Flip Saunders defends John Wall against critics
Washington Wizards point guard John Wall did “The Dougie” dance before their home-opener Tuesday 2 November to the delight of the hometown fans, but not all viewers enjoyed his pre-game antics.
The 2010 first-overall pick was blasted by some reporters for dancing in their pre-game introduction, saying that Wall showed his selfishness and immaturity early in the season, but head
coach Flip Saunders quickly defended his starting point guard.
"He is 19, 20. He's got great enthusiasm with what he does. His first time at Kentucky, he did a dance," Saunders said. "I think it would be different if you weren't around him each day,
but John's very professional. He wasn't doing anything to disrespect the game. It was something he was excited about playing."
According to Saunders, Wall was very excited to play for the first time in front of the Wizards’ crowd and he proved it when he had one of the best home-debut performances by a point guard
in NBA history.
The 20-year-old and former Kentucky standout almost had a triple-double as he racked up 29 points, 13 assists, and nine steals, leading Washington to a thrilling 116-115 overtime win over
the Philadelphia 76ers. During that game, Wall also became fourth rookie to tally at least 20 points and 10 assists in his first home game.
"If he has to dance and get 29, 13 and 9 steals and cut down on the turnovers, he can dance all he wants," Saunders jokingly said.
The 6"4' point guard, Wall has been on a roll in their first three games, averaging 23.7 points and 10.3 assists per game, making him an early favorite for the rookie of the year award, ahead
of last year’s first-overall pick Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Wall and the Washington Wizards will gun for their second win of the season when they travel to New York to face the Knicks at the Madison Square Garden on Friday 5 November.
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