John Wall took a big step forward last season. Part of that was an improved jump shot — he shot 35.1 percent from three last season, up from 26.7 the season before — but it was more than that. His overall game blossomed, he blossomed as a leader.
He credits former Wizards assistant coach Sam Cassell.
Former because Cassell took off to join Doc Rivers in Los Angeles. Wall told Ben Standing of CSNWashington he will be missed.“He was a big part of it,” Wall said. “Definitely helped me with my jump shot. Just being a mentor, somebody who was a point guard who knew the game very well. It was big.”
“I was happy for him,” Wall told CSNwashington.com on Saturday. “His goal is to become a head coach one day. I think he thought it would come a little quicker being a coach with the Clippers. I wish him the best of luck.”
Chris Paul isn’t looking for the same kind of advice as Wall.
Without the three-time NBA champion guard in his ear Wall still needs to take a step forward this year. The Wizards lost Trevor Ariza but upgraded with Paul Pierce. However, what the Wizards are really counting on take a step forward is an improved Wall and an improved Bradley Beal.