John Wall Calls Time on NBA Career After 11 Seasons
Big news has hit the basketball world today: John Wall, the five-time NBA All-Star, has officially announced his retirement. This announcement came via a video posted on his social media, where he reflected on his journey and the meaning behind every jersey he wore. Wall, who will turn 35 next month, hasn’t played in an NBA game since the 2022-2023 season, and injuries played a huge role in shaping the final years of his career.
Wall’s career began with a bang. He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, selected by the Washington Wizards after a standout freshman season at Kentucky. His early years in the league were marked by incredible success. Wall was named to five consecutive All-Star teams from 2013 to 2018 and even finished seventh in MVP voting during the 2016-2017 season. He formed a dynamic backcourt duo with Bradley Beal, and together they transformed the Wizards into a consistent playoff contender. During that period, the team made the postseason four times in five years, including a 49-win campaign in 2016-2017, which brought the Wizards their first division title in 38 years.
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Unfortunately, injuries began to take their toll starting with the 2017-2018 season. Over the next six seasons, Wall managed to play in only 147 games. He missed entire seasons due to an Achilles injury and knee problems, and those setbacks prevented him from reaching the heights many had expected for his prime years. Despite these challenges, Wall remained a respected figure in the league, known for his leadership and competitive spirit.
After nine seasons with Washington, Wall was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2020 as part of the deal that sent Russell Westbrook to the Wizards. His time in Houston was brief and injury-marred, with only 40 games played in the 2020-2021 season. Following a buyout with the Rockets, he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he played primarily off the bench under coach Tyronn Lue, appearing in 34 games before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, who waived him before he could suit up.
Over the course of his 11-year career, Wall appeared in 647 regular-season games, averaging 18.7 points, 8.9 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game. He remains the Washington Wizards’ all-time leader in total assists, assists per game, and steals, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise. His achievements also include winning the 2014 Slam Dunk Contest and earning a selection to the All-NBA Third Team.
In his retirement announcement, Wall emphasized that while his playing days are over, his connection to basketball isn’t ending. He has expressed interest in staying involved in the sport, whether through broadcasting or potentially working toward a front office role. For fans, the news is bittersweet: a brilliant career has ended, but the legacy of John Wall—marked by resilience, excitement, and unforgettable moments on the court—will be remembered for years to come.
John Wall gave the game everything he had, and now, as he steps away from playing, the basketball community can celebrate a career that inspired so many.
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