#437. John Wall is way closer to an MVP than you think
Last year’s MVP race was one of the best we’ve ever seen. This year’s race seems to be no different. But one name is still left out: the man, the myth, the legend, John Wall
There are 3 things that an NBA player needs to be an MVP candidate: a winning record, great stats, and a good storyline.
John Wall will have all 3 completed by the end of the 2018 season, and he’s ready to take the leap.
Record
The Washington Wizards are one of the best teams in the weak Eastern Conference. The Wizards have been strengthening themselves for years; the rest of the Conference hasn’t. Even after starting off the season with an embarrassing record, they managed to grab the 4th seed.
The Wizards only have 2 teams to beat in their quest to get the #1 seed: the Celtics and the Cavaliers
The Cavaliers’ middle name is injury, and they wouldn’t chase the first seed anyway.
The Celtics will take some time to gel together and a bench that is becoming weaker by the season.
The first seed definitely isn’t a lock for the Wizards, but it’s in the realm of possibility.
Stats
John Wall averaged 23 points, 10 assists, and 4 rebounds last year. Meanwhile, Westbrook and Harden were racking up triple doubles, so he got overlooked.
Wall is already averaging an MVP statline, and he’s only getting better. Wall has transformed himself into an efficient player. When a player is efficient, improving his stats becomes easy.
Better yet, people won’t be able to downplay his stats because he doesn’t have a glaring hole in his game.
Critics noted Stephen Curry’s bad defense as a reason to keep him from the MVP.
They noted the Thunder’s mediocre record when arguing against Russell Westbrook.
He’s solid in every area of the day. His shooting is his biggest weakness, but he’s by no means a terrible shooter.
He’s alway under control.
He gets his teammates involved.
He is a good defender.
He’s clutch.
His stats will be great.
His team’s standing will be top-notch
What more do you want?
Storyline
We’ve all seen what a great storyline can do for a player’s MVP voting. After all, Westbrook’s MVP campaign from last year is fresh in our minds.
John Wall is the savior of the Wizards’ franchise.
Since the Wizards changed their name, they’ve been irrelevant. Their last championship was in 1978. That was before Magic, Larry, Michael, Shaq, Kobe, Lebron, or any other great player you can think of in the last 40 years. They’ve been irrelevant during the Golden Age of Basketball.
One man is here to bring the Wizards back into relevancy; his name is John Wall. Wall signed the supermax extension this summer. With another 5 years left on his contract, he’s in it for the long haul. It’s make or break time. Wall wants to end the Wizards’ near 40-year championship drought. He wants to get the recognition he deserves.
It’s now or never.
