Career Timeline of John Wall: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of John Wall, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

John Wall is a retired American professional basketball player. He played 11 seasons in the NBA. Details of his career are not provided.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2007: Reebok All-American Camp Invitation

In the summer of 2007, John Wall was invited to the Reebok All-American Camp in Philadelphia where he scored 28 points in a game against future lottery pick Brandon Jennings.

2008: Elite 24 Hoops Classic Participation

In 2008, John Wall played in the Elite 24 Hoops Classic, where he scored 10 points and was named co-MVP along with Dominic Cheek, Maalik Wayns, and Lance Stephenson.

April 2009: Decision to Attend Kentucky Instead of Entering NBA Draft

In April 2009, John Wall announced that he would not enter the 2009 NBA draft, where he was projected to be the first overall pick. Instead, he chose to attend the University of Kentucky.

May 19, 2009: Commitment to the University of Kentucky

On May 19, 2009, John Wall announced his commitment to attend the University of Kentucky after being recruited by multiple universities.

December 29, 2009: Kentucky Single-Game Assist Record

On December 29, 2009, John Wall set the Kentucky single-game assist record with 16 assists against Hartford, surpassing the previous record of 15 held by Travis Ford. He only scored nine points in that game.

2009: Senior Year at Word of God Christian Academy

In 2009, as a fifth-year senior, John Wall averaged 19.7 points, nine assists, and over eight rebounds for Word of God Christian Academy, leading the team to the North Carolina Class 1A state championship game. He also participated in the Nike Hoop Summit, scoring 13 points with 11 assists and five steals, and played in the Jordan Brand Classic, recording six assists.

April 7, 2010: Declaration for the NBA Draft

On April 7, 2010, John Wall declared that he would forgo his remaining three years of college eligibility and enter the 2010 NBA draft, where he was expected to be the first overall pick for the Washington Wizards.

June 23, 2010: Reebok Signing

On June 23, 2010, Reebok announced John Wall as the face of its latest basketball shoe, the ZigTech Slash.

June 24, 2010: Drafted First Overall Pick by the Wizards

On June 24, 2010, John Wall was drafted as the first overall pick by the Washington Wizards.

June 25, 2010: John Wall Day in Washington D.C.

On June 25, 2010, Mayor Adrian Fenty of Washington, D.C., declared June 25 as John Wall Day and presented a plaque to Wall during his Wizards press conference.

2010: Las Vegas Summer League MVP

In 2010, John Wall was named the Most Valuable Player of the Las Vegas Summer League, where he averaged 23.5 points, 7.8 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game.

2010: Drafted first overall by Washington Wizards

In 2010, John Wall was selected as the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Washington Wizards, after playing for the Kentucky Wildcats.

2011: Played in All Wizards' Games

During the 2011-12 lockout shortened season, John Wall played in all 66 of the Wizards' games and was selected to play in the NBA All-Star Weekend Rising Stars Challenge.

2011: All-Star Weekend Honors

In 2011, John Wall was named the Rookie Game MVP during the All-Star Weekend. He was also named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month multiple times and was selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

2012: Return from Knee Injury

In 2012, John Wall missed the beginning of the season due to a knee injury, returning on January 12 against the Atlanta Hawks and scoring 14 points. He was later named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week.

July 31, 2013: Contract Extension with Wizards

On July 31, 2013, John Wall, designated as a player by the Wizards, signed a five-year contract extension worth approximately $80 million.

January 22, 2014: Second Career Triple-Double

On January 22, 2014, John Wall recorded his second career triple-double with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in an overtime loss to the Boston Celtics.

January 30, 2014: First All-Star Game Selection

On January 30, 2014, John Wall was selected as an East reserve for the 2014 NBA All-Star Game, marking his first All-Star team selection.

February 27, 2014: Triple Overtime Win Against Raptors

On February 27, 2014, John Wall scored 31 points and had nine assists as the Wizards won a triple-overtime game against the Raptors 134–129.

March 1, 2014: Career-High Assists

On March 1, 2014, John Wall recorded a then career-high of 16 assists, along with 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals, in a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

December 8, 2014: Career-High Assists Dedicated to Friend

On December 8, 2014, John Wall recorded 26 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and a then career-high 17 assists in a double-overtime win over the Boston Celtics. He dedicated the win to his close friend, Damiyah Telemaque-Nelson, who had died of cancer earlier that day.

2014: NBA All-Star Selection

In 2014, John Wall was selected as an NBA All-Star, marking the first of five consecutive All-Star selections.

January 22, 2015: All-Star Game Starter

On January 22, 2015, John Wall was named an Eastern Conference starter for the 2015 NBA All-Star Game, earning his first starting gig after garnering 886,368 votes.

March 14, 2015: Season-High Points

On March 14, 2015, John Wall tied his season-high of 31 points while adding 12 assists in a 113–97 win over the Sacramento Kings.

2015: Overcame Shooting Struggles

In 2015, John Wall overcame shooting struggles and recorded a then season-high of 35 points in a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2016: Off-Season Knee Surgery

Following off-season surgery on both knees in 2016, John Wall had his minutes restricted to ensure his recovery.

January 2, 2017: Eastern Conference Player of the Week

On January 2, 2017, John Wall was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played December 26 through January 1. He averaged 24.3 points, an NBA-leading 13.0 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.67 steals, leading the Wizards to a 3-0 week.

January 6, 2017: Season-High Assists Against Timberwolves

On January 6, 2017, John Wall recorded 18 points and a season-high 18 assists in a 112–105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

February 28, 2017: Career-High Assists Against Warriors

On February 28, 2017, John Wall tied his career high with 19 assists in a 112–108 win over the Golden State Warriors.

March 11, 2017: 39 Points in Overtime Win

On March 11, 2017, John Wall scored 39 points in a 125–124 overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

May 2017: Signed as New Era Brand Ambassador

In May 2017, John Wall signed on as a brand ambassador for New Era caps.

July 26, 2017: Contract Extension with Wizards

On July 26, 2017, John Wall signed a four-year, $170 million contract extension with the Wizards.

2017: All-NBA Team Selection

In 2017, John Wall was named to the All-NBA Team, recognizing his performance during the season.

November 26, 2018: Passing Wes Unseld on Scoring List

On November 26, 2018, in a 135–131 overtime win over the Houston Rockets, John Wall passed Wes Unseld for third place on the franchise career scoring list.

2018: Final NBA All-Star Selection

In 2018, John Wall made his fifth and final consecutive appearance as an NBA All-Star.

December 2, 2020: Traded to Houston Rockets

On December 2, 2020, John Wall, along with a 2023 lottery-protected first-round pick, were traded to the Houston Rockets for Russell Westbrook.

December 2020: Trade to Houston Rockets

In December 2020, John Wall was traded to the Houston Rockets after playing for the Washington Wizards.

March 22, 2021: Triple-Double Against Raptors

On March 22, 2021, John Wall logged his eighth career triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 117–99 win over the Toronto Raptors, ending the team's 20-game losing streak. It was his first triple-double since 2016.