The Washington Wizards' chances of making the NBA playoffs is not looking good unless they find a way to string up consecutive wins. They are coming off a loss and have only 19 games left in the season. The Orlando Magic are 6.5 games ahead of them and the window of opportunity continues to close with each passing game.
One guy who could have made a difference for the Wizards this season was John Wall. The top pick of the 2010 NBA Draft remains in the sidelines as he continues rehabilitation for a torn Achilles tendon. Together with Bradley Beal, they form one of the deadly backcourt duos in the league. So far, it has been Beal trying to hold up the fort with help coming from Davis Bertans and rookie Rui Hachimura.
For now, all head coach Scott Brooks can do is try to win as many games as possible. It may not be rewarding but would be something that could leave a positive mark for the team heading into next season. There are player changes expected but most would love to see Wall back in action. Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard gave an update on Reddit recently and Washington fans are going to like it.
“I’ve never seen him this motivated to make a full recovery. We see John scrimmage with the Go-Go, we see him at practice with the Wizards. And while the rust is still there, there’s plenty of signs that point to a full recovery,” Sheppard said.
With Wall progressing, there is a chance he could be back in action by the 2020-21 NBA season. Without the 29-year-old, the Wizards are missing big numbers. Wall is good for 19 points, 4.3 rebounds and 9.2 assists per game per Basketball-Reference.com, contributions that could give Washington a better showing this NBA season.
The progress of Wall is good news and a return would delight all NBA fans. He is likely to take it slow with Brooks expected to start him on managed minutes. Washington could have used someone like Wall right now as they try to catch the last playoff seat. With that off the table, all the Wizards can do is hope that Beal, Bertans, and Hachimura step up alongside other players on the roster.
If they fall short, the best the Wizards can do is plan ahead. They need to bring in players who can help and hopefully get some young legs this summer. Paired with the potential return of Wall, expect the Wizards to be an entirely different team next NBA season.
