History of John Wall in Timeline

John Wall is an American professional basketball player, primarily a point guard, known for his time with the Washington Wizards. Drafted first overall in 2010 after a year at Kentucky, Wall became a five-time NBA All-Star (2014-2018) and earned All-NBA Team honors in 2017. His career was significantly impacted by injuries starting in 2019, leading to a trade to the Houston Rockets in 2020 after a prolonged absence. He briefly played for the Los Angeles Clippers before being bought out by the Rockets in 2023.

Sections (4)

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

September 6, 1990: John Wall Born

On September 6, 1990, Johnathan Hildred Wall Jr. was born.

Others born on this day/year

August 24, 1999: Father's Release from Prison

On August 24, 1999, John Wall's father, John Carroll Wall Sr., was released from prison after serving time for armed robbery.

2007: Reebok All-American Camp

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

2008: Elite 24 Hoops Classic

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 and would attend Kentucky instead.

May 19, 2009: Commitment to University of Kentucky

On May 19, 2009, John Wall announced his commitment to attend the University of Kentucky.

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.

2009: Fifth Year Senior Season

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 and was ranked one of the best high school basketball players.

April 7, 2010: Declared for NBA Draft

On April 7, 2010, John Wall announced that he would forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2010 NBA draft.

June 23, 2010: Signed with Reebok

On June 23, 2010, Reebok revealed John Wall as its latest signing, casting him as the face of its latest basketball shoe, the ZigTech Slash.

June 24, 2010: Drafted First Overall by 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 John Wall Day during his Wizards presser.

2010: Drafted by Washington Wizards

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

2010: Las Vegas Summer League MVP

In 2010, John Wall was named the Most Valuable Player of the Las Vegas Summer League.

2011: Played in all 66 Wizards Games

During the 2011 lockout-shortened season, John Wall played in and started all 66 games for the Wizards.

2011: 2011 Rookie Game MVP

In 2011, John Wall was named 2011 Rookie Game MVP during the 2011 All-Star Weekend.

2012: Knee Injury

In 2012, John Wall missed the beginning of the season because of a knee injury.

July 31, 2013: Signed Contract Extension with Wizards

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

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 a game against the Boston Celtics.

January 30, 2014: Selected as East Reserve for All-Star Game

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

February 27, 2014: 31 points, nine assists against the Raptors

On February 27, 2014, Wall had 31 points and 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, Wall recorded a then career-high 16 assists, along with 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals, in a 122–103 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

December 8, 2014: Dedicated win to Damiyah Telemaque-Nelson

On December 8, 2014, John Wall recorded 26 points, seven rebounds, three steals and a then career-high 17 assists in a 133–132 double-overtime win over the Boston Celtics. Following the game, Wall dedicated the win to his close friend, six-year-old Damiyah Telemaque-Nelson, who had died of cancer earlier that day.

2014: First 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: Named Eastern Conference All-Star Starter

On January 22, 2015, John Wall was named an Eastern Conference starter for the 2015 NBA All-Star Game.

March 14, 2015: Tied season-high of 31 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: Wizards season

In 2015, John Wall averaged 15.0 points, 5.5 assists and 2.3 steals per game over that losing stretch, and shot just 33.3% from the field.

2016: Off-season surgery on both knees

Following off-season surgery on both knees in 2016, John Wall was rested in the second of back-to-back night games early on in the 2016–17 season, as a way of limiting his minutes.

January 2, 2017: Named Eastern Conference Player of the Week

On January 2, 2017, John Wall was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played Monday, December 26 through Sunday, January 1.

September 22, 2017: Inducted into University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame

On September 22, 2017, John Wall was inducted into the University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame.

2017: Named to All-NBA Team

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

2018: Fifth NBA All-Star selection

In 2018, John Wall had his fifth NBA All-Star selection

2018: Half-Brother's Release from Prison

In 2018, John Wall's older half-brother, John Carroll Wall Jr., was released from prison after being incarcerated the previous year.

2019: Injuries and absence from basketball

In 2019, John Wall experienced multiple injuries, leading to an absence of more than two years from basketball.

December 2020: Traded to Houston Rockets

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

February 2023: Buyout with the Houston Rockets

In February 2023, John Wall reached a buyout agreement with the Houston Rockets after being traded back to them and subsequently joined the Los Angeles Clippers via free agency.