Has there ever been a point guard in the NBA as good at blocking shots as John Wall?
John Wall doesn’t think so.
From NBC Sports Washington’s Chase Hughes:
Seriously. Wall staked his claim after Friday night’s win over the Pistons, one in which he had two jawdropping blocks; one against a power forward and the other with just 14 seconds left to help seal the victory.
“That’s just me playing defense. I think I’m the best shot-blocking point guard in NBA history. I’m trying to set records,” he said.
Speaking in raw statistical terms, Wall is overselling himself. Among every guard in league history to appear in at least 250 games, he’s 40th in blocks per 100 possessions, with a handful of point men, such as Ron Harper and Eric Bledsoe, in front of him, according to Basketball-Reference. But the point he’s making shouldn’t be lost.
Wall can be a defensive terror when he’s locked in. He’s big for a point guard at 6’4″, with the vertical explosion of someone who should be a recurring dunk champion. He can get after the glass and shots at the rim when going at full burst.
Might he physically be the best shot-blocking point guard in NBA history. Maybe. The field isn’t that large, after all. Point guards aren’t supposed to block shots or contest looks at the rim. He does, which makes him an anomaly at the most fundamental level.
