2010 NBA Draft's No. 1 overall pick John Wall has announced his retirement after 11 seasons in the NBA.
Earning your spot in the NBA by being the No. 1 overall Draft pick is never easy. Not only do you need to shine at the highest level before the age of 18, you also need to live up to a mountain of expectations after going No. 1 in the Draft.
John Wall lived through that after going No. 1 in the 2010 NBA Draft, captivating fans with his explosive dunks and lightning-fast handles. After a career that was unfortunately hampered by various injuries, Wall has announced he will be hanging up his sneakers and embracing retirement.
"After 11 seasons, John Wall says he has retired from basketball. Wall, a five-time NBA All-Star out of Kentucky, played for the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets."
After 11 seasons, John Wall says he has retired from basketball. Wall, a five-time NBA All-Star out of Kentucky, played for the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 19, 2025
John Wall's Retirement Leads To Tributes From Fans and Players
Fans and NBA players made sure Wall received his flowers after this announcement, flooding his social media with well-wishes for the 34-year-old.
"GOAT," said former teammate DeMarcus Cousins via emoji in the comments.
"Legend forever brother," said one fan.
"Amazing career!!!! Excited to see what's next," said another fan.
"Damn slim, I remember your first game ever in the bittyyy... it was like yesterday slim," said Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall.
"Hell of a career," said 12-year NBA veteran Isaiah Thomas.
"Wizards legend out here in the streets," said an appreciative fan.
Wall averaged 18.7 points, 8.9 assists and 4.2 rebounds in 647 regular-season games over his career. He represented the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets and LA Clippers over 11 years in the NBA.
He was selected to play in five All-Star games and was named to one All-NBA Team. His career was hampered by multiple knee injuries, stretching back to his third season in the league. These issues continued until he departed the Wizards in 2020, with Wall never finding a consistent home again in the NBA.
With his retirement, Wall can finally leave his NBA chapter in the past, having made $276.4 million over his career.
John Wall Breaks Silence on Retirement Announcement
Wall shared a simple message with his fans and well-wishers on Instagram, making it clear to everyone that he has called time on his career the way he wanted to.
"I've been chasing the ball since I could barely walk. Driveways, parks, packed gyms, 5 AM workouts - I gave this game everything I had."
"Every jersey I've worn meant more than just wins or stats. It was about representing something bigger. It was something I couldn't do without you. To my family, especially my mom - Thank you for all your sacrifices. I hope I made you proud. To my teammates, trainers, and coaches - thank you for believing in me. To the fans - you made me feel unstoppable."
"Today. I'm stepping off the court, but not away from the game. Basketball will always be a part of my life… Thank you for every cheer and every moment. Retired, but never done. I'm doing it the Wall Way."
Wall last played for the LA Clippers in the 2022-23 season, getting released in February 2023.
Despite reported interest from teams around the NBA, Wall didn't wind up returning to an NBA court. Now, he's ready to do whatever it takes in the retirement world and stay connected with the game that he loves.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Category: Basketball
