The mystery of John Wall’s absence in Wednesday’s win over the Atlanta Hawks has yet to be explained. All that was officially spoken by the Washington Wizards is that he was excused for “personal reasons” when he did not travel with the team to Atlanta.
There was speculation that Wall was dealing with the pending birth of his son. However, all that was said by head coach Scott Brooks was Wall “is good” and his availability for Saturday’s game against Cleveland was unknown.
On Saturday, Wall missed the team’s shootaround which usually signals a player will not play. Afterwards, Brooks stated Wall was under the weather and was at the team’s hotel in Cleveland. Wall playing was a game-time decision.
Then Wall played. He started. And then he had the worst game of his career, missing all five of his shots from the field and totaling one point to go along with his six assists and four rebounds.
https://twitter.com/HoopDistrictDC/status/1071590179746562049
Wall was stiff and barely moved on both offense and defense. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers, a team that entered Saturday tied for the worst record in the Eastern Conference at 5-20, blew out the Wizards 116-101 and the game was not even as close as the score.
Wall posted a minus-14. Following, the defeat the firestorm ensued of media and fans on the worst game of his NBA career. The loss ended the Wizards’ four-game win streak. Somehow the narrative was painted that Wall was the sole reason, considering they blew out the Hawks, the same team tied with the Cavaliers for the East’s worst record their previous game. Never mind, Wall played in all three of the previous wins.
Nonetheless, it was very clear something was not right with Wall. Following the game, both he and Brooks explained Wall was not feeling well. Wall then explained that a bone spur in his heel may have been the cause of his struggles on Saturday night, as it kept him from driving to lane.
āItās just like a bone spur but today it got really hot. Probably shouldnāt have played,” Wall told reporters per Ben Standig of NBC Sports Washington. “Thatās my faultā¦ Iāve had it for a while. It comes and goes from days where itās hot and today itās like I really couldnāt run.ā
Wall was seen standing by his stall using a device to massage his left leg, per Candace Buckner of the Washington Post.
When she asked Wall if he seen his stat line in the box score he said he didn’t have to because he knew.
“I didnāt have to look at it. I already knew it without looking at it. First game of my life,ā Wall replied per Buckner. “First game of my life. One free throw. No field goals.”
I don't understand why he stepped on the floor when he clearly wasn't right. https://t.co/BMu21wnao8
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) December 9, 2018
There will be many who will question as to why Wall played in the first place, if he was that hurt. It’s understandable that he wanted to get out there. The narrative going around has been how much of damaged goods he has been, so him playing while injured, banged up, or fighting an illness is commendable, but it may have hurt the team.
Let’s not forget it was a collective bad effort. Markieff Morris was 4-of-13 shooting from the field. Kelly Oubre was 4-of-12. Tomas Satoransky played 26 minutes and scored a meager seven points.
This is embarrassing effort @JohnWall pic.twitter.com/gAtKu4bxrC
— Oz (@OBtoojiveforyou) December 9, 2018
In fact, Wall didn’t even have the worst plus/minus rating in the game. That belonged to Bradley Beal and Oubre at minus-17. However, all fingers are certain to point at Wall.
Perception is he was the reason, especially with trade rumors swirling with his salary that will balloon next season to $37.8 million under the super max extension he signed last summer.
Wall dealing with an illness, personal reasons, and/or a bone spur in his heel only adds fuel to the flames.
