“I’ve been chasing a ball since I might barely stroll. Driveways, parks, packed gyms, 5:00 am exercises,” Wall mentioned over a video montage of his profession highlights. “I gave this sport all the pieces I had, from Raleigh to Kentucky to the league. Each jersey I’ve worn meant extra than simply wins and stats. It was about representing one thing greater, and it’s one thing I couldn’t do with out you.
“To my household, my mother particularly, thanks for all of your sacrifices. I hope I made you proud. To my teammates, trainers, and coaches, thanks for believing in me. And to the followers, you made me really feel unstoppable.
“Immediately I’m stepping off the court docket, however not away from the sport. Basketball will all the time be in my life. As new alternatives current themselves, I really feel now could be the time to stroll confidently into my subsequent chapter. Thanks for each cheer, each second. Retired, however by no means carried out, I’m doing it the Wall means.”
Drafted first general by the Wizards in 2010 after incomes SEC Participant of the 12 months honors as a freshman at Kentucky, Wall nearly instantly emerged as Washington’s full-time start line guard and completed second in Rookie of the 12 months voting.
The 6’3″ guard, recognized for his velocity and athleticism, remained in D.C. for 10 seasons, receiving 5 straight All-Star nods from 2014-18, making an All-Defensive crew in 2015 and incomes All-NBA third crew honors (and MVP votes) in 2017.
Nonetheless, a collection of leg accidents, together with a torn Achilles, slowed down Wall throughout his previous couple of seasons with the Wizards. He was traded to Houston in the course of the 2020 offseason, however was restricted to only 40 appearances throughout two seasons with the Rockets as a result of ongoing well being points. Wall’s final season within the NBA got here in 2022-23, when he made 34 outings for the Clippers.
In complete, Wall appeared in 647 NBA common season video games, making 604 begins, and averaged 18.7 factors, 8.9 assists and 4.2 rebounds in 34.9 minutes per contest, with a profession capturing line of .430/.322/.776.
Reporting as not too long ago as December 2024 indicated that Wall hadn’t given up on making an NBA comeback, however after no alternatives materialized this previous season, the veteran – who will flip 35 on Sept. 6 – has determined to name it a profession.
Shortly after Wall made his announcement, the Wizards put out a social media put up congratulating him on his retirement and referring to him as “considered one of our franchise all-time greats.”
