NBA Rumors: John Wall Unhappy With The Washington Wizards?

NBA Rumors: If John Wall is indeed unhappy, it could mean very bad things for the future of the Washington Wizards

Less than a year ago, the case could be made that the Washington Wizards were one John Wall injury away from making the Eastern Conference Finals.

After sweeping the Toronto Raptors out of the playoffs and pushing the 60-win Atlanta Hawks to the limit in their Eastern Conference Semifinal matchup, the future was looking bright for the Wizards. Not only did Washington just put together their most successful season since the golden years of Agent Zero, but it was just the beginning.

They were supposed to be the “Next” team. The team that was going to be a real threat to the Cleveland Cavaliers this season. That, in summary, hasn’t been the case.

The Wizards are three games under .500 and aren’t even projected to make the playoffs this season. Bradley Beal, despite averaging career highs in points and shooting percentage, suffered another injury earlier this season and is now on a permanent minutes restriction.

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John Wall is still John Wall, but there’s just something missing. He hasn’t been enough this year – amongst other “issues”.

But apart from taking a step back (on the court) this season, it’s one of those other “issues” that could be the thing that puts back the Washington Wizards franchise back another decade.

In the words of Wall, Washington hasn’t given him the platform that one would expect him to have playing in the nation’s capital.

"[via Yahoo]Having established himself as one of the best players in basketball, Wall has grown frustrated with his relatively low profile nationally and in Washington. Wall has few endorsements and became a sneaker free agent when his contract with adidas expired last September. He feels the limited exposure contributed to him finishing sixth in All-Star voting for Eastern Conference guards one year after finishing first.“The type of player I am, and person I am, character I have, I should be seen on commercials, in the nation’s eyes and the people’s eyes. And I haven’t,” Wall told The Vertical. “I want to leave a legacy and you can’t leave a legacy hiding behind the doors, and I think that’s what I did my first six years really. It ain’t like I want to be bigger and better than anybody, I just think it’s an opportunity to be seen. Where’s my little share?”For Wall, the change is startling considering his popularity after one season at Kentucky, where “I was everywhere,” Wall said. “I ain’t got no billboards in D.C.”"

I’m not trying to infer that Wall is unhappy with his situation in Washington, but his comments do come a bit off as startling.

And reminds everyone how much a circumstance can change in less than a year.

In fairness, if the Wizards would go on another impressive playoff run with John Wall leading the charge, perhaps he would get a little more love on the national scene. There’s not question. Though, how much of a possibility is that really?

Next: How The Eastern Conference Playoff Picture Will Settle

The Wizards are probably going to miss the playoffs this season, barring a complete collapse by another team in front of them in the Eastern Conference standings. Kevin Durant (likely) is not going to be walking through the doors of the Verizon Center this summer. And who really knows what Washington is going to do with Beal’s recent developments?

Washington is at a bit of a crossroads right now. As is John Wall.