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John Wall says he's the fastest player in the NBA, could beat Russell Westbrook in 40 yard dash

Is John Wall still the NBA's fastest player? He seems to think so.

By Jake Whitacre
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Friday morning, John Wall was a guest on The Dan Patrick Show. During their conversation, Wall was asked about Thursday's win over the shorthanded Grizzlies and how this year's undefeated Kentucky Wildcats would fare against NBA teams (which got a little awkward). He also talked to Wall about where he ranks among the NBA's fastest players.

Dan Patrick: Is there anybody faster than you in the NBA?

John Wall: No.

DP: If I put you and Russell Westbrook, 40 yard dash?

JW: I win.

DP: Is it close?

JW: I think it'd be close, very close. He's explosive. I think I'm fast going straight, he's quick and explosive.

DP: OK, what are you going to run a 40 in?

JW: I don't know, I heard with the 40 you gotta have some technique, so I wouldn't want to lie and say I could run a 4.3, so I'll say a 4.5 at the slowest.

DP: Oh you'll run a 4.5 without even stretching. You'll run a 4.5.

JW: [Laughs] I have no idea, I'll have to try it out one day, I've never tested it.

You can listen to the full interview here.

For what it's worth, John Wall ran a 3.14 in the sprint at (3/4ths of the court) the NBA Draft Combine, according to Draft Express. Russell Westbrook ran a 3.08. But it's probably worth mentioning Wall probably didn't run that sprint quite as hard as he could have, considering he was already a surefire number 1 overall pick. Plus, three-fourths of a basketball court is only 23.5 yards long, so Wall could conceivably still hit top gear in those last few yards to pass Westbrook, even if those times did represent the best efforts of both players.

For what it's worth, here are some sprint times of some other notable NBA players who ran the full court sprint faster than John Wall:

  • James Harden - 3.13
  • Ty Lawson - 3.12
  • Kirk Hinrich - 3.10
  • Darren Collison - 3.10
  • Patty Mills - 3.10
  • Jodie Meeks - 3.10
  • Trevor Booker - 3.10
  • Chris Singleton - 3.09
  • Brandon Knight - 3.07
  • George Hill - 3.07
  • Derrick Rose - 3.05
  • Eric Gordon - 3.01
  • Will Bynum - 3.00
  • Nate Robinson 2.96