Rumors began to swirl on Saturday afternoon that Washington Wizards guard and 5x All-Star John Wall was considering season-ending surgery to repair an ongoing heel issue. Hours later the team issued a statement during their home game against the Charlotte Hornets that confirmed Wall will indeed undergo a debridement and repair of a Haglund’s deformity and chronic Achilles tendon injury in his left heel.
According to Wizards Coach Scott Brooks, Wall has been dealing with the heel injury for approximately three years. He missed two games this year due to the injury and there were times when he played it was evident he wasn’t himself. Despite the injury, Wall has averaged 20.7 points, 8.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 32 games for the Wizards season.
The procedure will be performed next week by Dr. Robert Anderson in Green Bay, WI. The procedure was determined to be the best course of action to relieve pain and inflammation in his heel after consultation between Dr. Anderson, Dr. David Porter of Indianapolis, IN, and the Wizards medical staff. Wall is expected to return to full basketball activity in approximately six to eight months.
This is yet another blow to the Wizards who are struggling with inconsistency and hold a 14-23 record. The team began the season feeling like they had the most depth in the Eastern Conference. However, trades and injuries in recent months have resulted in a depleted roster. The Wizards recently brought in forward Trevor Ariza, forward Sam Dekker, and guard Rob Baker but also traded key bench players such as Kelly Oubre, Jr. and Austin Rivers. Furthermore, Dwight Howard, Otto Porter, and Markieff Morris are out indefinitely due to various injuries.
On the same night the Wizards learned Wall’s fate, they managed to pull off a 130-126 victory over the Hornets. Now the team is relying on the next man up mentality.
“We got the news about John before the game,” guard Bradley Beal said. “Everybody has to step up. It’s next man up. I can’t sit here and try to do it all on my own because there’s no way I’ll be able to. It’s a matter of trusting my teammates no matter what it looks like. We have to get the win.”
“It feels like an AAU team right now,” Beal continued. “We only have eight or so guys in the rotation. We have to make due with what we have. Everybody has to step up, it’s not just going to be that one person that comes in and makes a difference. Everybody has to step their game up, elevate it, and bring a lot more to the table.”
Brooks echoed Beal’s sentiment.
“We’re going to need everybody,” Brooks said. “John is – without me saying it – an elite talent, scorer, playmaker – we don’t have him. So we need everyone to step up into a role that they’re going to enjoy. They’re going to get more minutes and they’re going to get opportunities.”
Answering the call, seven players finished the Hornets game in double digits: Trevor Ariza (24), Thomas Bryant (21), Tomas Satoransky (20), Bradley Beal (19), and Green/Dekker (13).
The Wizards will need similar performances moving forward to produce wins without Wall in the picture for the remainder of the season.