John Wall is a former American professional basketball player. Drafted first overall in 2010 by the Washington Wizards, the point guard quickly rose to prominence, becoming a five-time NBA All-Star and earning All-NBA honors in 2017. His career was significantly hampered by injuries starting in 2019, causing him to miss over two years of play. He was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2020, then joined the Los Angeles Clippers in 2022 before being traded back to the Rockets and subsequently bought out in 2023. Despite his accolades and early success, injuries ultimately derailed his career.
September 6, 1990: Birth of John Wall
John Wall was born on September 6, 1990 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
1997: Single-Season Franchise Assists Record
In 1997, Wall didn't hold any records as he wasn't in the NBA, but this entry mentions a record that he would eventually break. Rod Strickland set the Wizards' single-season franchise assists record in 1997.
August 24, 1999: Father's Release from Prison
John Wall's father was released from prison on August 24, 1999.
2007: Reebok All-American Camp
In the summer of 2007, John Wall participated in the Reebok All-American Camp, showcasing his skills.
2008: Elite 24 Hoops Classic Co-MVP
John Wall was named co-MVP of the Elite 24 Hoops Classic in 2008.
May 19, 2009: Commitment to University of Kentucky
John Wall announced his commitment to play basketball at the University of Kentucky on May 19, 2009.
December 29, 2009: Kentucky Single-Game Assist Record
On December 29, 2009, John Wall set a new Kentucky single-game assist record with 16 assists against Hartford.
2009: High School Senior Year and Championship Run
In 2009, John Wall led Word of God Christian Academy to the North Carolina Class 1A state championship game, where they finished as runners-up.
April 7, 2010: Declaration for 2010 NBA Draft
On April 7, 2010, John Wall declared for the 2010 NBA draft.
June 23, 2010: Reebok Signing
John Wall signed with Reebok on June 23, 2010.
June 24, 2010: Drafted by Washington Wizards
John Wall was drafted first overall by the Washington Wizards on June 24, 2010.
June 25, 2010: John Wall Day
June 25, 2010 was declared John Wall Day in Washington, D.C.
2010: Wall signs with Reebok
In 2010, John Wall secured a five-year endorsement deal with Reebok.
2010: NBA Debut and Early Success
John Wall made his NBA debut in 2010, showing promising talent.
2010: NBA Draft
John Wall was drafted first overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2010 NBA draft.
2011: Rookie Game MVP and All-Rookie First Team
John Wall was named the Rookie Game MVP and earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2011.
2011: Full Season and Rising Stars Challenge
John Wall played in all 66 games for the Wizards during the 2011-12 season and participated in the Rising Stars Challenge.
2012: Knee Injury and Career-High Performances
Despite missing games due to a knee injury, John Wall achieved career-high performances in points and assists during the 2012-13 season.
July 31, 2013: Five-Year Contract Extension
John Wall signed a five-year contract extension with the Wizards on July 31, 2013.
2013: Wall purchases home in Potomac
Following a new contract with the Wizards, John Wall purchased a large home in Potomac in 2013.
2013: Wall moves to Adidas
John Wall transitioned from Reebok to Adidas in 2013.
January 22, 2014: Second Career Triple-Double
On January 22, 2014, John Wall achieved his second career triple-double with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, despite the Wizards losing to the Boston Celtics in overtime.
January 30, 2014: First All-Star Selection and Slam Dunk Contest Win
On January 30, 2014, John Wall was selected as an Eastern Conference All-Star for the first time in his career. During All-Star weekend, he made history by winning the Slam Dunk Contest.
February 27, 2014: Triple-Overtime Victory Against Raptors
John Wall contributed 31 points and 9 assists in a thrilling triple-overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors on February 27, 2014. This was the first triple-overtime game for the Wizards since 1975.
March 1, 2014: Career-High 16 Assists
On March 1, 2014, Wall set a career high with 16 assists along with 17 points in a win over the Sixers.
July 2014: Wall selected for FIBA World Cup camp
In July 2014, John Wall was selected to participate in the United States camp roster for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
December 8, 2014: Career-High 17 Assists and Emotional Dedication
On December 8, 2014, John Wall recorded 26 points, 17 assists, and dedicated the win to his friend, Damiyah Telemaque-Nelson, who died earlier in the day.
2014: Wall's career statistics
Throughout his career, Wall averaged over 10 assists per game between 2014 and 2017 and faced criticism for turnovers early in his NBA career.
2014: First NBA All-Star Selection
John Wall was selected as an NBA All-Star for the first time in 2014.
January 22, 2015: First All-Star Starting Gig
On January 22, 2015, Wall was named an Eastern Conference All-Star starter for the first time with 886,368 fan votes.
March 14, 2015: 31 Points and 12 Assists Against Kings
On March 14, 2015, John Wall put up 31 points and 12 assists in a win over the Sacramento Kings.
2015: Season Highs and Shooting Struggles
In 2015, Wall experienced both career-worst shooting percentages and impressive scoring performances, including a season-high 35 points against Cleveland and back-to-back 30-point, 10-assist games.
2016: Wall's first triple-double since 2016
Wall's triple-double in 2021 marked his first since 2016.
2016: Breaking Records and Career-High Scoring
In 2016, Wall broke the Wizards' franchise record for career assists and scored a career-high 52 points in a game against Orlando.
2016: Wall withdraws from Olympic consideration due to injury
John Wall withdrew from consideration for the 2016 Rio Olympics team due to knee surgery.
2016: Wall receives McKinney Award
In 2016, John Wall was awarded the Stewart B. McKinney Award for his contributions towards combating homelessness.
January 2, 2017: Player of the Week and Player of the Month
John Wall was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week and Player of the Month for his performances in December 2016 and early January 2017.
January 6, 2017: Season-High 18 Assists
Wall tied his season-high of 18 assists against the Timberwolves on January 6, 2017.
February 28, 2017: Ties Career High with 19 Assists Against Warriors
John Wall tied his career-high with 19 assists in a win over the Golden State Warriors on February 28, 2017.
March 11, 2017: 39 Points in Overtime Win Against Trail Blazers
On March 11, 2017, Wall scored 39 points in an overtime win against Portland.
May 2017: Wall becomes brand ambassador for New Era
In May 2017, John Wall signed as a brand ambassador for New Era caps.
July 26, 2017: Contract Extension with Wizards
Wall signed a 4-year, $170 million contract extension with the Washington Wizards on July 26, 2017.
September 22, 2017: University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame Induction
John Wall was inducted into the University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame on September 22, 2017.
2017: All-NBA Team Selection
John Wall was named to the All-NBA Team in 2017.
2017: Continued discussion of Wall's career statistics
Up to 2017, Wall showed improvements in his shooting percentages and assist-to-turnover ratio.
January 30, 2018: Knee Surgery and Sidelined
On January 30, 2018, John Wall underwent surgery on his left knee, sidelining him for six to eight weeks.
November 26, 2018: John Wall becomes the third highest scorer in franchise history
On November 26, 2018, John Wall reached third place on the franchise's career scoring list during a 135-131 overtime victory against the Houston Rockets.
2018: Last NBA All-Star Selection
John Wall was selected as an NBA All-Star for the fifth consecutive time in 2018.
2018: Half-Brother's Release from Prison
John Wall's half-brother was released from prison in 2018.
2018: Wall's youngest child is born
John Wall's youngest child was born in 2018.
2018: Wall signs another endorsement deal with Adidas
John Wall signs a five-year deal with Adidas in 2018.
2018: Wall pursues business degree
In 2018, John Wall pursued a bachelor's degree in business administration.
January 2019: Wall undergoes season-ending heel surgery and suffers Achilles injury
In January 2019, John Wall underwent season-ending surgery on his left heel. Following the surgery, he developed an infection and ruptured his Achilles tendon in a fall at home, extending his recovery time.
December 13, 2019: Wall's mother passes away
John Wall's mother, Frances Pulley, died of breast cancer on December 13, 2019.
2019: Multiple Injuries and Hiatus
John Wall suffered multiple injuries in 2019, causing him to miss over two years of playing time.
2019: Wall misses the remainder of the season
Wall missed the remainder of the 2019 season due to his heel surgery, subsequent infection, and Achilles tendon rupture.
March 11, 2020: NBA season suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic
On March 11, 2020, the NBA suspended its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the season eventually resumed, Wall's recovery timeline prevented his participation.
November 2020: Wall becomes co-owner of NBL team
John Wall became a co-owner of the South East Melbourne Phoenix in the Australian National Basketball League in November 2020.
December 2, 2020: Wall traded to Houston Rockets
On December 2, 2020, John Wall was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Russell Westbrook.
December 2020: Trade to Houston Rockets
In December 2020, John Wall was traded to the Houston Rockets.
March 22, 2021: Wall records triple-double, ending Rockets' losing streak
On March 22, 2021, John Wall achieved a triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, contributing to a 117-99 win against the Toronto Raptors and snapping the team's 20-game losing streak.
2021: Wall sits out season due to Rockets' rebuild
During the 2021-22 season, John Wall did not play for the Rockets due to a mutual agreement focused on the team's rebuilding and development of younger players.
June 28, 2022: Wall and Rockets reach buyout agreement
John Wall and the Houston Rockets agreed to a contract buyout on June 28, 2022.
July 8, 2022: Wall signs with Los Angeles Clippers
John Wall signed with the Los Angeles Clippers on July 8, 2022.
August 2022: Wall opens up about mental health struggles
In August 2022, John Wall publicly shared his struggles with mental health, including thoughts of suicide, and his journey towards seeking help.
2022: Joins Los Angeles Clippers
John Wall joined the Los Angeles Clippers as a free agent in 2022.
February 9, 2023: Wall traded to Rockets and waived
On February 9, 2023, John Wall was traded back to the Houston Rockets as part of a three-team trade, and subsequently waived three days later.
February 2023: Buyout with Houston Rockets
John Wall reached a buyout agreement with the Houston Rockets in February 2023 after being traded back to the team.