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According to Washington Wizards General Manager Tommy Sheppard, John Wall is not expected to play any games in the 2019-20 NBA season. He said comments to that effect during media availability on Thursday. Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington was among those who reported the news.
None of this should come as a surprise. The 2019-20 Washington Wizards season was more about developing younger players who could play around Bradley Beal and Wall in the 2020-21 NBA season and beyond. Though Washington’s defense is the worst in the league, the team has pulled off some victories against more talented opponents and their offense has looked good throughout most of the season.
The trades and non-trades they made yesterday, whether it was to let Jordan McRae go for Shabazz Napier, a point guard who effectively replaced Isaiah Thomas in another trade — or keep Davis Bertans in the hope of re-signing him this summer — are indicative of that.
As Bullets Forever writer Osman Baig wrote on Twitter, Sheppard should be commended for sticking to the plan.
Shepp also came out and doubled down on this this being a developmental year today. He didn't pivot after anything that occured the past few weeks. He's sticking to his plan vs being a reactionary GM. Remember this before calling him Grunfeldian.
— Oz (@OBtoojiveforyou) February 7, 2020
Washington has shown some moments and players like McRae have shined. But it’s also important that the Wizards have to think about the longer-term picture, especially once Wall returns.