John Wall's 2018-19 season consisted of just 32 games, as the Washington Wizards' star underwent surgery on his left heel in January and then ruptured his achilles tendon in a fall at home - which required an additional procedure.
As a result, Wall won't be ready to play when the Wizards' 2019-20 campaign begins. Furthermore, there's a chance he doesn't play at all next season.
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Speaking with reporters at halftime of the Wizards’ final regular-season game on Tuesday night, Wall explained that while he wants to get back on the court, he isn't sure if he'll be fully recovered for next season.
"I have no idea just yet. That's my goal. ... That's my mindset, where I'm pushing toward,'' he said, per ESPN. "But whenever the doctors clear me and get to that point, then I will know.''
“It’s my job to get myself back to where I think I can be,” he added, according to the New York Post.
In 32 games, the five-time All Star averaged 20.7 points and 8.7 assists.
The Wizards finished the year with a record of 32-50, sixth worst in the NBA. That said, Washington won't find out exactly where they pick in the 2019 NBA Draft until the NBA Draft Lottery on May 14 - they have a 9% chance of landing the #1 overall pick and a 37.2% chance of being Top-4.
On the possibility of the Wizards selecting a point guard with their first pick:
"You have to do what's best for the team and make sure that we have pieces,'' Wall told reporters, before adding with a smile: "And when I come back, he can be a great backup to me.''
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