All-Star point guards talk about future All-Star John Wall

ORLANDO, Fla. — John Wall’s All-Star weekend begins on Friday night with the Rising Stars Challenge and continues on Saturday night with the Skills Competition. But Wall would be the first to admit that what he’d really like to be a part of happens on Sunday night — the All-Star game.

Wall’s talent indicates that someday, he probably will be. Until then, some of the league’s best talked about Wall and a few other topics during media day at All-Star Weekend.

Deron Williams, New Jersey Nets:

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, the biggest name on the trade block, says he wants to play with an elite point guard, and Williams appears to be at the top of the list. Williams deftly avoided the subject.

“Dwight who?” Williams joked, after the umpteenth reference to Howard. Asked who he’d pay money to see play, Williams didn’t hesitate.

“LeBron James. He’s the most exciting player to me. He’s so versatile, he plays so many positions, he does everything well. He does everything great.”

As for his thoughts on Wall, Williams said Wall’s in a tough spot these days.

“I think he’s a great point guard. He’s in a tough situation right now. The team is not doing that well, and there’s a lot of pressure on him being the No. 1 pick. But I think he’s having a great season, he’s progressed a lot, I think he’s getting better. You can see he’s hungry to get better.”

As for Wall’s game, Williams sees a lot of positives.

“He’s very explosive, exciting to watch. I also think he’s a pass-first point guard. I think he has to shoot a lot, is forced to do a lot because of his team. Once he gets a lot of pieces around him, I think you’ll see his game flourish even more because he’ll have more weapons around him.”

Williams also had some words for wisdom for Wall, who he says is a lot like him.

“Just keep your head up. Things will get better. I know he’s motivated. I saw his comments after being picked 12th for the rookie-sophomore game. He’s similar to me. I feel like if I get slighted or feel doubted, I want to prove myself, and I think he’s the same type of kid.”

Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics:

Asked about the toughest on-on-one matchup in the league, Rondo didn’t hesitate.

“Kevin Durant. He’s 7-feet tall. Usually 7-footers aren’t able to move as quickly as he can. He can draw the foul, move end to end, and he’s got a good first step.”

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