John Wall’s Window

John Wall signing the super max yesterday means that this really is his moment, win, or lose. $200 million or bust, so to speak. He just went all in for something.
If Wall did not sign, it meant he was going to likely ditch D.C. and seek his fortunes elsewhere if things didn’t work out in the next two years. Glory, b-ball immortality. All of that. But he has now put on his gear and if he is to win the East (cuz winning it all is just another thing altogether considering Golden State’s loaded team) and advance to the Finals, it is going to happen in the next few years.
Wall is at that age where his game is soaring and could soar higher with a better jump shot and no major injury. He is 26 and is coming off his best year and his team’s best year since he joined my Bullets (The Wiz). With a few minor decreases, his seven years in D.C. have seen him improve every year in most areas. Three years in a row now he has averaged 10 assists per game. Last year his FG percentage overall was 45 percent. He scored 23 points per game. His team won 49 games and even more impressive they were 47–25 following a 2–8 start.

Wall’s numbers in the playoffs were even more impressive this year — 27 points 10 assists, 4 rebounds and the big time three point shot in Game 6 against Boston that pushed the series to seven games. But for a bench that reminded one of a leaky roof, Bullets might have advanced to conference Finals. Only time will tell.
But the time is right for this chance. Isiah Thomas, the famous PG of the ‘Bad Boys’ Pistons era of Motown, was 27 when he first made the Finals, 28 when he guided his team to their first title. Thomas, and Wall have similar career trajectories and paths.
Thomas left college early (Wall did as well) and slowly but surely got better and better each year in the NBA. Detroit assembled a formidable team (not just a Big Three or a Dynamic Duo) for Thomas and he and they made the most of it.
Chauncey Billups, another PG who was key to another Pistons title in 2004, was also at a similar age when they won it all in 2004. Billups was MVP of the Finals in 2004 and was 28 years old. He was playing his best basketball and again, the Pistons had a complete team to complement his skills.
Why now? Why did he sign? Wall likely knows. PGs are like the RBs of the NBA. They burn out in the early 30’s and those are the greats and the long distance runners. Isiah Thomas retired at 33. Kevin Johnson, the great Phoenix Suns PG, had a great run from the age of 22–30, but was done basically at 31. Gary Payton, of Seattle Supersonics fame, played until he was 38 but by the age of 34, his game was fading. Mo Cheeks, the Philly legend, was 33 when the wear and tear was obvious. Tony Parker, of the Spurs, is 34 now and is likely done after one more year and a pretty nasty injury.

So, though Wall might not know the specifics; he has to know, like Charlie Parker once blew: “now’s the time.” If Cleveland obliges Kyrie Irving and trades him and Cleveland is unable to reload, the Bullets have to seize the time and conquer the King of the East — LeBron James. The Celtics, with their soon to be championship ready roster, might be vulnerable now but not likely in a few years. They might be the next Golden State (I hope not). So this is it. Go now. The window might be opening. As everyone knows, you have to be good to win something in the NBA; but you also have to be lucky.


