nate33 wrote:Wall is currently playing better than Westbrook. That much is not in dispute.
That said, I don't have a lot of confidence in Wall remaining disciplined and hard-working on defense. Particularly when he is alongside Harden, who sets a terrible example. Let's see how the Rockets look in February before we start condemning the trade.
Two things:
1) People need to get into the "dog days" before really assessing the trade because what nate states here. Wall is coming out trying to prove himself and is also well rested. As the day in-day out grind both physically and emotionally take their toll, lets see how much vigor Wall has on defense and relentlessness going to the basket.
2) Wall put Tommy and this organization in a bad spot. At every turn the Wizards organization, for all their faults, went above and beyond in showing Wall he was a priority. We drafted him #1 overall in the draft without hesitation. We gave him the keys to the franchise.
After the 2012-13 season, We gave him a max extension a full year earlier than necessary even after the previous year he incurred a knee injury.
After the 2016/17 season, we gave him the Full DPE Max while having 2 years left on his deal.
Again, we paid him the most money he was able to make, at the earliest time he could get it. EVERY. TIME.
Yet, he felt the need to act like good role player/3rd star. We paid him $150M for 10 years. I cant think of a player that has made more and done less... sorry, but its true. When his contract ends, he'll have made $280M in salary alone...for what? Best comp would be Blake Griffin, but he matched Walls peak while doing it a half dozen times.
On paper, yes, wall has surpassed Westbrook it appears. But I just cant blame the organization for purging itself and resetting behind Beal.