It’s no surprise given everything we’ve heard, but John Wall will not be joining the Washington Wizards in Orlando
Stop me if you’ve heard this before. John Wall will not be returning for the Washington Wizards this season.
The NBA bubble is becoming more and more of a reality with each passing day. Which means the Washington Wizards are getting closer to returning to action. And while nearly all the circumstances around the Wizards have changed over the last three months, the same question has remained.
Well, for those that thought a multi-month hiatus would mean a few final games with Wall to close out the season, you’re sadly mistaken.
During a conference call with media, GM Tommy Sheppard put all the questioning to rest. John Wall will not be joining the team in Orlando.
John Wall will not join the Wizards in Orlando, GM Tommy Sheppard says. That was the expectation, now confirmed.
— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) June 29, 2020
The news isn’t exactly surprising. The team has been telling anyone and everyone that will listen that Wall won’t be returning until next season, whenever that will be. But Sheppard revealed that Wall won’t be joining the team on the court in Orladno…or off the court.
John Wall won’t even be in the bubble.
It’s unfortunate to hear that we’ll have to wait even longer before we see Wall, especially after hearing him say he’s ‘110 percent healthy‘, but it makes sense.
Wall wasn’t ready to go before the season was put on hold, and time away from the team and from trainers certainly didn’t help him get back to where he needs to be. It’s one thing to be 110 percent healthy, it’s another to be basketball ready.
And with Davis Bertans sitting out for the rest of the season, the team’s slim playoff chances are even slimmer. Bringing Wall back to help push them over the edge doesn’t hold as much water as it used to. It’s just no longer worth the risk to rush Wall back with the Laser sidelined.
Plus, the bubble is a risky situation altogether. Sheppard alluded to that, himself, on the call. If Wall won’t be bringing a lot to the team on or off the court, it’s unwise to expose him to any unnecessary COVID risks. That’s something Wall has already voiced his own concerns over.
Sheppard on Wall not going to Orlando: "Having somebody go into that bubble that’s not gonna play, that’s just more people going into the bubble. … I don’t think it’s wise to have people in and around the team that aren’t playing (because of) exposure."
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) June 29, 2020
Besides, the Wizards will be better served if Wall uses this time to train, uninhibited by the stringent rules of the bubble.
Be patient, folks. When Wall finally returns, it’ll be worth the wait.