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5 Players That Need To Cement A Legacy In The NBA Playoffs

By Josh Eberley

May 15, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter in game six of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter in game six of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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John Wall needs to light the way for Kevin Durant and others this offseason.

John Wall is on this list for very different reasons. He isn’t here because he’s one title away from being in the all-time great conversation. He’s here because his career sits at an impasse, his talent is vast, and he is also the youngest player on this list (25).

But the course of his career may ultimately be decided this offseason.

From a talent standpoint, Wall is right there. He’s physically gifted, he’s an elite distributor and while his shooting overall is lackluster, he has improved. He’s one hell of a player.

The Wizards, on the other hand, are horrendous. Washington is 8-2 when Wall dishes 13 or more assists, but they are 17-27 otherwise. The Wizards rely on Wall to be a first option in the offense and to distribute at a league high rate, and that’s just for them to have a chance.

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Wall is also the only player on this list that doesn’t need to win a championship this season. No one expects a ring for the Wizards; in fact I’m not sure most expect them to make the playoffs, but it’s a must for the Wiz.

The Wizards should have one goal and only one goal the rest of the year: convince Kevin Durant that Washington is where he needs to be. The only way they’ll do that is by showcasing Wall as the best possible match to Durant’s skill set — a tall task, especially when Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook are also options.

It’s a long shot, but the alternative of re-signing Bradley Beal and overpaying for Tier B or Tier C free agents could be ugly. Wall and the Wizards could find the right mix elsewhere, a new coach and a new system, but those are alternative routes. Durant is the straightaway.

Recruiting Durant is the Wizards’ best shot at contention and Wall’s best shot to move up the all-time list. Unfortunately, putting up flashy numbers on a non-playoff team doesn’t buy you much these days.

Next: D-12