When a player signs a maximum contract in the NBA, everything changes in that moment, as he is automatically recognized as the face of a franchise. The responsibilities grow on and off the court, and whatever he does – big or small – is suddenly put under a microscope.
That’s what Washington Wizards point guard John Wall can expect after signing a maximum contract worth $80 million over five years on Thursday, and he appears to expect nothing less. On Friday, Wall spoke on what it meant to sign the deal and how different he feels now, transcribed by Michael Lee of The Washington Post:
“It’s way bigger than what it was,” said Wall, who will have a news conference this afternoon at 2 p.m. “Being the number one pick, it was big stuff I had to come in and try to do. Now being the franchise guy, there is a lot more that comes into it. On and off the court, you got to be very marketable, you got to have a great image.”
With no playoff or all-star appearances, Wall has a ways to go match the on-court accomplishments of Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook and Deron Williams, the other NBA point guards to receive max contracts.
“I feel like I have the ability to be better than any of those guys,” Wall told MSN. “One thing those guys are doing is they are winning and they are also making it to the playoffs. With this type of deal and being a franchise guy, it’s not about what individual stats are, it’s all about winning. My main goal, going into my fourth year is, I don’t care about any individual stats, if it comes, I’m thankful for that. But my main goal, my main determination is being in the playoffs.”
Wall appears to be heavily focused on helping the Wizards become relevant again after so many seasons of disappointment and embarrassment through the Gilbert Arenas and Andray Blatche years. Wall has always been confident in his abilities since entering the league, but whether he can be better than some of the best point guards in the league – as he believes he can be – is certainly up for debate. He will first have to improve his shooting from distance – he shot just 26.7 percent from beyond the arc last season – and continue to learn how to play in more than one speed.
He also talked about what the signing meant for his family during an official press conference, but was overcome with emotion while talking about his mother and broke down in the process:
The guard then announced that he will donate $1 million to local charities, showing his commitment to the city that will look to embrace him for many years to come.
Onto other news from around the league:
Alan Anderson explains why the Brooklyn Nets can dethrone the New York Knicks, from Marc Berman of New York Post: “No question, we have the talent for sure,’’ Anderson said Wednesday of dethroning the Knicks. “It comes down to guys putting the pieces together. We have team full of superstars and a lot of Hall of Famers. [It’s] similar when that Boston team got together and put the stardom to the side. Instead of three stars, they made one big star. We have a lot of veteran leadership. That’s a big plus for us. We got guys who are vocal and want to win.” Anderson could have gone elsewhere for more money. “I had other offers for teams offering more money,’’ he said. “It wasn’t the right fit for me. I’m not getting younger. I want to win. I’m a winner. They showed so much interest in me. I felt most comfortable being here.’’
