With the long-awaited return of Kawhi Leonard, we would have almost forgotten that John Wall was also making a comeback on the NBA courts last night. Also used off the bench during this Los Angeles derby won by the Clippershe also seduced, compiling 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 25 minutes (7/15 on shots).
As when he was with the Wizards, the former All-Star point guard relied on his strengths to punish his opponents: basket-to-basket speed, aggressiveness and efficiency at half distance or near the circle. Opportunistic, he was able to take advantage of the spaces left by the Lakers defense to sanction as soon as he had the opportunity and from his first possessions.
“ I went to my natural and preferred positions, mid-distance, and my ‘pull-up hesitation’ fell into it. When your first shot falls in, everything seems easier », he reacted afterwards.
The leader that the Clippers lacked?
For his first official match for a year and a half, in April 2021, John Wall therefore did the job in rotation of Reggie Jackson. Both excited and impressed before the game, as if he had become a rookie again for an evening, he in any case enjoyed his first outing in the Californian jersey.
“ It was awesome, I’m not going to lie to you », he added about this, before calling for patience. ” We have a brand new team and it’s going to take us some time offensively, with [Kawhi Leonard] and I have a minute restriction, but we’ll get there in time. »
In a new role for him since January 2013, namely that ofenergizer coming off the bench, John Wall demonstrated that he was far from done with the (very) high level and his contribution obviously delighted Tyronn Lue, who did not hesitate to give him his confidence in the money time.
“ The rhythm at which he plays, to penetrate, to go into the paint and create play for others or for himself, is something huge for us. “, recognized the coach of Los Angeles. ” He’s done a great job of putting his teammates in good positions and slowing down play. He’s a natural playmaker. »
A ring as revenge on life?
At just 32 years old, John Wall knows he has to reinvent himself, or at least accept that the best of his career is behind him, to keep his place in the league. From now on, it is therefore as a lieutenant of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George that he will be brought to shine, within a team which will aim for nothing other than the title and where he will be able to be surrounded by players who stick perfectly to his game…
“ My job is just to pick up the pace and get easy shots for the team. “, he concluded, aware of what he was recruited for this summer. ” Play with someone like [Kawhi Leonard], who has won titles, just pushes me to find him, to serve him in his preferential positions. I also asked [Paul George] and he what were the four or five systems they wanted to put in place. When I come on and we don’t have any counter-attacks, but we are playing half-court, I have to give them the ball where they want it. »
Returned from hell, after having lived four last dark years sportingly, physically but especially personally, John Wall thus savors his rebirth. Because, even if it is only a match, moreover in the middle of October, to see the flashes of the old dragster of the Wizards can only make you smile, given his recent career.
