But Slam’s cover tag ‘The New Iverson’ just doesn’t sound right. Because other than the fact Wall, like Iverson, will be the face of Reebok (for those questionable Zigtech shoes), their games share few similarities. Wall is a full five inches taller than Iverson and plays like a traditional tempo-controlling/ past-first point guard; Iverson was a scorer through and through. AI’s speed was off the dribble (a la crossover), whereas Wall is most effective in the open court taking long strides. Iverson had a decent jump shot, which he fearlessly exercised even during rookie shooting slumps, while, for the moment, Wall’s shooting is shaky and lacking confidence. He passes up shots he shouldn’t and can sometimes play a little too unselfishly.
SLAM made the mistake of not recognizing Wall as an immediately unprecedented player. With his size, speed and early domination, his game is in a different and ultimately more effective vein than even today’s elite point guards like Chris Paul and Deron Williams. He shares their court vision and tempo control yet possesses the kind of freakish athletic ability usually reserved for shooting guards and small forwards.
The editorial staff at SLAM Magazine should not have lazily slathered ‘The New Iverson’ across their latest cover. 'John Wall is The Flash' would have been more accurate.
Watch and agree:
That's coast to coast off an outlet pass on three dribbles in under 4 seconds.
Again, this time playing for the Wizards. Watch the clock, it takes The Flash 4 seconds to catch an outlet pass at the opposite baseline, casually weave through an entire court of traffic and finish at the other end.
The best for last: Wall travels an entire court, this time off an inbound pass, in 2.1 seconds, with a mere two dribbles! While the dunk didn't count, warp speed was reached.
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