John Wall: A match made in basketball Heaven or Hell for the LA Clippers?

John Wall is still in love with the game of basketball. The smell of the court, the feel of the ball in his tattooed hands, and even the hard fouls that send him immediately to the ground following an aggressive drive to the basket.

Throughout most of his career, Wall was viewed as nearly impossible to stop. With the former number one overall draft pick darting to the lane and leaving his competition in the dust, there was an overwhelming concern surrounding his long list of injuries to the lower extremities of his body.

Due to a heel injury, torn Achilles and subsequent infection, Wall missed the entirety of the 2019-2020 season and part of the following year. He worked diligently on his game in an effort to return and while he eventually stepped onto the court last season, there was reason to believe Wall’s movement would be snail-like.

To the surprise of many, Wall was still darting up and down the court. On one play, he wrapped the ball behind his back while flying down the court and connected on his well known 360 layup. It was official, John Wall was back.

John Wall has more to give

At only the age of 30, Wall still has plenty left in the tank. He finished his 40 game season by averaging 20.6 points, 6.9 assists and 1.1 steals. His field goal percentage wasn’t the prettiest, shooting just 40.4% overall but Wall proved that he could help a true contender. Unfortunately for Wall, the Houston Rockets are far from that and would rather keep him sequestered on the sidelines. Why you might ask? That’s an easy question to answer, Wall on his own, is good enough to win games, ruining the tank job currently taking place in Houston.

With the Rockets making it clear that Wall no longer has a spot with their franchise and with the enormity of his gigantic contract, he’s continued to sit and wait, hoping a team will absorb his hideous deal and welcome him into the fray.

For LA Clipper fans, they should do whatever they can to get their hands on him. Earlier in the season, they expressed an interest in him (subscription required). However, as of now, nothing has materialized.

The Clippers are in a difficult spot. Multiple time NBA Champ Kawhi Leonard has been ahead of schedule regarding his torn ACL but Paul George could be forced to miss the remainder of the season if he decides to go under the knife to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

Within the next few weeks, the Clippers should have a much clearer picture on the direction they should go. If Paul George is healthy and ready to go, pull the trigger and bring in Wall. If George is unable to go, still, bring in Wall.

Current point guard Reggie Jackson is having a terrific year, averaging 16.9 points and 4.2 assists. That said, he’s never been the caliber of player that Wall has been, even a somewhat diminished version.

With Jackson, George, and Leonard – the Clippers have one of the best rosters in the entire league. But, they’ll need more than just Jackson, two superstars and a strong cast of supporting players to emerge from the West.

The Clippers need star power, a head turner, a game changer. And while George and Leonard fit that criteria, so too does Wall.

Could things go terribly wrong? Of course. Wall is a high volume shooter and hasn’t played consistent basketball in years. However, if Wall, George, and Leonard return to the court this year or at worst, the following, they have the makings of a legitimate big 3.

Make the move Clippers, Heaven or Hell is better than sitting stagnant in basketball purgatory.