Washington Wizards All-Star point guard John Wall has been the subject of some negative publicity in recent days, but he took some time on Friday to fire back at his critics.
In a video message via UNINTERRUPTED, Wall disputed claims that he’s been “watching money.”
.@JohnWall reacts to critics, clears the air: "Stop saying I'm watching money, I'm not."https://t.co/btkBBeF4re
— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) August 26, 2016
“That doesn’t matter to me,” Wall said. “If I produce like I’m supposed to on the basketball court and take care of myself and image, I’m gonna be fine with making money. That’s not why I play the game of basketball. I love the game of basketball…If I do what John Wall’s supposed to do and the Washington Wizards win, I will make my money later down the road.
“The Wizards are gonna do what they gotta do to make sure I’m straight and make sure that our team is straight,” Wall continued. “So please stop saying I’m watching money, I’m not. I’m caring about myself and getting better, rehab, worried about the Washington Wizards making it to the playoffs and just becoming a better player and a better person.”
Reports recently came out that Wall was bothered by the rich extension signed by Houston Rockets guard James Harden. Wall also commented critically about the contract of Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson last summer and admitted earlier this week to a rift with Wizards teammate Bradley Beal, who agreed to a max contract extension with the team last month.
As a competitor in an increasingly lucrative basketball business, Wall should have a right to look at what other comparable players are making and use that as motivation, especially when he would be getting the same, if not a greater salary had he entered the league at a more opportune time. But it becomes a problem if Wall is using that as his primary motivation on the hardwood, and that’s what he’s trying to set straight.
If the former No. 1 overall pick, who is entering Year 3 of a five-year, $80 million deal, can stay healthy and lead the Wizards back to the postseason, he’ll definitely be getting more than his fair share when he becomes a free agent in 2019.
H/T NBA Reddit
