7. John Wall
2015-16 Stats: 19.9 PPG, 10.2 APG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 SPG, .424/.351/.791 shooting, 19.8 PER
On the defensive end, John Wall is far better than the next three point guards on this list. He’s a premier distributor, he’s single-handedly made the Washington Wizards relevant over the last few seasons and he’s still only 26 years old.
So why is he only No. 7 on this list? Well, last year’s hugely disappointing season didn’t help, with Wall getting off to a very slow start and his Wizards missing the playoffs in a 41-win season. Everyone knows Wall is deadly with the ball in his hands, but the point guard spot is so loaded we need to see him lead the charge in a bounce-back season for Washington first.
https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/791812446184886272
For all his distribution, quickness with the rock and smart defensive instincts, Wall lacks a skill intrinsic to being considered elite in the NBA these days: a passable three-point shot. His 12-point, 10-assist, four-steal season opener left something to be desired and was basically a perfect representation of his 2015-16 season, since he shot 3-for-15 from the floor in a loss.
Last year, Walls shot a career-high 35.1 percent from deep, and hopefully that upward trajectory continues. But he’s a career 31.9 percent shooter from three-point range, and his insistence on shooting long twos (along with Bradley Beal) doesn’t help matters. Wall is a tremendous floor general, but he’s not without flaws.