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Even if NBA returns this season, John Wall will wait until next season to come back

Washington Wizards v Philadelphia 76ers

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 21: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards smiles during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 21, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

NBAE via Getty Images

John Wall has not set foot on an NBA court this season following surgery to repair a torn Achilles last summer (plus previous knee surgery). That said, he’s looked pretty good in full-contact practices — he’s still the fastest guy on the court.

If the NBA gets its dream scenario — and that’s still a big “if” no matter how much the president wants to open the nation back up for business — and play resumes in late May or June, could a better rested Wall return and get in a few games? Maybe help the nine-seed Wizards if the NBA decides to go with a play-in tournament for the final playoff spots?

No.

That’s from the Wizards GM, via Candace Buckner at the Washington Post.

“We’ve said all along that we can’t wait until John plays next season, and I think that will still be our attitude and our stance,” Wizards General Manager Tommy Sheppard said in a recent interview. “We’re very anxious to see John Wall in uniform next year. I don’t think any of this changes that.”

This is the same thing the Nets and his people are saying about Kevin Durant (and the Nets are a playoff team as of the suspension of play).

It makes some sense. While Stephen Curry could return and (pre-hiatus) get in a month of work, meshing with Andrew Wiggins, how much to the Wizards gain rolling Wall out for a handful of games? Is making a push to be the eighth seed and get smacked around by the Bucks in the first round something the Wizards should push hard for?

The Wizards will wait on Wall and dream big of next season when he and Bradley Beal again form one of the best backcourts in the league. It just may be a while before that season starts.