Professional basketball player John Wall, a star in the NBA, announces his decision to end his career.
John Wall Hangs Up His Basketball Shoes After 11-Year NBA Career
After a rollercoaster ride in the NBA that spanned over a decade, John Wall has announced his retirement from professional basketball. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 draft, who spent most of his career in the nation's capital, played his last game on January 13, 2023, for the Los Angeles Clippers before being traded back to the Houston Rockets and subsequently waived.
Wall's career began with a bang when he was drafted by the Washington Wizards following a standout season at Kentucky, where he played alongside Eric Bledsoe and DeMarcus Cousins. The 35-win, SEC-winning campaign marked the beginning of a promising career for the five-star recruit from Garner Magnet High School and Word of God Christian Academy in North Carolina.
Wall quickly attracted NBA attention with his impressive performances, earning five invitations to the NBA All-Star Games, starting the 2015 edition in New York. In 2015, he was named to the NBA All-Defensive team, and in 2017, he made the All-NBA team.
However, injuries have taken a toll on Wall's career in recent years, with him playing only 41 games over his last four seasons. Despite this, he remained hopeful of a comeback as recently as February, but has now decided to hang up his basketball shoes for good.
Wall's retirement leaves Paul George as the lone remaining entrant from the 2010 draft that he led off. Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers have given Rick Carlisle a contract extension after their run in the NBA Finals.
In a retirement video, Wall stated that basketball will always be a part of his life, and it's clear that his impact on the sport will continue to be felt for years to come. As we bid farewell to one of the most exciting point guards of his generation, we can only wish him the best in his future endeavours.
