John Wall or Gilbert Arenas: Who's the better Washington Wizards franchise player?
The Washington Wizards have not had too many "franchise players" in their history, but how do their two most recent ones, Gilbert Arenas and John Wall, match up?
Here's a closer look, courtesy of FanSided's Wiz of Awes blog, which hones in on 2015 Wall and 2007 Arenas:
"Ultimately when I consider this matchup, I can see it going either way. Compelling arguments can be made and won for both Arenas and Wall. Ultimately I’m going with the former for a couple reasons. Yes, his defensive lapses were significant and harmful but his offensive prowess overcame that performance (his defense also looks worse with guys like Antawn Jamison behind him). His advanced numbers generally outpace Wall’s, albeit numbers that traditionally favor offensive players. Finally, that 2nd-team All-NBA nod shows his place amongst the hierarchy of NBA royalty in a slightly weaker but still impressive era of talent."
Arenas averaged 25 points and 5.7 assists per game in eight years with the Wizards. He made three All-Star games and was not only one of the league's most prolific scorers, but earned a high percentage of his points at the free-throw line and behind the three-point arc. He was efficient, if not a tiny bit selfish.
Wall isn't the same type of scorer Arenas was, but he's 100 times the defender and might be the best two-way point guard in basketball. Wall's career averages of 17.6 points and 8.7 assists per game are no slouch, either. He makes those around him better, with ease.
In the end, comparing the two is incredibly difficult. But Wall has yet to reach his prime.
(h/t: Wiz of Awes)
