John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
John Wall is growing impatient with the Washington Wizards, and it could force the franchise to explore the trade market to surround the star point guard with a better supporting cast.
The Wizards are off to a slow start and Wall is losing his patience about how the team is failing to hit the win column early in the season. Wall was ejected twice in two-straight games, and is now half-way to the six flagrant points that automatically hand out a one-game suspension.
While Wall's recent frustrations could be directed at the lack of calls from the officials, The Philadelphia Inquirer's Sarah Todd believes he has the right to demand respect not for the uncalled fouls during games, but rather demanding a more talented supporting cast.
"I think Wall needs to be frustrated and needs to demand respect. But it's not the officiating crew or Marcus Smart he should be demanding it from. It's the Wizards' front office that needs to hear him say, 'I demand a better supporting cast'," Todd wrote.
The Wizards have yet to see how the addition of Ian Mahinmi would help the team, but so far, their bench has failed to be productive. Wizards center Marcin Gortat described Washington's bench as "one of the worst" in the league, which, according to Steve Aschburner of NBA.com, could be the effect of youth, lack of playing time together and injuries.
"One reason for the drop in production is simple: the names and faces have changed, eroding both experience and familiarity. A half dozen backups from last season -- Jared Dudley, Garrett Temple, Ramon Sessions, Gary Neal, Nene and Kris Humphries -- all are gone," Aschburner wrote.
Surely a trade won't address the Wizards' problem in the second unit as it would also bring unfamiliarity to the team's system. But if the Wizards could bring in another proven talent, they could immediately get back on track and boost their chances of competing in the playoffs.
Ben Mehic of Sports Illustrated's Fansided believes that reuniting Wall with Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins is something the Wizards should consider amid their early season struggles.
"John Wall - as any human being would - will get fed up. It's only a matter of time. He's in his seventh season, has never played with another All-Star and has only made the postseason twice. The constant losing and lack of improvement would frustrate anyone," Mehic wrote.
"What better way to alleviate his frustration and give the team some hope than to acquire Boogie - the best teammate Wall's ever played with?"
Cousins and Wall played together during their stint in Kentucky and have developed legit chemistry on-and-off the court. Bringing in Cousins, one of the most dominant centers in the league, would give Wall a chance to play alongside another All-Star and would tremendously boost the Wizards' chances to reach the postseason.
Recent reports have touted Cousins to finally part ways with the Kings before the trade deadline. Sean Deveney of Sporting News reported that the Kings could move Cousins in the first half of December, which is the "speculation among front office executives around the league." Kings minority owner and NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal also hinted that the Kings may actually look to trade Cousins if Boogie's relationship with the franchise does not improve.
Trading for Cousins would certainly be costly for the Wizards. A potential deal could feature Bradley Beal, Kelly Oubre and Otto Porter, who have all been inconsistent for Washington in the past few seasons.
A package consisting of the mentioned players would not only net the Wizards Cousins, but also Rudy Gay, who is set to explore free agency next summer. Such move would not guarantee a championship, but it would realistically put the Wizards in position to be among the top contenders in the East.
It remains to be seen whether the Wizards would consider trading for Cousins before the deadline, much less make a move to improve their roster. But if they wish to contend this season, it is a risky deal worth the gamble for the Wizards.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
