John Wall, the former No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, has been impressive and shown growth in the league–when he has been healthy.
But what he has done when he has been able to play has been enough for the Washington Wizards to be close to signing the mercurial point guard to a contract extension that could reach $80 million over five years.
Wall missed almost half of last season after knee surgery, but he returned and was outstanding, leading the Wizards to a winning record in the final 49 games of the season. Sources told ESPN.com that a deal could be signed by Aug. 1.
Wall is in Las Vegas this week as part of USA Basketball’s mini-camp, featuring 28 players vying for spots on the 2014 squad that will participate in the FIBA World Cup in Spain, as well as the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
The Wizards are not willing to let Wall become a restricted free agent; he can sign a new deal by Oct. 31.
Wall averaged 18.5 points, 7.6 assists and 4.0 rebounds after his January return while shooting a career-best 44.1 percent from the field. He still has to improve the consistency of his jump shot, but his speed, quickness and ability to get to the basket and finish are exceptional.
He also has earned the trust of teammates, who have witnessed how much better the team functions when he is on the court.
