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John Wall News & Rumors

John Wall named to USA Select team
May 22
Washington Post
 
"Nearly three weeks after his invitation was revealed, Wizards point guard John Wall was officially named to the 13-man USA Men's Select Team roster. Rookie of the year Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers will also headline a team that includes Orlando Magic forward Ryan Anderson, San Antonio forward DeJuan Blair, Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins, Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors, Indiana Pacers swingman Paul George, Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson, Utah Jazz guard Gordon Hayward, San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin and Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson."
John Wall taking playoff notes on Chris Paul, Mike Conley Jr.
May 8
Washington Post
 
"Late in the season, a reporter walked up to Wizards assistant coach Sam Cassell as he signed autographs and asked him why John Wall was struggling in his second season. Cassell shrugged and responded, "He just needs some more pieces." The Wizards will certainly need some roster upgrades this summer if they intend to make significant improvements from this past season, but they are also going to need an improved Wall. With that in mind, Cassell brought Wall with him to attend Games 3 and 4 of the Los Angeles Clippers' first-round series with the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Wall said his offseason homework included watching Chris Paul to see how he runs a team during the postseason."
Wizards' John Wall chosen for Team USA select team
May 3
Washington Post
 
"John Wall has been invited to participate with the Team USA select team that will scrimmage with the Olympic team this summer, USA Basketball director Jerry Colangelo confirmed on Thursday. Wall has long stated that one of his goals is representing this country in international competition and being a part of the select team is an important step in being part of the U.S. men's national team pool. A few months after the Wizards made him the No. 1 overall pick in 2010, Wall said he would like to like to have a chance, "hopefully soon ." He added that it was "going to take time ." The full roster has yet to be announced, but Wall's former teammate at Kentucky, DeMarcus Cousins, is also"
John Wall to focus on controlling tempo
May 2
Washington Post
 
"John Wall's second offseason will look much different from his first, since the progression from year one to year two in the NBA wasn't as dramatic as he had hoped. Wall aspires to take the Wizards to the postseason and enter the discussion as an elite point guard, meaning that he'll avoid the summer league exhibition circuit – which he dominated with relative ease because of his superior athleticism. But the NBA game requires more thought, more skill and the ability to adjust to varying defensive schemes. He said he will focus on improving his "jump shot, making threes, and mid-range floaters and try to add a post game." Wall will also work on discovering how to use different speeds on"
Mack's first season with Wizards aided by Wall's tutelage
May 1
Washington Times
 
"John Wall knows all about pressure. Last season's No. 1 pick, Wall became the face of the Washington Wizards before his first day in uniform. In his second season, he found himself in the role of mentor to another rookie point guard, former Butler star Shelvin Mack. Both players had a steep learning curve, and thanks to the lockout, a short window to do it in. Fortunately for Mack, there was at least one thing he already did better than Wall. "I'm better at video games than he is," Mack said. "He'd probably say he is, but I think it's me.""
Wall, Nene make their intentions clear for next season
April 30
Washington Times
 
"Jan Vesely stood in the hallway outside the Washington Wizards practice court on Friday afternoon. He was holding a John Wall bobblehead, and waiting for Wall to sign it. Wall was momentarily surprised by Vesely's request, until Vesely explained the bobblehead was for someone else. Wall happily obliged. Wall and his teammates also had to sign dozens of team posters as they walked the halls of Verizon Center for the last time before embarking on their summer vacations."
Wizards' John Wall says he was 'kind of the same' in his second season
April 30
Washington Post
 
"Depending on whom you ask, John Wall regressed, made some non-statistical strides or remained stagnant in his second season with the Washington Wizards. Wall might have unrivaled end-to-end speed on the court, but for varying reasons, the career of the 2010 No. 1 overall pick is developing at a much slower pace. Wall's scoring and assist numbers were down slightly, but his shooting percentage and turnovers were up slightly from his rookie season. The Wizards (20-46) also finished with the league's second-worst record and needed to win their final six games to ensure that they had a better winning percentage than the year before. But Wall ended the season encouraged about the direction of"
Wall, Wizards have positive vibe about team's finishing kick
April 27
Washington Times
 
"A framed photo of the Larry O'Brien Trophy hangs in John Wall's locker. It was left there by its previous occupant, Antawn Jamison. The Wizards are a long way from being championship contenders, but Wall said he never considered taking the picture down. Washington closed out the 2011-12 season Thursday night against the Miami Heat, the odds-on favorite to win the NBA championship. But for the Wizards, it was another disappointing campaign, highlighted by a coaching change, trades and injuries, which culminated in their fourth straight losing season. While frustrating for some, rookie point guard Shelvin Mack found a silver lining in the dark clouds that have hovered over this team since it"
LeBron James advises John Wall to "stay positive"
April 26
Washington Post
 
"As former No. 1 picks, John Wall and LeBron James are in the same fraternity but Wall still has a long distance to travel before he can even think of joining James in the same class of elite NBA players. James entered the league a pre-packaged star and has lived up to the colossal hype in his first nine seasons. But as he concludes a season that could result in him being the eighth NBA player to win three most valuable player awards, James shares something else with Wall aside from being the first to shake hands with David Stern on the night of the NBA draft. Like Wall, he failed to make the postseason in his first two seasons. James understands the pressures that come with being the top"
John Wall learns from previous mistake to lead Wizards to win in Miami
April 22
Washington Post
 
"John Wall made a beautiful pass to Nene for the game-winning layup with half a second remaining in the Wizards' 86-84 victory on Saturday night in Miami. But that decisive sequence – and even a similar play 45 seconds earlier – was the result of more than just Wall's vision or Nene's hands and dexterity. Credit a lesson learned. The real reason the Wizards were able to escape Miami with a win over the Heat's skeleton crew is because of a loss in Indiana on March 29, when the team was in a similar position, attempting to tie in the final 30 seconds. Wall and Nene worked a high pick-and-roll, Wall drove left and hesitated when he saw Pacers center Roy Hibbert approaching. Though Nene was"
Wizards vs. Bulls: Kevin Seraphin, John Wall lead upset of team with NBA's best record
April 17
Washington Post
 
"Down 11 points in the fourth quarter, against a Chicago Bulls team that possessed the NBA's best record and in an arena in which hardly any team leaves with a victory, the Washington Wizards could have easily decided to collect another loss on an otherwise forgettable season. Instead, they embarked on their most unlikely comeback, claiming a stunning 87-84 victory at United Center to guarantee they would avoid finishing with the worst winning percentage in franchise history. The Wizards were led by a player given to them by the Bulls simply to clear salary cap space; by an aging swingman who barely got to break a sweat for the past month; by a big man who only got a shot because the"
Wizards' John Wall shows how less can be more
April 10
Washington Post
 
"Back in his home state, with his mother, Frances Pulley, sitting a few rows behind the Wizards' bench, John Wall had plenty of incentive to put on a show against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Wall appeared to be headed toward a special night when he had an assist, a steal and a layup to help the Wizards score the first eight points. He wouldn't get another steal or score another point for the rest for the game, but there probably aren't many players who would be more excited to match his career low in points – in what was easily the best two-point game of Wall's career."
John Wall, Wizards can't beat clock, Pacers
March 23
Washington Post
 
"Despite allowing a 22-point lead to evaporate in the fourth quarter, the Washington Wizards still had a chance to force overtime, or even win, on Thursday night against the Indiana Pacers. His team down two points, John Wall had the ball with nine seconds left on a play that called for the point guard to locate Jordan Crawford coming off a screen. Wall said he didn't see Crawford open, though, so he went to the basket on his own, releasing the shot after the buzzer. As it fell through, fans at Verizon Center began to cheer, but that joy sooned turned to disappointment when officials waved off the basket, leaving the Wizards on the short end, 85-83."
John Wall scores 25, but Rudy Gay carries Memphis to 97-92 win
March 19
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Wizards knew they were going to be in for a physical game against the Memphis Grizzlies, an aggressive team that likes to push, shove, grab and lean until their opponents give in. But Kevin Seraphin and Trevor Booker were up for the challenge of trying to defend the Grizzlies' imposing front line of all-star Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, who recently returned from a nearly two-month absence. John Wall and Jordan Crawford took it upon themselves to carry the offensive load, but the game still turned out to be a sloppy battle of bad passes and bodies falling and never had a rhythm."
Wizards' John Wall: 'If I fall short, I put the pressure on myself'
March 12
Washington Post
 
"John Wall had just delivered another empty double-double as the Washington Wizards suffered another double-digit loss, but a double dose of encouragement was in store for him. As Wall sullenly walked toward mid-court after the Wizards' 106-89 loss to the Miami Heat last month, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade made a beeline for Wall to console him. Wade draped his left arm around Wall's shoulders and James, noticing the cameras, lifted his shirt above his mouth to hide what he had to say. Wall nodded as both perennial all-stars reminded him of the struggles they once faced in their careers; with James, a former No. 1 overall pick, being on lottery teams his first two seasons and Wade once"
John Wall outduels Kyrie Irving as Washington snaps six-game skid
March 4
Washington Post
 
"With confetti and streamers cascading from the rafters, John Wall walked up to Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Kyrie Irving and gave him a hug after playing the first of what should be many highly competitive games between the past two No. 1 overall picks. Wall and Irving had never gone one-on-one before and the Washington Wizards' 101-98 victory on Saturday at Verizon Center will be remembered for the cat-quick point guards providing several dazzling plays — and some critical missed free throws in the closing seconds. Wall won the individual duel, outscoring Irving, 24-20, but more importantly, he helped the Wizards (8-28) snap a six-game losing streak. "Both of those guys are super talented,""
John Wall's 33 points go to waste as Washington falls to Orlando, 102-95
March 1
Washington Post
 
"Trevor Booker snared a rebound late in the fourth quarter of the Washington Wizards' 102-95 loss to the Orlando Magic, swung his arms and kicked wildly to get Magic guard Jason Richardson to back away. Booker not only cleared space, but he sent Richardson falling on his backside. Richardson hopped back up and confronted Booker, as their teammates tried to separate the two, and then grabbed at Booker's shorts. Booker angrily slapped away and pointed at Richardson, shouting some more. Even after the two were assessed technical fouls and situation was diffused, Booker calmly walked up to Richardson, unaccompanied, to explain the situation."
Is John Wall going to continue his improved play?
February 28
Washington Post
 
"John Wall entered this season with all-star aspirations, but with those dreams were dashed as the Wizards lost their first eight games and he languished through a sluggish start to the season. He is now averaging 16.8 points and 7.6 assists in his second season since being taken No. 1 overall in 2010. He is also providing all-star caliber production over his last 10 games, averaging 20 points on 50.7 percent shooting, 8.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds."
John Wall takes four place in NBA Skills Challenge — and a bit of grief
February 26
Washington Post
 
"John Wall came in fourth place behind champion Tony Parker, Rajon Rondo and Deron Williams in the Skills Challenge on All-Star Saturday in Orlando, improving upon his fifth-place last season. But that didn't mean that there wasn't another slightly embarrassing moment to go along with Greg Monroe pulling out a rug from under him late in the Rising Stars Challenge. Wall missed two chest passes but still rallied to finish tied for third with Rondo with a time of 32.8 seconds in the first round of the obstacle course of passing, dribbling and shooting. Wall and Rondo had to do a tiebreaker run to determine who would advance to the final round."
All-Star point guards talk about future All-Star John Wall
February 25
Washington Times
 
"John Wall's All-Star weekend begins on Friday night with the Rising Stars Challenge and continues on Saturday night with the Skills Competition. But Wall would be the first to admit that what he'd really like to be a part of happens on Sunday night — the All-Star game. Wall's talent indicates that someday, he probably will be. Until then, some of the league's best talked about Wall and a few other topics during media day at All-Star Weekend."
John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins have bond like brothers
February 24
Washington Times
 
"During Wednesday night's game between the Sacramento and Washington, Kings center DeMarcus Cousins threw a laser of a cross-court pass — right to Wizards guard John Wall. For a moment, it was as if the pair forgot that they were no longer teammates at Kentucky. But despite playing for different teams on opposite coasts, their on-court chemistry and off-court friendship is as strong as ever. "We talk just about every other day, if not every day," Wall said. "We just wish each other [to] keep getting better, and doing the best they can.""
John Wall to participate in Skills Challenge
February 21
Washington Post
 
"JaVale McGee was surprisingly ignored when the NBA selected its four participants in the slam dunk contest, but the Wizards will have some representation on all-star star Saturday night, as John Wall has been invited back to compete in the Skills Challenge competition in Orlando. Wall will attempt to improve upon his fourth-place finish in the event last season, when he completed the obstacle course of passes, dribbling and shooting in a time of 39.3 seconds. He will go up against defending champion Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook, San Antonio's Tony Parker, Deron Williams of the New Jersey Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Kyrie Irving."
Phoenix's Steve Nash to John Wall: "Stick with it"
February 20
Washington Post
 
"About an hour before getting set to take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, Steve Nash scurried from the Phoenix Suns' locker room to the practice court to put up some extra shots. Nash continues to work diligently on his craft, taking advantage of every chance to improve, which has made him an in­cred­ibly efficient point guard, even at 38. Nash is six years removed from winning back-to-back to most valuable player awards. But he is set to make his eighth all-star appearance next weekend, which is a testament to his longevity and patience, considering that his ascension to all-star status took six seasons."
John Wall on being 12th pick for Rising Star Challenge: "It's a joke to me"
February 19
Washington Post
 
"John Wall has had to get accustomed to losing in Washington, and this week, the 2010 No. 1 overall pick had to deal with what felt like a rejection. TNT analysts Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal chose teams for the Rising Star Challenge from a pool of 20 rookies and second-year players and Wall was selected 12th overall. "It's a joke to me," said Wall, who is averaging 16.9 points and 7.5 assists in his second season. "If they think there are 11 guys better than me, then that's their decision. But I know what I think in my mind and all I can do is go out there and play basketball the way I know how to play." Wall wasn't necessarily a fan of the format for the game formerly known as"
John Wall selected - 12th overall - to play for Team Chuck
February 17
Washington Post
 
"John Wall was the MVP of the Rookie-Sophomore challenge last year, as the 2010 No. 1 overall pick dished out a record 22 assists. He finished runner-up to Blake Griffin for rookie of the year and probably would've won the award if Griffin had started his career the year he was drafted. Although his numbers are down this season, Wall still leads all second-year players in assists at 7.6 and ranks second only to the all-star Griffin in scoring average at 16.7 points (Yes, amidst the league-wide Linfatuation with the New York Knicks, Wall has actually produced better stats for the entire season)."
John Wall not enthralled by switch in format
February 15
Washington Times
 
"John Wall had a tough rookie season as the Wizards limped to a 23-59 record in 2010-11. But ask him about the NBA All-Star Game, and he offers a hint of a smile. Wall had 22 assists in the rookies vs. sophomores game, many of them to L.A. Clippers star Blake Griffin and his former Kentucky teammate and good friend, DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings. It was a performance that earned Wall the MVP, as the rookies beat the sophomores 148-140. It was the highlight of his season, Wall said last year, and this year, he's going back as a member of the sophomore team."
Wizards vs. Pistons: John Wall finishes with 15 assists as Washington cruises on the road
February 13
Washington Post
 
"After the Washington Wizards started their longest trip of the season to this point with a resounding 98-77 victory over the Detroit Pistons, a team staffer went in search of the game ball. The ball rested in a chair near Nick Young's stall in the visiting locker room, but it was being reserved for Rashard Lewis, who made the most of his 12-minute stint as he was on the floor for the stunning, game-changing 22-2 second-half run and also joined some exclusive company in the NBA record book. An argument could be made that several players deserved a ball of their own, with JaVale McGee and Young leading the team with 22 points each and winning at the Palace of Auburn Hills for the first time"
Jeremy Lin leads NY Knicks to another victory with 23 points, 10 assists over John Wall and Wizards
February 9
New York Daily News
 
"And wouldn't you know it, Jeremy Lin can also dunk. "I actually didn't know he could," Tyson Chandler said. For three games now, Lin has evolved into the Knicks' version of Steve Nash. Steve Nash with a vertical leap, that is. The Lin phenomenon took an unexpected turn Wednesday night when the second-year point guard used a crossover dribble to blow past John Wall. The lane opened and instead of simply laying the ball in — that would be too predictable — the 6-3 Lin added another clip to his highlight reel by driving to the basket and elevating for a one-handed dunk. "I think they messed up their coverage," Lin said."
Billups to Wall: Don't forget the pain of losing
February 6
Washington Times
 
"John Wall sat in front of his locker in a rare, unguarded moment. There were no teammates around to joke with; no circling horde of media members shoving recorders and cameras in his face asking him to explain the team's latest loss. There was only a team trainer, a team official, and a lone reporter standing in the doorway watching, as Wall leaned down to pick up his sneakers, and put them on. It was less than an hour before game time, and although he'd never admit it, Wall looked tired, and probably was. He was about to lead the Wizards against a superior team that was not playing it's second straight game, and barring another Oklahoma City miracle, he knew this night probably would end"
Derrick Rose leads Chicago past John Wall and Washington, 98-88
January 31
Washington Post
 
"John Wall squared up against the player whose career he would most like to duplicate and did his best to trade him acrobatic layup for head-scratching layup. And for a half, Wall held his own against Derrick Rose, the reigning league's most valuable player, unwilling to get upstaged on his home turf. But as the game dragged on, and the Washington Wizards continued to miss shots and Rose continued to share the ball with his more-than-capable teammates, the gap between the two players and their respective teams became more magnified."
Wizards starters John Wall, Nick Young in game late despite blowout of Bobcats
January 26
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Wizards were well on their way to a 92-75 victory over Charlotte on Wednesday night when Coach Randy Wittman, in his first game since Flip Saunders was fired a day earlier, had John Wall report to the scorer's table. It was late in the fourth quarter, and backup Shelvin Mack had done just fine filling in as Washington was closing out the win, but Wittman wasn't taking any chances. Wittman said after the game he also wanted Wall to work on his conditioning in part because the team was going to be more aggressive pushing the ball upcourt."
John Wall flirts with a triple-double but Paul Pierce, Boston are too strong in 100-94 win
January 23
Washington Post
 
"On one of the rare times Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce missed a shot on Sunday, Andray Blatche corralled the rebound and fired a full-length pass down the court to Nick Young for a vicious one-handed jam. Admiring his work, Blatche stopped at half court, looked over at the Washington Wizards' bench and smiled as he struck his version of the Heisman trophy pose. Blatche later joked that he's "a quarterback," showing a playful side that he hid the past few games as fans at Verizon Center expressed their displeasure by booing him."
Wizards vs. Rockets: John Wall scores career-high 38 points, JaVale McGee benched in 114-106 loss
January 17
Washington Post
 
"His coach was furious. Most of his teammates weren't very amused. Nick Young praised him for having the bravery to even consider attempting such a play during a game. But JaVale McGee didn't have any qualms about a third-quarter dunk during the Washington Wizards' 114-106 loss to the Houston Rockets that revealed his incredible athletic gifts and also presented one of the many reasons why his team has been the most dysfunctional in the NBA this season. With the Wizards trailing by six points, Trevor Booker dived to save a loose ball to John Wall, who threw it ahead to McGee, all alone on the break. As he approached the foul line, McGee tossed an alley-oop pass off the glass to himself,"
Washington's struggles written on John Wall's face in second straight loss to Philadelphia
January 15
Washington Post
 
"As the Washington Wizards were introduced at Verizon Center on Saturday, John Wall already had the look of a defeated man. He slouched in his chair, slapped five with his fellow starters, then trudged through a tunnel of teammates as his name was announced. The game hadn't started, but his detachment was already palpable. Wall has had an underwhelming sophomore campaign, but his struggles played out in even more disconcerting fashion during the first half of the Wizards' 103-90 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Wall had more turnovers (seven) than points (six) in the first half and was benched for the final three minutes of the second quarter after a series of careless passes led to easy"
Still struggling from the field, Wizards' Wall turns focus to leadership
January 12
Washington Times
 
"Just hours before the Washington Wizards picked up their first win of the season against the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, Flip Saunders and John Wall had a talk. Saunders understands how much pressure Wall puts on himself to lead the team, and at times, it seems as if the 21-year-old point guard is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. But despite Wall's shooting struggles — he's hitting just 34 percent of his shots in the first nine games — that's the last thing Saunders wants him to worry about. "He did the best job that he did all year as far as understanding mismatches," Saunders said after the Wizards' win over the Raptors. "Tonight he played the game as far as running the"
Before the Wizards' John Wall can lead, he needs to work on his game
January 6
Washington Post
 columnist Thomas Boswell
"So far into his career, John Wall is the worst shooter in the NBA. Adults have many duties to the young. One is honesty. When gifted kids grow up, their elders, including employers, should be candid about their flaws and help them fulfill their talent. Nobody knows the whole job at age 21. Right now, the Washington Wizards have an enormous responsibility to Wall. They need to see him clearly and let him know that, despite his big contract, his No.?1 overall draft pick status, his face-of-franchise public relations role and his obvious talents, he is still not yet a good NBA player."
Guard matchups don't get easier for Wizards' John Wall four games in
January 2
Washington Times
 
"No rest for the weary is a phrase that could easily apply to Wizards point guard John Wall. After facing All-Star point guard Deron Williams to start the season in the home opener against the New Jersey Nets, Wall had to face Brandon Jennings on Friday night in Milwaukee. Returning to Verizon Center at 0-3, Wall's New Year's Day gift was a matchup with Rajon Rondo and the aging, but experienced, Boston Celtics. Monday night, Wall and Washington are in Boston. "He's a great point guard," Wall said. "He's an All-Star point guard that knows how to win, knows how to lead a team and knows how to get everybody involved in the offense.""
John Wall, Wizards show improvement in loss to Celtics
January 2
Washington Times
 
"Washington Wizards guard John Wall had his best game of the season — 19 points on 6 of 13 shooting and perhaps best of all: eight assists to one turnover. Wall's progress is a good sign, but the end result for the Wizards was the same as the first three, as they lost 94-86 to the Boston Celtics on Sunday night at Verizon Center. Washington will have little time to watch film, learn and regroup since it will face the Celtics again Monday night on the road. The Wizards' best hope is that one of the league's oldest teams will take longer to recover, giving them a small advantage based on youth and the ability to recover a little quicker in what will be their first back-to-back of the season."
John Wall's profile has changed, but his focus hasn't
December 26
Washington Post
 
"The extended NBA offseason allowed John Wall to cash in on his burgeoning celebrity in ways that he never could have imagined just four years ago, when he was barely known outside of his home town of Raleigh, N.C. After a relatively successful rookie season with the Washington Wizards, Wall heard his name dropped in a popular rap song and found himself filming a promotional video for his shoe company, Reebok, with Grammy-winning producer Swizz Beatz and rappers Rick Ross and Meek Mill. He celebrated his 21st birthday in several cities, with hip-hop mogul Diddy and platinum-selling rapper Drake as special guests at a party in New York. And, shortly before NBA owners and players reached an"
Wizards face challenge keeping John Wall over the long haul
December 23
Washington Post
 
"Without a doubt, the Washington Wizards nailed it on point guard John Wall. They made a good move in building around him. The Wizards got that much right. Wall needs to be correct about them, too. The optimism he expresses regarding the franchise's future? That must continue. The confidence he has in team President Ernie Grunfeld? It had better not waver."
76ers' Evan Turner doesn't want to be compared to John Wall
December 21
Washington Post
 
"As John Wall approached, Philadelphia 76ers second-year guard Evan Turner got down in his defensive stance, and waited for Wall to make a move. Turner bit as Wall dribbled left, then stumbled as Wall crossed over and drove right. Wall blew past the frozen Turner, then elevated for vicious one-handed jam over Craig Brackins. Turner went back to the next play, as Wall hooted and cursed, and had to deal with another reminder of the explosiveness and athleticism that led the Wizards select Wall over him with the No. 1 overall choice in June 2010. But since Wall's dunk merely brought the Wizards within 38 points during an eventual 103-78 loss in the preseason opener on Friday, Turner also left"
John Wall has 'terrible' showing in preseason opener, Flip Saunders says
December 17
Washington Post
 
"Point guard John Wall is the player around whom the Washington Wizards are pinning their fortunes, and as such, the team routinely goes as he does. In the preseason opener on Friday night at Verizon Center, Wall shot 3 for 12 and turned over the ball six times with just three assists in 26 minutes. Thus the Wizards lost badly to Philadelphia, 103-78, before a crowd of 11,419 in a game in which they shot 33 percent, had 20 turnovers and were outrebounded 42-35. "Terrible," Coach Flip Saunders said of Wall. "He didn't play with the same aggressiveness, passion." One play in particular encapsulated the failed evening for both Wall and all his teammates. In the third quarter, Wall was pushing"
Wizards' John Wall: "I feel this is my year to break out"
December 11
Washington Post
 
"John Wall shuffled his feet to the right, then to the left and then dropped to the ground. He hopped back up, stutter-stepped forward, stutter-stepped backward, and dropped to the ground again. Wall's teammates tried to mirror his every move after Coach Flip Saunders assigned him to take charge of an agility drill during the Washington Wizards' first day of training camp. Wall smiled as he tried to use misdirection to fake out his teammates, who laughed in kind. He embraced the responsibility of leading the team near the end of Friday's 21 / 2 hour practice, and feels more confident around his ability to direct the Wizards in his second season. No longer a rookie so unfamiliar with the NBA"
Is John Wall ready to break out?
December 9
Washington Post
 columnist Michael Lee
"Since the Wizards did little to upgrade the roster aside from adding three draft picks, the team's improvement will likely depend on John Wall's progression in his second season. Wall said he wasn't healthy for most of his first campaign – when he dealt with injuries to his knees and left foot but still averaged 16.4 points, 8.3 assists and 4.6 rebounds and finished a distant second to Blake Griffin for rookie of the year honors. Wall took advantage of the lockout to study film of the league's elite point guards , review his mistakes, figure out the areas in which he needed to get better and others that he could exploit. He regained his explosiveness and used his athleticism to erupt for"
Wizards' John Wall on being silly and serious
December 8
Washington Post
 
"John Wall wearing gigantic lime-green glasses as he watched Kentucky defeat North Carolina was probably one of the more surprising or odd images of the weekend. CBS repeatedly captured Wall in the stands at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., sporting the ridiculous look as he chatted with his good friend and former teammate DeMarcus Cousins. Wall explained on Monday that he saw the glasses laying around, punched out the lenses and put them on for fun. He kept them on for superstitious reasons, because they appeared to be working, with the No. 1-ranked Wildcats staging an exciting comeback win over the Tar Heels. "We got the win, by the way. I think they came out and played," Wall said with a"
Wall elevates intensity — and expectations for Wizards teammates
December 6
Washington Times
 
"The eyes are a little more intense than they were last season, as though living through the uncertainty of the NBA lockout made him grow up just a little bit faster. John Wall would be the first to agree. Set to begin his second season as the Washington Wizards' point guard, Wall sees himself as a seasoned veteran and says he's ready to lead on and off the court. "My confidence is sky-high right now," Wall said. "The way I played this summer, I know it wasn't serious games in the NBA, but it was against NBA-type players, but it was just mainly getting my confidence back and getting back healthy.""
John Wall back to basketball after learning more about business
December 6
Washington Post
 
"In the 18 months since the Washington Wizards drafted him No. 1 overall, John Wall has received an education in the business of basketball that surpasses anything he learned in the online courses he is taking this fall toward his business management degree at Kentucky. Within two weeks of his red-carpet introduction at Verizon Center, Wall watched LeBron James flex his free agent powers and take his talents to the Miami Heat. Within two months, he watched Gilbert Arenas get dealt to Orlando for a contract that was less unappealing long-term. And after his rookie season, Wall watched NBA owners reestablish their leverage by locking out players for nearly five months, getting a better split"
Wizards' John Wall not harmed in New York nightclub incident
November 17
Washington Post
 
"John Wall said he was unharmed early Tuesday morning while partying at a New York nightclub where a gunman opened fire, killing one man and injuring two others. Wall was among several athletes and celebrities at Juliet Supper Club in Chelsea, where five shots were fired at around 2:30 a.m. "I'm good," Wall wrote in a text message when asked if he was in danger. He added that he "didn't see nuttin." According to reports in the New York Times and the New York Daily News, Charlotte Bobcats guard Kemba Walker, Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, Orlando Magic guard Chris Duhon, as well as New York Giants players Victor Cruz, Aaron Ross, Antrel"
John Wall might enter next slam dunk contest
October 21
Washington Post
 
"John Wall's superb leaping and finishing skills have been on full display this offseason, but he took his aerial acrobatics to new levels earlier this month at Chris Paul's charity game in Winston-Salem, N.C. He tossed a ball off the wall and dunked, whirled the ball behind his back for another jam and did a two-handed 360-degree slam with relative ease. Wall has already declared that he's back to displaying the explosiveness he had before battling injuries as a rookie, and now he might attempt to go after Los Angeles Clippers all-star forward Blake Griffin's crown as the reigning slam dunk champion. At the launch for his new Reebok Zig Encore shoe and apparel line on Wednesday at a Foot"