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What was now expected is now about to be official. John Wall is an Eastern Conference All-Star, according to USA Today's Jeff Zillgitt. The full team will be unveiled at 7 p.m.
Best John Wall reads
Best John Wall reads
Wall is certainly deserving of the honor. He's led the Wizards to playoff position while averaging nearly 20 points and 8.5 assists per game. He becomes the first Wizards All-Star since Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison both made the 2008 squad and, stunningly, only the third All-Star that was drafted and stayed with this franchise since 1980.
The lack of competition surely helped Wall's rise, as most of the top point guards in the league this year are in the Western Conference. Still, he certainly has done much to deserve the honor. His shooting has improved significantly, as has his ability to change speeds. While his defensive effort can sometimes be consistent, he is also elite when locked in. He remains as good as ever in transition and has added improved half-court understanding, to the point where a significant amount of Wizards possessions run through him. Wall is among the league leaders in secondary assists, points created by assists and total passes per game, according to the latest SportVU data.
He's also had his fair share of signature moments and performance. There was his 31 and nine to beat the Lakers, then playing very well.
There was his 37-point performance in Toronto, albeit in a losing effort:
There was his 31 and seven against the Knicks.
There was the 26, 12 and five steals to top Atlanta.
And, of course, the 25 and nine to top the Heat at Verizon Center in the most exciting game of the year.
Congratulations to John Wall, Eastern Conference All Star!
