Washington Wizards star John Wall was the No. 1 overall pick, has been selected to two All-Star teams and was second-team All-Defense for a playoff team this past season, but unfortunately for him, he's being paid like a guy that's spent most of his career as a backup point guard.
"I'm getting the same as Reggie Jackson," Wall told Comcast SportsNet Washington on Tuesday, comparing himself with the Detroit Pistons point guard.
Noting the vagaries of the league's collective bargaining agreement and the way contract prices continue to increase, Wall was trying to put into perspective some of the backlash he received when he re-signed with the Wizards on a five-year, $80 million deal in 2013.
"People talk about me getting $80 million, now you got people getting $85 million that haven't made the All-Star [Game] or anything like that," Wall said. "I guess they came in at the right time. That new CBA kicked in, and they're good now. Reggie Jackson gets five years, $80 million. I'm getting the same as Reggie Jackson."
Jackson, who spent most of his career backing up Russell Westbrook while with the Oklahoma City Thunder, signed a five-year, $80 million contract with the Pistons this offseason after being traded there during the 2014-15 season.
Over the length of their respective five- and four-year careers, Wall is ahead of Jackson in points (17.6 to 9.8), assists (8.7 to 3.6) and rebounds (4.4 to 3.2) per game and has a more favorable PER (19.92 to 17.24).
Wall said that he's merely noting the way times have changed and is in fact pleased that more guys are getting paid big bucks.
"But I'm happy for all those guys," Wall said. "To see anybody get the opportunity to live their dream out, get the opportunity to take care of their family when they can, it's a blessing."
