John Wall's Value and The Wizards Future

There has been much talk recently about John Wall's value and whether he is worthy of being a max salary cap player. Some people have suggested that he is not and before this year I would have agreed with that but his play recently has changed most people's minds.

People who doubt John Wall's ability have every reason to before this season because he came into the season set to miss time for the 2nd time in 3 seasons. Although his first 2 years he averaged 8 assist each year he also turned the ball over almost four times a game. Not to mention the fact that he could not shoot to save his life but he has worked hard to change this.

In most people mind John Wall has been a consistent jump shot away from being Derrick Rose-esque and this season he has finally improved his shooting and with that he has improved the Wizards.

He has managed to improve his shooting percentage from last year (42.3% to 44.3%) on more shots (13.1 per game to 14 per game). His biggest improvement has been the 3 ball, which he shot a dismal 7.1 percent last season to a respectable 31 percent and last season Wall shot 14 percent from 20 to 24 ft and this season he shoots 46 percent from that range! He more than tripled his percentage. Opponents have to repect his jumper now and this improvement has opened the game up for Wall to drive more and be more effective while winning more games.

The Wizards started the year a measly 5 and 28 but since Wall returned from a left knee injury on January 12th the Wiz have gone 22 and 18. This is a monumental change from a lottery team to a competitive team. Think about it like this, If the Wizards were 4 games over .500 right now they would be the 7th seed in the eastern playoff picture and 8th in the western conference.

Wall's return to the line up has also improved all of his teammates. Since Walls return the Wizards field goal percentage, 3 point percentage, points per game, steals and assist have all increased significantly. They went from shooting 40 percent in December to 44 percent and better in the last 3 months.

Beal has seen his production increase since Wall's return.

Most notably Bradley Beal has benefitted greatly from Wall's return. Beal averaged 13.4 points per
game before Wall returned, once Wall returned in January Beals average went to 15.1 ppg, then soared to 17.5 ppg in February. He has been injury plagued in March but put up 24 points yesterday in a win against the Raptors.

Beal has also seen his shooting percentage go from 38 percent and gradually improve to 48 percent over the last 3 months since Wall returned.

Wall has always had the potential to be a great player and has been known to be a selfless player and not a slacker on the defensive end. This year he is showing his worth by improving his team, developing a jump shot and exploding on opponents like the Grizzlies on March 25th . Check out his 47 point game here.

Hopefully the Wizards will see John Wall's importance to the teams future with the budding potential of Beal as well. I expect Wall and Beal to become a dynamic back court and they should have a good chance to make the playoffs next year if the Wizards add a few pieces to the puzzle.