Before tip-off of Game 3 of the Wizards-Hawks’ second-round series at Verizon Center on Saturday, ESPN’s Chris Broussard cast doubt on the chances of injured Washington point guard John Wall playing again this season.
“Guys, I spoke with a Wizards executive earlier today, and while it’s not official, I was given the impression that it’s highly unlikely John Wall returns for this series, or even the postseason,” Broussard said. “They told me they are looking 10 years down the road, not the next game, not even the next series. If there’s any chance of him further injuring himself, they will hold him out.”
The last part of Broussard’s report echoes what Wizards Coach Randy Wittman said Friday about Wall, who suffered five non-displaced fractures in his left hand and wrist in Game 1.
“We’re not going to put the kid at risk,” Wittman said. “That won’t happen, I guarantee you that. If the doctor says there is a risk at hurting him worse, he’s not playing. I won’t let that happen.”
Wall, meanwhile, said the decision about whether to return would be up to him if the pain and swelling subsides enough for him to dribble with his left hand.
“If the pain goes away and I can dribble and do those things again, then it’s all up to me,” said Wall, who returned to the floor and Game 1, but hasn’t played since being ruled out just before tip-off of Game 2. “[Given] how competitive I am, if I am able to do those things and dribble and do what I want to do and be myself, then there’s a great [chance] that I will play. But if I can’t be myself, [there’s] no point in going out there.”
Broussard interviewed Wall on the Wizards bench during the second quarter of Saturday’s game.
“Have you tried to dribble the basketball yet, because I know that’s a prerequisite to you returning?” Broussard asked.
“Not yet, you know,” Wall said. “Just trying to keep the swelling down. The pain’s still there a little bit, but [I’m] just taking it day by day, and hopefully the next two or three days I can be able to try to dribble.”
“Realistically, how optimistic are you about your chances of playing in this series?” Broussard asked.
“Well, it’s kind of funny because I finished Game 1 with all my adrenaline and my fractures were there then,” Wall said. “It’s all about if I can get my [confidence level] back in being able to control the ball and make passes and stuff.”
“Your team is saying if there’s any chance of you furthering the damage long-term that they will not let you play,” Broussard said. “Are you going to be okay with that?”
“Yeah, it’s a tough situation, but I believe whatever my doctors and my team’s front office is saying, and I know my teammates are out here competing and trying to win for me, and I’m out here supporting these guys,” Wall said.
The Wizards took a 56-43 lead into halftime.
