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NBA Player Power Rankings: Change of the Guard

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 16, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) steals the ball from New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 123-108. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) steals the ball from New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 123-108. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 12, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) motions in the fourth quarter against Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Wizards 116-100. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) motions in the fourth quarter against Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Wizards 116-100. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

13. John Wall, Washington Wizards

Last Rank: No. 14

Position: Point Guard

Age: 25

Slash Line: .430/.343/.780

Season Averages: 35.9 MPG, 20.1 PPG, 9.9 APG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 1.4 3PM

If not for Blake Griffin having an all-time rookie season, John Wall’s career would look very different. The Rookie of the Year award would’ve sent him on a superstar trajectory in the eyes of the public, and thus fueled a greater reputation today.

Whether the basketball community acknowledges it or not, Wall has overcome the public’s under-appreciation to come dangerously close to cracking the superstar code.

Wall’s week included a triple-double against the Chicago Bulls, and a pair of other double-doubles in the Washington Wizards’ four outings. He recorded 29 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds, three steals, and one block on 11-of-19 shooting in the blowout of the Bulls, and tallied 15 points and 12 assists in Detroit’s other win.

Those looking for the Wizards’ franchise player to break out as a superstar are beginning to get their wish.

Washington has been ravaged by injuries in 2015-16, with just about everyone other than Wall going down at one point or another. He’s 0.1 dimes per game away from averaging 20.0 points and 10.0 assists, and is playing at a level that suggests he’ll reach that plateau.

Over his past 10 games, Wall is averaging 22.1 points, 10.6 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals on 46.2 percent shooting from the field.

Next: The Polarizing Figure