Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post - Wizards Coach Flip Saunders wants to see a smile on John Wall’s face.
Or so I thought. The Wizards, though, sunk to a new low in their next game against the Atlanta Hawks, running the first play for Blatche in the low post.
Blatche provided little energy while the Nets dominated the Wizards in rebounding, threw Saunders under the bus after one game and also made a fiasco of his captaincy . . . and then he’s rewarded with the first play in Washington’s next game? I mean, seriously?
Wall’s less-than-sharp entry pass to Blatche resulted in a turnover and a layup for the Hawks in their 18-point rout. Wall would seem to be too skilled a passer to have made such a half-hearted pass accidentally. Could Wall have been sending a message?
Blatche delivered another black eye to the organization and was rewarded at the start of the next game. What is Wall supposed to think about accountability and professionalism in this organization when ridiculousness such as that is sanctioned?
Then there’s center JaVale McGee. At first glance, the athletic 7-footer is off to a great start, averaging team-highs with 11 rebounds and 2.4 blocked shots while also scoring 13.8 points, tied for the lead with Wall. The organization revels in celebrating McGee’s highlight-tape dunks, of which there are many.
Problem is, in his fourth season, McGee still doesn’t know how to play. He still gets destroyed in pick-and-roll situations. He still exhibits poor fundamentals too often.
There are few talented 7-footers in the league, so McGee figures to get a big payday in his next contract. He still hasn’t proven, however, that he aspires to help Washington attain the team goals that drive Wall.
Wall has not played well. He has let his emotions get the best of him. And some would argue that if Wall wanted to play for a team with unlimited resources to acquire the best players, he should have stayed at Kentucky.
Other Wizards players through the years, however, have been stunned by what management permitted some to do. If the Wizards truly want Wall to help them change, they must first show him they can.
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