NBA: 5 dark horse MVP candidates in 2017-18
By Evan Massey
4. John Wall, Washington Wizards
John Wall has had quite a few critics throughout his NBA career. Many have criticized him for his perimeter jump shot or inconsistency, but he shut those critics down last season. Wall is now poised to make the leap into the MVP conversation this season.
During the 2016-17 season, Wall averaged 23.1 points, 10.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game. He shot 45.1 percent from the field and finished with a 3-point percentage of 32.7. Wall could still improve his perimeter shooting, but that is not going to keep him from competing in the MVP race.
The Washington Wizards appear to be a top-four team in the Eastern Conference. A lot of that optimism surrounding the Wizards comes from the fact that Wall is leading the way.
Very few players are capable of having the type of impact that Wall can have on a game. Beating out Kevin Durant, Westbrook, LeBron James, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard won’t be easy, but Wall certainly has a chance.