The Washington Wizards’ 2011-2012 season, for all intents and purposes, is over. It is over in the sense of having any playoff hope and over in terms of having any respectability amongst the most hardened NBA fans. The good news is that, what could be a season-gone-by could actually now become a teaching point for a young team that has no true leader and is still trying to find its way.
John Wall, who has inherited the role of leader because of his status as the #1 pick in the 2010 NBA draft, has unfairly been thrust into a role that is normally given to a player that has learned the ropes from a savvy veteran. The last time I looked, this team had no veteran on it that has demanded respect from a pure basketball standpoint. More importantly, Wall has no on-the-court mentor at his position who can show him the ins-and–outs of the game. Sure… assistant coach Sam Cassell has championship rings and was a great competitor at the position that Wall now orchestrates. But Cassell not being on the floor when the bullets are flying is no help to Wall.
At this point, Wall needs to be pushed to play out his game weaknesses, one of which is glaring — no jump shot. The current goal should not be talking about winning games but learning how to play professional basketball. The Wizards organization should make it a point to find players who will show improvement over the remainder of the season.
As for Wall, his immense athletic skills are not enough for him to get by in this league where, game-in and game-out, he will go up against other talented, athletic guards. A point should be made for the second year man to shoot at least five to seven jump shots per game if they are within the flow of the contest. After watching him this year it is obvious he has no confidence in his shot.
This team also needs to learn to embrace its opportunities. Young players may feel great just knowing they are living out their dreams and playing NBA ball. A group of young guys who have never had to grind their way through a season may accept losing now on the larger scale. Success will only come when the organization as a whole puts out its best effort to find character players who care whether they win or lose.
These are questions that the Washington Wizards will face as this lost season continues to play out.