With Wall tearing his achilles in February, he could probably return around the All-Star break next season. However, when players are able to return, they are not always the same player they used to be.

John Wall’s best part of his game is his speed as he was arguably the fastest player in the NBA. With an achilles tear, there is a real chance that Wall could lose some of his agility and quickness, especially if he rushes his rehab to get back on the court as soon as possible.

Holding Wall out next season will allow Wall to take his time in rehab. By holding him out, he will have a better chance of looking like he did in his prime when he is ready to return to the court.

Additionally, there is no reason at all for the Wizards to rush back Wall next season. They are not competing for the championship or the playoffs. Even if they brought Wall back, success next season would be unlikely.

While it is painful to see the Wizard’s best player out a whole season, it is for the best. The old win now mentality is gone thanks to the newly revamped Wizards front office. I look forward to 2020 when we can see Wall back on the court alongside Beal and be a competitive team once again.