FILE – Los Angeles Clippers guard John Wall dribbles during an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio José Sanchez, file)
ORLANDO, Fla. — John Wall was at the G League Winter Showcase last year, trying out, hoping to get back in the game.
He did the same thing this year, without setting foot on the field.
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The No. 1 pick in the 2010 NBA Draft and five-time All-Star made his television debut this weekend, serving as analyst for two games at the G League event in Orlando. He hasn’t officially retired as a player, but knows the time has come when he’ll have to figure out what to do next, and broadcasting clearly appeals to him.
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“I’m always going to criticize myself,” Wall said. “I can get a lot better. I’m learning more and more, but for me it’s about basketball, what I love to do. That’s what I do when I’m at home, I watch with my friends and my kids.
The idea came about quite simply. When he’s at home in Miami, watching games with friends or his kids, they obviously all end up telling him the same thing.
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“They say, ‘Shut up and let’s watch,’” Wall said.
In this context, the idea of going on television – where talking is encouraged – obviously made sense. He played back-to-back games on Saturday, essentially broadcasting for five straight hours with only a 20-minute break between matchups.
Wall talked about plays like an elite player would, breaking down defenses in real time, explaining mindsets and recounting a few anecdotes. When an Iowa player was hit in the mouth during a game against Sioux Falls, Wall spent about a minute telling a story about what it was like to go straight to the dentist after a game after a similar blow.
He said he appreciated the opportunity.
“I was here last year training for a few teams,” Wall said. “I was on the other field, training before the matches. It was fun. It was fun.
READ: Clippers’ John Wall Contemplated Suicide While In ‘Darkest Place’
Wall is 34, still looks healthy, still trains regularly at the University of Miami and says he would give anything to have one more chance in the NBA. He was selected to the All-Star Game in five straight seasons for Washington from 2014 to 2018, although he suffered some injuries during that span, including those requiring surgeries on both knees in 2016.
But six years ago this week, the decision was made for him to undergo season-ending surgery to resolve issues with his left heel. He ended up tearing his Achilles tendon in 2019, requiring another year-long recovery process. He never played for the Wizards again and has since been limited to 74 games with Houston and the Los Angeles Clippers.
He could still play too. Wall averaged 16.3 points and 6.1 assists during those stints with the Rockets and Clippers. An abdominal strain marked the beginning of the end of his time with the Clippers, and Wall has not played a single game since January 13, 2023.
“You do everything you can to take care of yourself, and injuries are always a part of basketball,” Wall said. “Yeah, I think about it. The time I had, I enjoyed it. I get frustrated sometimes. But God makes no mistakes.”
It’s unclear what’s next for Wall. The concert broadcast at the G League event was scheduled for one day, and is open to more. In the meantime, he will continue to train in Coral Gables and hope a team will give him another chance.
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“That would mean everyone,” Wall said. “You want to go out on your own terms. I want to finish it the way I want. If I play my last match, I want to leave the field my way.
