Playoff Picture: Washington Wizards

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John Wall

Wall deserves a lot of credit, because he’s almost single-handedly turned the culture and perception of this franchise around. Going back even a couple of years, there is no way somebody like Pierce would have thought of Washington as a destination to play out his final couple of years. His consistency in dragging this team back to relevancy has gone unnoticed as well.

Although he’s had statistically better seasons personally, the slight drop off in personal numbers can be attributed to having more players around him who can help. His pick and roll understanding with underrated center Marcin Gortat gives Wall a platform with which to hurt opponents.

His handles, speed and ability to finish at the rim are up there with the best point guards in the league.

Further proof that the offense flows through Wall and how important he is to this team can be seen in the assists numbers. Washington averages 18.4 per game, good for fifth in the league. Wall accounts for 10 of these each night, meaning when he’s on the court, he’s finding his teammates at a superb rate.

Any perceptions that he’s a selfish player have surely been vanquished, but he can take over and put up points if needs be.

Wall’s partnership with Bradley Beal still hasn’t broken through on a large level yet, partly because of injury to his teammate. You get the feeling though, that these playoffs could announce the arrival of these two as a fearsome tandem. Defensively he’s really come on leaps and bounds as well, although that ascension really began last year.

A two-way guard, he can get the better of his matchup any night.

Next: Washington, Land Of The Giants