Houston Rockets: Is John Wall right about John Wall?

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 17: John Wall #1 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a call during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on February 17, 2021 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. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 17: John Wall #1 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a call during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on February 17, 2021 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. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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John Wall #1 of the Houston Rockets (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images )
John Wall #1 of the Houston Rockets (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images ) /

Houston Rockets: How John Wall needs to improve

On the surface, Wall looks to be back on track to make a run at the All-Star team next season, health willing. Through 40 games with the Rockets, this season Wall posted averages of 20.6 points, 6.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.

However, Wall’s field-goal percentage of 40.4-percent is a career-low and makes his 20.6 points per game a product of opportunity and not of skill. Of all the qualified players to average 20 points or more this season the lowest field-goal percentage is Jerami Grant’s 42.8-percent.

It also can’t be forgotten that league scoring has ticked up dramatically this season, which makes Wall’s 20.6 points far less impressive than it would have been in 2016-17. This season, the average points scored per game is 111.8, which dwarfs the 2016-17 average of 105.6 points.

The area that is most out of line with Wall’s All-Star seasons is his 6.9 assists per game. Part of the issue is that the Rockets are one of the worst shooting teams in the league but that doesn’t explain everything.

Wall’s assist percentage of 36.7-percent is his lowest mark since his rookie season and a far cry from the 44.8-percent mark he posted over his five All-Star seasons. If Wall wants to be an All-Star again he is going to need to improve his efficiency from the field and recapture the playmaking that made him one of the most dynamic point guards in the league.

Next: Is John Wall right?