Washington Wizards' John Wall is reportedly hoping to return from his knee surgery for the team's season-opener in October, although the All-Star point guard clarified that he will be in "no rush" to come back to avoid recurring his injury.
"I'm right where I'm supposed to be, but I'm not in no rush," said the three-time All-Star, via ESPN. "I'm just taking it day by day and just hopeful that I'm ready for the opening of the season."
The 25-year-old, six-year pro has had troubles with both of his knees last season and so he immediately went under the knife after 2015-2016 ended. The team did not qualify for the playoffs so Wall should have enough time to go through surgery, rehabilitate, and heal completely before the new season begins.
His left knee had more serious issues so it will take a longer time for it to heal than his right one. At the moment, Wall is still not cleared by team doctors to play one-on-one basketball, but he can already train and work himself to fitness.
"A lot of people keep asking me the same question every day, but I enjoy it," said Wall. "It's another challenge I have to take, but I'm willing to conquer (it) and do whatever I have to do to prepare myself and come back 100 percent and have a better season than what I had last year."
Wall averaged career-highs of 19.9 points, 10.2 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 steals in 77 games for the Wizards last season as their team leader. More is expected of him in the coming years for sure as he enters the third year of his five-year, $84.7 million deal with Washington.
The Washington Post reported that Wall and his teammates are currently on a four-day minicamp in Los Angeles before the Wizards' actual NBA training camp. The report said that it is "unclear what Wall will be physically capable to do during the four-day camp, (but) he will likely continue his careful approach".
Wall also remarked that he sees the Wizards doing "fine" next season as long as he and his backcourt-mate Bradley Beal can stay healthy for the duration of 2016-2017. Beal was just given a five-year, $127 million extension last month and so things are really looking great for the capital city squad.
