Can Wall be the answer the LA Clippers have been searching for?
By Matthew Morrisey
As he enters his 13th season in the NBA, the LA Clippers will have high expectations for John Wall. After being drafted first overall in the 2010 NBA draft, Wall averaged 16.4 points per game, 8.3 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals in his rookie year with the Washington Wizards.
In addition, Wall played in 69 games during his memorable rookie season. Since then, he has played over 69 games only four times throughout his time with the Wizards, and the Houston Rockets.
In two of his 12 seasons, Wall didn’t play a single game because of injuries and off the court issues. As soon as the LA Clippers made the addition of Wall, many questions were raised on his availability ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season. The main question remains, is Wall healthy enough for the full rigors of an 82 game season?
After a full year of rehabilitation, Wall is expected to be fully prepared to start the season for the LA Clippers.
Prior to John Wall’s arrival with the LA Clippers, he had a successful campaign during the 2020-21 NBA season while only playing 40 games due to injuries. Currently, the LA Clippers’ biggest concern is whether or not they will be getting the explosive version of John Wall.
Although Wall is a great play-maker, he is clearly not the player he once was. However, Wall will likely be an effective contributor off the bench for head coach Tyronn Lue. Throughout his career, Wall has always been a steady 3-point shooter, as well as a great finisher. This adds to his value as an asset off the bench. He can also be extremely beneficial as a floor general for the rest of the rotation.
Wall agreed to a 2-year, $13.2 million deal with the LA Clippers on July 8th after receiving his buyout from the Houston Rockets. Over the course of his career, Wall has averaged 19.1 points per game, 9.1 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals, while shooting 43.1% from the floor. Additionally, he has played in 613 regular season games throughout his 12 seasons in the NBA.
John Wall agrees to a 2-year $13.2 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers! @JohnWall pic.twitter.com/sJXkyGOD7v
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 1, 2022
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Not to mention, Wall also gives the LA Clippers another volume shooter that can be counted on to hit clutch shots. The Clippers dealt with injuries to many of their key players last season and ultimately did not make it beyond the play-in tournament. This season, the LA Clippers will only get better with the addition of a former All-Star.