John Wall announces NBA retirement; former teammates and teams salute career
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Washington, D.C. — Five-time All-Star guard John Wall said Tuesday he is stepping away from the NBA, closing a 13-year career that included a decade as the face of the Washington Wizards.
Wall revealed his decision in a social-media video posted Aug. 19. The 33-year-old ranks among Washington’s top five in points, assists, steals and three-pointers after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2010 draft.
From 2013 through 2017, Wall steered the Wizards to four playoff appearances, marking one of the franchise’s most successful stretches this century. His last NBA action came in 2022-23, when he logged 34 games for the LA Clippers.
College roots and draft history
Before turning pro, Wall spent the 2009-10 season at Kentucky as part of John Calipari’s first recruiting class. He became the program’s first player taken with the top pick in an NBA draft.
Wave of congratulations
Former backcourt partner Bradley Beal called Wall “family for life” in a post shortly after the announcement. Fellow Kentucky product Karl-Anthony Towns dubbed him a “Wildcat GOAT,” while Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, veteran guard Isaiah Thomas, the Wizards, Kentucky men’s basketball and the NBA’s official account also shared tributes.
Wall retires with career averages of 18.7 points, 8.9 assists and 4.2 rebounds across 647 regular-season games.
Source: ESPN
