Breaking news out of Washington is John Wall won’t play versus the OKC Thunder. Wall will undergo a knee procedure which will keep him out for up to two months.
As the OKC Thunder deal with their own injuries and loss of Andre Roberson the news out of Washington is John Wall won’t play tonight and could be out up to two months.
Wall has missed 11 games so far this season chiefly because of knee soreness. This isn’t the first time Wall’s knee’s have presented issues. Deemed by most to be the fastest guard in the NBA, it’s surprising these reoccurring issues with his knees hasn’t affected his speed or overall production.
The news however, is a bit concerning as Candace Buckner informs Wall will undergo a procedure (presumably arthroscopic knee surgery ) to clear up debris. This procedure will in effect keep the point guard out of the All-Star Game and may mean he’ll miss between six weeks and up to two months of action.
DEVELOPING: John Wall will undergo a knee procedure tomorrow (described as a clean up). He will miss six weeks & will not play in upcoming All-Star weekend, The Washington Post has learned.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) January 30, 2018
Story coming soon.
With the injuries this past weekend to Pelicans’ DeMarcus Cousins and OKC’s Andre Roberson it highlights just how precarious a team’s position is at any given time.
This is precisely why successful teams generally have deep squads. It also shines a light on the miraculous ability of the San Antonio Spurs to maintain home court position. This in spite of the Spurs missing their top player Kawhi Leonard and a myriad of other players who’ve been in and out of the rotation due to health issues.
#WizKids #DCRising #WizardsTalk Scott Brooks gives update on John Wall, says team will do what's best for him https://t.co/gYVcZ9Y8Wi
— Wizards Fans (@WizardsViews) January 30, 2018
Scott Brook’s confirmed this has been an ongoing issue with Wall trying to play through the knee soreness. Following his last game Wall experienced swelling and soreness which didn’t subside.
Will miss All-Star Game:
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Moving forward, Adam Silver will need to replace Wall in the All-Star Game (as he did Cousins with Paul George). Presumably the leading candidates are a member of the fourth place Heat or Andre Drummond . My guess is a guard from the Heat, either Goran Dragic or Josh Richardson.
Wizard’s lack bench depth:
For the OKC Thunder the loss of Wall offers a greater opportunity to win the match despite being without their own defensive stopper (Roberson). Bradley Beal will still need to be addressed however, as will Otto Porter Jr. and Kelly Oubre.
The big question moving forward is what Wall’s absence from the Wizards for up to two months means in terms of Washington’s playoff hopes. The Wizards currently are seeded sixth, but each of the Bucks, Wizards and Pacers trail the Celtics by eight games with the Sixers just two games back in eighth.
Washington’s bench ranks 18th in both differential and scoring so this hit will hurt. At $125,229,329 the Wizard’s have the fifth highest salary in the NBA. Moreover, with the trade deadline just ten days away and the Wizards having little wiggle room with salary it could be a tricky prospect for the Wizards brain trust.
Thunderous Intentions complete game day preview can be viewed here.