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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 14: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at the Verizon Center on March 14, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by do
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 14: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at the Verizon Center on March 14, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by doRob Carr/Getty Images

John Wall: 5 Things Washington Wizards' PG Must Improve To Become NBA All-Star

Christopher KeshishianJun 7, 2018

John Wall has been playing great, even though his performance has been overshadowed by that of rookie phenom Blake Griffin.

Wall is an outstanding player in his defense, and he would probably be a lock for Rookie of the Year honors were it not for Griffin.

That isn't to say that Wall doesn't have his own faults, as all players in the league have something they can work on.

Here are five ways he can become an All-Star next year.

Shooting

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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 05:  John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards puts up a shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Verizon Center on March 5, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 05: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards puts up a shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Verizon Center on March 5, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or

One of Wall's most glaring weaknesses is his lack of a consistent jump shot.

He has no shot to fall back on when he can't get into the paint, meaning he has to give up the ball.

With an improved jumper, defenses would be forced to go above screens, allowing for easier entry passes.

Combine easier passing lanes with Wall's amazing court vision, and you get a bunch of easy looks for his teammates.

Limiting Turnovers

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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 14: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks to pass against the Oklahoma City Thunderduring the second half at the Verizon Center on March 14, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, b
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 14: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks to pass against the Oklahoma City Thunderduring the second half at the Verizon Center on March 14, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, b

One of the statistics that's been haunting John Wall is his turnover number.

He is currently second in the league, averaging 3.8 turnovers per game.

One thing he has going for him is that three of the top five in the category are All-Star players, and one is a two-time MVP (Steve Nash).

But it wouldn't hurt to keep his turnovers down, as then he would prove that he could protect the ball better than the top point guards in the league.

That's a nice thing he could have going for him.

1-on-1 Defense

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls and John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center in Washington on February 28, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloa
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls and John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center in Washington on February 28, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloa

John Wall needs to be a more lockdown defender.

He is currently in the top 15 in steals per game, but his one-on-one defense could use some fine adjustment.

He plays the passing lanes well and is able to pick pockets, but some better footwork wouldn't hurt.

If Wall were to be able to lock down another team's point guard, it would disrupt their offense, meaning other players would have to take control of the offense.

We all know what removing a point guard from a game could do to a team with no other ball-handlers, so better defense would be a plus for John Wall.

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Bulking Up

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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 14: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on from the bench during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Verizon Center on March 14, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agr
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 14: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on from the bench during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Verizon Center on March 14, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agr

Andre Miller is able to take players of his size in the post due to his strength. It creates easy shots as he uses his power to abuse players down low.

John Wall could do something similar, and he would have a key advantage over many opposing point guards.

His height for his position would also give him a significant advantage, combined with an increase in strength.

If he worked on his jumper even more too, he'd be unstoppable in the post against other point guards.

Stay Healthy

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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 14: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at the Verizon Center on March 14, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by do
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 14: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at the Verizon Center on March 14, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by do

If it weren't for injuries, this year's race for the Rookie of the Year award would be a lot closer than it is right now.

Nagging leg injuries have made Wall's performance this season a bit inconsistent, and he is constantly missing time and coming off the bench due to conditioning.

If he were to stay healthy, Wall probably could have made a case for the All-Star game this year, maybe taking Joe Johnson's spot on the roster.

He has the skill and talent, but so does Greg Oden. If Wall can't stay healthy for long periods of time, he'll never really breakout.

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