John Wall leaves unforgettable legacy on and off court originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
The trading away of John Wall from Washington signifies the end of an era. An era that started with such promise 10 years ago. At the time of his selection first overall in 2010, John delivered franchise-changing skills at the most important position in basketball.
But injuries over the years delayed at times the team from reaching their goal of at least a conference finals.
From five non-displaced fractures in his hand to nightly managing bone spurs in his foot, but despite those injuries, Wall never complained. In fact, he used those setbacks as motivation.
You would be hard-pressed as a fan to say John didn’t play hard every night despite his health challenges.
When John was good he was one of the best point guards in the league, earning five All-Star trips.
During the 2016-2017 season following double knee surgery, Wall enjoyed his best season healthwise, earning third-team All-NBA which afforded him a supermax contract extension of four years, $170 million dollars.
But since signing that supermax extension Wall only played in 73 games due to knee injuries and a ruptured Achilles.
Off the court, John leaves a legacy of giving. Countless times over the years delivering backpacks, food and even a rent relief program that generated over 550 thousand dollars for families in D.C.’s 9th Ward during the COVID-19 crisis.
Back in 2016, the NBA recognized John as the league's Community Assist Award winner.
His game on the floor spoke for itself speed, power, vision and the ultimate competitor.
Wall leaves D.C. as the franchise leader in assists and steals. And is the second longest-tenured Bullet/Wizards player in franchise history, behind the Great Wes Unseld.
