Over the past several seasons, the Washington Wizards had stockpiled veteran players that helped lead the young players on and off the court. From the likes of Roger Mason, Mo Evans, Al Harrington and Andre Miller, Ernie Grunfeld began strategically building a roster around a few young players by surrounding them with battle tested veterans.

While that will continue next season, the Wizards lost an irreplaceable veteran player this off-season.

Paul Pierce‘s decision to leave the nation’s capital in order to reunite with Doc Rivers in his hometown left a hole that quite frankly cannot be filled by a free agent. Pierce’s on-court demeanor and prowess made last season one of the most memorable ones in Wizards history.

Adding players like Jared Dudley and Alan Anderson, both who’ve been around for quite some time, should help the Wizards, but they don’t have the personality nor experiences to truly lead like Pierce did.

That won’t be an issue, though.

The last couple of seasons have been huge for the growth of both John Wall and Bradley Beal.

Wall, in particular, endured years of losing and miserable basketball before finally getting a taste of the playoffs two years ago.

He struggled mightily in his first playoff appearance, but it was evident that he learned from the experience this past season.

John Wall, with Pierce right next to him, took his game to another level in the playoffs. It’s one thing to lead in the locker room like many of the aforementioned players, but it’s another thing to bring it onto the court.

Prior to Pierce’s arrival in Washington, the Wizards didn’t have very many veteran players that led on the court. Pierce certainly did that and essentially showed Washington’s core what it takes to succeed on the biggest stage the NBA has to offer.

At this point in his career, no one is really sure if Pierce will continue playing at a high-level. The future Hall-of-Famer will turn 38-years-old in October, and while his game has aged well, father time has never lost a fight.

Right now, I think we can all agree that Pierce did what he was asked to do by Washington’s brass. He showed them what having a great work ethic means, he displayed his confidence in a situation where the Wizards were considered the underdogs, and most importantly, he showed them how to win.

Now, it’s time for John Wall to take over the team’s key leadership role.

Reporter: "do you think with Pierce gone, being a leader will be more of your role?" John Wall: "That is my role" — Playing Chest (@MrDCsportsSr) July 14, 2015

John Wall has been Washington’s best player since he put on the jersey in 2010. Like any young player, though, it’s taken him some time to develop his game and personality. Believe it or not, John Wall will be going into his sixth season next year (yeah, I know; we’re getting old).

Wall will never become the animated, vocal leader that Kevin Garnett or Paul Pierce are, but he’s done a terrific job of leading by example, both on and off the floor.

With nearly six seasons under his belt — as strange as it sounds — John Wall has become a veteran player himself. Will he still continue to grow? Absolutely.

He still has some flaws in his game that he’ll certainly correct. But, with that said, he’s developed tremendously over the past few seasons. His court vision has improved significantly, his jumper continues to progress and his ability to control the floor is second to none.

Washington doesn’t have Paul Pierce to fall back on anymore. Players like Beal (22), Otto Porter (22) and Kelly Oubre (19) need someone to lead them. It might seem like we saw him play in summer league just a few seasons ago, but John Wall is ready to take on that role.