So I flipped on the Wizards vs. Magic game last night to see prized rookie John Wall take on one of the better teams in the East. So what did I learn?
The Wizards are one of the softest teams I have ever seen. Blatche was awful, and I don't know if I have ever seen anyone who has as much natural talent, but no idea how to use it. Hinrich couldn't cover DP, honestly every guy just blew by him.
But at least there is John Wall right? Well, not last night at least. Sure his stat line looks fine (14 points 9 asts), but he shot 6-19. All his shots were forced, he didn't accelerate the offense, he couldn't hit open jumpers, and in general looked reckless. Still, it is the first game and he is playing against a really good team, but anyone who thinks this guy is going to take over the NBA may need to wait a year or two. A lot of the "problems" Rondo has are the same Wall seems to have. He can't hit the outside shot, and unlike Rondo he doesn't have the talent around him to take the pressure off.
I don't believe in the NBA's +/- rating, but you know you didn't play well when you are -31 for the game, which is what Wall was last night. Not a lot is expected from the Wizards, but they should be ashamed of this 112-83 loss, because the blowout could've been over 45 points if the Magic kept their starters in.
At the end of the day John Wall will have much better games, because the Magic are good at clogging up the lane with guys like Howard and Co, but it is also obvious that he has a lot to work on and he is going to have to do a lot of it on his own, because even when Arenas comes back this team is just way too soft.
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