A few years ago, many believed that John Wall had peaked when he was putting up averages of 19.3 points, 8.8 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. His jumper was average at best, while his playmaking abilities were sufficient. After the 2013-2014 season, his scoring numbers slightly dropped, and even last season, he was unable to lead his team to the playoffs.

However, since hiring Scott Brooks this season, Wall has raised his level of play drastically. He has grown as a leader, has improved his shooting, and has extended his range. Wall already had excellent defensive qualities, being one of the best shot-blocking point guards and pick-pocketers in the league.

With his defensive prowess and much-improved offense, Wall has become one of the top point guards in the league. But, is he an elite player?

What makes an elite player?

To become an elite player in the NBA, you must possess the ability to lead your team, put up huge numbers, and make clutch buckets during crunch time. If you look at a superstar like LeBron James, he has the ability to immensely raise his level of play during the post-season when it matters most. Has John Wall done that? Absolutely.

During the regular season, he was averaging 23.1 points, 10.7 assists, 4.2 rebounds, two steals, and 0.6 blocks on 45.1 percent shooting from the field and 32.7 percent from three-point distance. During the post-season, he is averaging 27.9 points, 10.3 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks on 46.1 percent shooting from the field and 37.7 percent shooting from three-point land.

A couple of his numbers have slightly dropped, but most importantly his scoring numbers have sprouted considerably.

John Wall’s Game 6 heroics

Just recently in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Wall made a game-winning three-pointer to extend the series to a Game 7. Just that one shot defines how much he has matured, becoming an elite Point Guard.

If Wall is able to lead his team to a Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics, there should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that Wall is an elite player. He plays with a lot of heart, determination, and grit. The 26-year-old is no longer an inconsistent offensive player. His improved range, basket attacks, and ability to create for others off screens have been exceptional.

He doesn’t have much talent around him, but he has done a wonderful job of leading the Wizards this year.

It seems like Wall has been overshadowed by point guards like Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Isaiah Thomas, and Chris Paul, but he definitely shouldn’t be overlooked anymore. He should certainly be in the conversation with the aforementioned players because he is now an elite point guard as well.