Five-time All-Star John Wall has officially announced his retirement from the NBA, concluding an 11-season career that captivated fans. The former No. 1 overall pick made the announcement via social media. “Retired but never done. Doing it the #WallWay,” Wall posted.
The Career Timeline of John Wall
Wall was selected first overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2010 NBA Draft after a standout lone college season at Kentucky. He quickly became a face of the franchise and transformed its fortunes. In his prime, Wall averaged 23.1 points and 10.7 assists per game and earned All-NBA Third Team honors in 2017.
During his nine seasons in Washington, Wall ranked among the top in franchise history in points, assists and steals. He was an elite playmaker known for his explosion off the dribble and fierce court presence.
Wall’s career trajectory shifted dramatically after suffering a torn Achilles in 2019. He ultimately missed entire seasons and struggled to regain his earlier form. Following his time in D.C., he played for the Houston Rockets (2020–22) and had a brief stint with the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2022–23 season before walking away from the game.
On social media, Wall offered gratitude and reflection: “Every jersey I’ve worn meant more than wins and stats,” he said. “It represented something bigger.”
Wall also revealed his plans beyond his playing days. He will join Prime Video as a studio analyst, combining his deep understanding of the game with a fresh career in broadcasting.
A pro basketball star whose roots run deep in the Triangle is officially calling it a career.
Former Washington Wizards guard and Raleigh native John Wall announced his retirement from the NBA in a video posted on his social media on Tuesday.
“Today, I’m stepping off of the court, but not away from the game,” he said in the video. “Basketball will always be in my life, and new opportunities present themselves. I feel now is the time to walk confidently into my next chapter.”
Wall rose to prominence as one of the best high school players in the nation at Raleigh’s Word of God Christian Academy, scoring almost 20 points per game during his senior year.
He went on to suit up for John Calipari at the University of Kentucky, playing just one season before entering his name into the 2010 NBA Draft. The Wizards ended up selecting him with the No. 1 overall pick.
The 6-foot-4 guard spent nine seasons in the nation’s capital as a member of the Wizards, becoming a five-time NBA All-Star selection and leading the franchise to its first division title in 38 years during the 2016-17 season. He racked up 23.1 points and 10.7 assists per game that year for Washington, resulting in Wall being named All-NBA third team.
Fueled with elite speed and athleticism, his other explosive exploits included winning the 2014 NBA Slam Dunk Contest and earning All-Defensive second team honors in 2015.
Injuries eventually took a toll on the young superstar, leading to him playing fewer than half the games in each of the past six seasons. Wall missed the entirety of the 2019-20 season due to an Achilles injury.
He returned to the court with the Houston Rockets in 2020-21, but was forced to sit out the following season due to injuries.
Wall agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers in July 2022, contributing off the bench with 11.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in 34 appearances. The Clippers traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies in February 2023. He was released before playing a single moment with the team and hadn’t stepped foot into an actual NBA game in the last two years.
The 11-year veteran closes his long-time NBA career, averaging 18.7 points, 8.9 assists and 4.2 rebounds over the course of 647 games. Wall also ends as the Wizards’ franchise record-holder in total assists (5,282), assists per game (9.2), and total steals (976).