Washington Wizards: 5 goals for John Wall in 2017-18

1. The “Kobe” challenge

As hard as it is to believe the four-time All-Star was somehow snubbed for last season’s All-Defensive First Team, and was put on Third Team. But can he make the First Team in 2017-18?

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While it is a mystery to some, this doesn’t seem to be a coincidental challenge after coming from Kobe Bryant himself. In a way it is more of a dare than a challenge for John Wall, because he is certainly more than capable.

As mentioned earlier, Wall has finished in the top 10 in steals per game three times in his career.

His advanced defensive stats could use improving at a career 0.5 Defensive Box Plus/Minus, but he led all point guard in blocks last season with 49. One of his clear goals this year will be making his impact known on both ends of the floor, and if First Team All-Defensive honors is a byproduct of that, even better.

John Wall has a few tall orders and exceptional tasks at hand, but being the leader and character he is, it wouldn’t be surprising to him break all his previous barriers once again in 2017-18.

Next: 10 NBA players in need of a trade in 2017-18

The Washington Wizards are in as good shape as they have ever been as a franchise during the past two decades, and John Wall is a big part of that success as he continues to improve over his career.