John Wall is still among the most recognizable figures for NBA fans. It’s been six years since his last All-Star campaign, the former No. 1 pick playing just two of the last five seasons. However, in his prime, the former face of the Washington Wizards was arguably the best point guard in the NBA.
John Wall Details ‘Devastating’ Wizards, Rockets Decision
The Wizardry of Wall
Wall earned five All-Star selections in his time with the Wizards. Averaging 19.9 points, 9.9 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, the two-way playmaker led Washington to four playoff appearances between 2014 and 2018. It was just the second time since the 1980s that the Wizards had achieved that kind of success.
A blur in the open court and a true floor general, Wall’s rare blend of athleticism, passing ability, and instincts allowed him to leave an indelible mark upon the Wizards. Yet, despite all the magic made in the NBA, players are often left without a fairy tale ending.
The Beginning of the End
Wall’s story took a tragic turn in 2018.
Initially, it was just a minor procedure. In January, Wall was set to undergo an arthroscopic surgery that would keep him out for six-to-eight weeks. Though it wasn’t an ideal development, it wasn’t unusual, especially for a player who had been treating NBA courts like racetracks for eight years.
In late December, Wall needed another surgery.
This next operation was a debridement and repair of a Haglund’s deformity and a chronic Achilles tendon injury in his left heel. At this point, Wall’s playing future would’ve come into question regardless. There have been major developments in modern medicine that prevent Achilles injuries from being automatic career-enders. Nonetheless, an Achilles injury is still among the most serious for high-performance athletes.
Within five weeks, Wall went under the knife again. He had developed an infection from his previous surgery. In fact, it was three, leading the former No. 1 pick to tell The Knuckleheads podcast that doctors considered amputating his foot. He also suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon.
It was at this point that the Wizards decided to change directions.
Bradley Beal Emerges
While Wall was fighting injuries, second-in-command Bradley Beal had proven himself to be a fine commander.
From 2017-18 to 2019-20, the former No. 3 pick averaged 25.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. The combo guard was also more of a three-level scorer than Wall in an era that had become increasingly fond of 3-point threats. The fact that Wall couldn’t stay healthy solidified Beal’s position as their new top dog.
In Dec. 2020, the Wizards traded Wall and a first-round pick to the Houston Rockets for Russell Westbrook.
“It was devastating,” Wall says.
Getting The Call
“It hurt,” Wall tells The Knuckleheads co-hosts Darius Miles and Quentin Richardson. “I was in Houston probably and it was (the COVID lockdown) at the time. So, I’m just sitting in my apartment the whole time really thinking like, damn, I’m really not in DC no more. I was packing my bag to go to training camp. The next day was training camp.”
“And I get the call at 7:30. Get the text, please call, capital letters. I said, s***, I’m traded.
You get a text, please call, capital letters, then come across the ticker, you’ve been traded. So, like my team is with me, a couple of my guys with me, and my sister with me. I’m like, d***, this really happened.”
Rockets Never Wanted Him?
“I was hoping to stay (in Houston) a long time and sign an extension,” Wall reveals, “but they had other plans… to try to rebuild and get some young talent…”
In his sole season with the Rockets, Wall averaged 20.6 points and 6.9 assists per game. The burst he lost from his dramatically reduced his ability to stay in front of his man. He was also limited to 40 games in a COVID-shortened season that saw Houston playing just 72.
However, because he played well offensively and the new era of point guards had let their defense fall by the wayside in favor of scoring, he appeared good enough to remain in the team’s plans.
Yet, was waived by the Rockets in the 2022 offseason. Maybe the problem was that Wall was a bit too good. Indeed, though Houston went 17-55 in 2020-21, they had 12-28 record with Wall.
With that record, he wasn’t leading them to the playoffs. However, it’s important to keep the fact that James Harden —who the team’s offense was designed around —was traded after eight games. Victor Oladipo and Kevin Porter Jr. played fewer than 30 games apiece that season. Christian Wood only played one more game than Wall. Had they surrounded Wall with a healthier supporting cast, they could’ve challenged for a playoff spot.
Of course, the Rockets chose to draft Jalen Green with the No. 2 pick they earned from their woeful season. They then went 20-62 in 2021-22 and 22-60 in 2022-23, securing two more top-five picks.
In that time, Wall waited patiently, going unsigned all through the 2021-22 season. He then inked a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2022-23, playing 34 games in what was primarily a bench role. He averaged 11.4 points and 5.2 assists per game.
Will Wall Ever Return?
Wall still wants to play, particularly for the Miami Heat. He’s even willing to come in as a mentor. However, it may be an itch he can’t scratch.
If so, it’s been an unfortunate series of events for such a popular player.
