It doesn’t feel that long ago John Wall and Bradley Beal formed one of the NBA’s most exciting backcourts.
Wall, however, hasn’t played since December, 2018. The Wizards missed the playoffs that season. They were 24-40 this season, without Wall, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought sports to a screeching halt.
But Wall did provide Wizards’ fans with encouraging news. He’s declared himself healthy and “itching” to return to the court next season.
Wall has been recovering from two surgeries which have sidelined him for the last year and a half. He underwent surgery for bone spurs in his left heel that ended his 2018-19 season and another for a torn left Achilles that kept him off the court this season.
“I’m 110%,” Wall said. “I’m healthy.”
Wall still does not plan on returning to the floor at any point during the 2019-20 season if play does resume.
Speaking on a video call to discuss his “202 Assist” program to help pay rent for people in the nation’s capital affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the five-time All-Star said he is “still taking my time at the rehab” and working to get himself “in the best shape possible.”
“I’m itching to get back out there,” Wall said.
The Wizards were 24-40 and ninth in the Eastern Conference, 5.5 games behind the team in the last playoff spot, the Orlando Magic.
The Wizards have been cautious with Wall, rightfully so.
In the east, a healthy Wizards team, with maybe another piece or two can return to their previous form. This was a team which made the playoffs four times in a five-year stretch from 2013-14 until 2017-18
Beal has emerged as one of the league’s best players. The shooting guard was averaging 30.5 points per game in 2019-20 before play was suspended.
“I’m just focused on getting back out there and watching how Brad has developed, how our team has developed,” Wall said, “how we have made changes in the organization to prepare ourselves for next season and see what we can do.”
Time away from work, on purpose or forced, can trigger a reset most feel was needed. For Wall, he’s had time to physically heal and also reset his focus.
“I understand how quickly this game can be taken away from you,” Wall said. “I try to play through all injuries, because I feel like, ‘If it ain’t broke, go play.’ For me, if you take all the money away, I’m still going to play the game the same way I do, because that’s how much I love it.”
