John Wall is one of the better players in the NBA and a franchise player for the Washington Wizards, but when it comes to USA Basketball, he’s just another guy.
Wall was one of the first players cut from Team USA last week, along with Wizards teammate Bradley Beal and Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap. The competition at point guard is steep — Derrick Rose, Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard are the point guards still on the roster.
Wall was asked by CSN Washington’s Ben Standig whether he got a fair shot at making the team and said he didn’t think so, though he does hope the best for his country.
“Nah, I don’t think so, but it’s a part of the game. I’m just happy to have the opportunity to be there and represent my country. I wish them the best of luck and hope they can win gold.”
Keep in mind that Wall was not part of the initial 28-man roster for USA Basketball that was determined in January. He was only invited to work out with the team on July 24, a few days before camp began. That was after Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook and Deron Williams said they would not be playing. Wall feels like their minds were already made up about the team.
“I’ve been (around) for four years in a row. I think that’s enough time,” Wall said. “Everybody had the same fair amount of time as far as being (in Las Vegas) and playing. I think [Team USA] already had kind of in their mind what they wanted to do and what decisions they were going (to make).”
As good as Wall is, it’s hard to disagree with the Team USA cuts. These are the best American players we’re talking about. There’s no shame in being invited to the training camp and cut. It also doesn’t help Wall that Kyrie Irving, who is Wall’s competition, was one of Coach K’s players at Duke.
Either way, Wall has a good attitude about being cut.
“Not even (against) just those (Team USA point guards), but the NBA, period. I guess I’m overlooked again. I guess have to prove myself one more time.”
If this is motivation for Wall to continue working hard and improving, then he should be in good shape. If he continues to get better, maybe he’ll have a better shot at the team next time around.
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