Ahead of being honored during tonight's game between the Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks, John Wall talks about being honored, his legacy and next phase of his career
Thursday night will mark a special night in The District with not only the Washington Wizards welcoming the Milwaukee Bucks for the final matchup of the season, but on a night with one of the franchise's best players with John Wall set to be honored. The first 15,000 fans in attendance are also expected to receive a John Wall bobblehead, while in-game celebrations and a halftime tribute are expected.
For Wall, a chance to officially celebrate the legacy he built after spending one decade in the nation's capital, it marks a "surreal moment" as he has since transitioned into the next phase of his career.
"Dream come true," Wall said on 106.7 on Thursday. "Having the opportunity to make it to the NBA, that's always a dream and something that a lot of us as kids don't really think can happen until it happens. And then you have the opportunity to be with a franchise and be a franchise guy and you're trying to start it all over and get the city back to some excitement, some great basketball, make a playoff run, try to win championships and things like that.
The stats speak for themselves as he remains the franchise leader in both assists (5,282) and steals (976) while being named to the 2010-11 All-Rookie First Team, 2014-15 All-Defensive Second Team, and 2016-17 All-NBA Third Team. He and Bradley Beal also led the organization to four playoff appearances, including three conference semifinals appearances, while posting a .500 or better record in five consecutive seasons - the first time that's happened since the Wizards' last NBA Finals appearance.
Add in the fast break layups and dunks, game-winning shot against Boston in Game Six of the 2017 playoffs, Wall's memories on the court feel endless after restoring basketball inside the then-Verizon Center. But in Wall's eyes, his impact on DC and the community, like his friendship with Maya Telemaque-Nelson, play an equal part in his legacy with the organization.
"That's how you get the respect on the basketball court is what you do off the court. Basketball - my mom always told me - it's great to be known as a good basketball player but it's better to be known as a greater person," he added.
Thursday's celebration came to fruition with Wall set to appear as an NBA analyst with Amazon Prime, now shifting focus toward the broadcasting phase of his career.
"Take a challenge. It's a new career for me," Wall said. "It's some new space that I've never thought about being in. It's an opportunity that came my way and something that I get to share my basketball knowledge, the love of the game I have for, my IQ. And I'm enjoying it. It's like coming into my rookie year."