John Wall is 31 years old but has tons of miles on his body due to the countless injuries he has sustained during his career. Wall managed to play like an All-Star and one of the best point guards in the league in the 2017 season, but his career was diverted the following year, where he only appeared in 41 games. Since then, Wall has only appeared in 72 games in 3 seasons.
The Houston Rockets acquired the 5-time All-Star in a swap deal for Russell Westbrook last off-season, and the point guard showed flashes of its past with explosive attacks on the edge and pinpoint dime. But again, Wall couldn’t stay healthy and only appeared in 40 games. In a Rockets squad that is being rebuilt, Wall may not have a place and that means he could be bought out. In that situation, Wall would become a free agent, and here are the 5 best targets for the seasoned point guard.
5. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks are rumored to be on duty for veteran point guard Goran Dragic, but adding John Wall won’t hurt the team if the Mavericks acquire the Slovenian or not. Wall is unlikely to stay healthy all year or even form an all-star team, but he can realistically take over ball handling and playmaking duties from Luka Doncic.
Dallas is looking to compete in the west, and relieving their 22-year-old superstar would do wonders to keep the team ready for action through the postseason. John Wall averaged 20.6 PPG and 6.9 APG last season, so the man can still ball when he’s on the court.
4. Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors by no means want anyone to take Stephen Curry’s minutes, but that might actually be good if the team wanted to manage the 33-year-old’s minutes a little better. Curry played 34.2 MPG last season and had to carry the team on his back to narrowly miss the playoffs.
With the return of Klay Thompson, the Warriors are back in competition, adding a seasoned point guard, and the former All-Star could help Klay slowly get back on his feet. Wall and Curry could absolutely play together and add another playmaker to boost Golden State’s inventory as playoff contenders in a crowded Western Conference.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are in the mix for any battle-hardened veteran, so John Wall would fit right into their plans. Wall is 31 years old and would actually be one of the younger stars on the team. Los Angeles has nothing to lose and finds its support for Russell Westbrook, while Wall has the best chance of winning an NBA title before him.
The Lakers already have a lot of backup guards in Rondo, Kendrick Nunn and Malik Monk counties; but adding another wouldn’t hurt. Westbrook is expected to miss around 20 games per season, and Rondo will turn 36 sometime next season. Los Angeles could always use a skilled playmaker and goalscorer in the point guard position, as Wall will also cover the soon-to-be 37-year-old LeBron James.
2. Brooklyn Networks
The Brooklyn Nets had another fantastic off-season bringing on veterans LaMarcus Aldridge, Paul Millsap and Patty Mills. The addition of John Wall would give Brooklyn another former all-star and capable goalscorer to bolster their bank. Brooklyn’s roster was a little thin last season when Kyrie Irving and James Harden sustained injuries, so Wall can serve as an excellent replacement plan.
One can only imagine a line-up with Wall, Irving, Harden and Durant on the floor, since they would be unstoppable both in the half field and in alternation. Though a bit older and prone to injury, John Wall is still lightning fast and can add another element to an already stacked Nets roster.
1. Los Angeles Clippers
With Kawhi Leonard out for most of the coming season, all eyes are on Paul George for another MVP nomination. But George will be in dire need of help in 82 games, even as the Clippers bring Reggie Jackson back to a 2-year contract. John Wall would be that answer, a man who can still raise 20 PPG with relative ease.
If Wall can stay healthy for 40 or 50 games, that would be enough stopgap for the Clippers until Leonard gets back to the ground. John Wall’s playmaker and one-on-one scoring gives George the freedom to act a little off the ball. The Clippers definitely want to battle for an NBA title, and signing a former All-Star could give them another chance in the form of a late playoff run.
