National Basketball Association

Washington Wizards' John Wall Might Miss Some of Training Camp, But Scott Brooks Isn't Concerned

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Washington Wizards star John Wall could miss the beginning of the team’s training camp, but head coach Scott Brooks isn’t concerned.

The Washington Wizards are built around John Wall and Bradley Beal. Without one of the two pieces, as we saw this past season during Beal’s absence, the Wizards don’t have a chance to compete.

In terms of their health, the Wizards have always displayed caution when Wall and Beal have returned from injury.

Washington has done a solid job of restricting the players’ playing time until they’re ready to get back into the swing of things completely.

This season will be no different.

Wall is coming off double knee surgery and has yet to go through a full five-on-five. He’s currently been cleared to play, but he’s only taken part in one-on-one and individual drills.

Training camp is roughly two weeks away and a timetable hasn’t been set for Wall’s return. For now, it doesn’t look like the Wizards will even set a date for the point guard’s clearance. They’re simply taking it day-by-day.

Scott Brooks, the team’s new head coach, is entering a situation where his best player might not be ready for training camp.

Brooks plans to put an emphasis on the defensive end of the floor during camp and the team will have to learn new terminology under the coach. Without Wall, the Wizards might end up being behind schedule in the process.

Still, Brooks doesn’t seem concerned, as he told the Washington Post.

When asked if Wall would be available for the Wizards’ first training camp practice, Tuesday on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Brooks expressed uncertainty, though he didn’t appear too concerned at this point.

“Don’t know that but he’s doing some one-on-one, he’s doing some three-on-three. Not really worried about that,” Brooks said. “Like all of our athletes, I want them to be ready but he’s definitely moving towards that direction.”

Conditioning, as Brooks also noted, is going to be a major hurdle for Wall.

The All-Star has never delayed his return and the team should expect him on the court whenever he’s cleared. However, rushing him back before he’s in game shape could cause further issues down the line.

Instead of letting Wall play before he’s in shape, the Washington Wizards will likely hold him out until they feel comfortable that he’s ready to contribute without any real obstacles in the way.

It’s been months since Wall has played against legitimate competition. Playing one-on-one and doing conditioning drills is one thing, but going through a rigorous training camp is another. Soon, we’ll likely get a better idea of where Wall stands.