Five-time NBA all-star selection John Wall, who has been out of the league since February, is still pursuing NBA opportunities, the 33-year-old BasketNews.com. Wall is currently working out in Australia with the South East Melbourne Phoenix, a team he partially owns. Wall is expected to remain in Australia until November 13.
Wall has been out of basketball since February 2023. He held a private workout for teams in Las Vegas during the NBA summer league but didn’t get a nibble.
“Anything to be an owner of is super exciting for me. I know a couple of the guys, I know they played with DeMarcus [Cousins] in Puerto Rico. Just watching the guys play was very exciting for me,” he told the media. “Whenever I can help the game grow in different countries and in different places, it’s super exciting for me to be hands-on and come and watch these guys working, to let them see the type of work I put in individually at the level I’m at and trying to get back to the NBA.”
“I did a little drills, I didn’t really scrimmage, I didn’t want to scrimmage too much. This is not trying to do too much, but just being around, trying to see the guys,” the veteran player said. “I know they’re tuning themselves and getting ready for the game on Sunday. Just to see what they go through every day, how their training is compared to my training, different schemes they use, and things like that. It’s different, but it’s still exciting. It’s great basketball and something I can’t wait to see in person.”
“I did a little drills, I didn’t really scrimmage, I didn’t want to scrimmage too much. This is not trying to do too much, but just being around, trying to see the guys,” the veteran player said. “I know they’re tuning themselves and getting ready for the game on Sunday. Just to see what they go through every day, how their training is compared to my training, different schemes they use, and things like that. It’s different, but it’s still exciting. It’s great basketball and something I can’t wait to see in person.”
Wall, who has been plagued by injuries since 2017-18, appeared in 34 games for the Los Angeles Clippers last year. The 6-3 point guard averaged 11.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.4 turnovers in 23 minutes in those appearances. However, Wall has never been a good shooter and has lost a step or two on the defensive end. Houston waived Wall after the Rockets acquired him from the Clippers at the trade deadline.
While there is no guarantee that Wall will ever get another NBA chance. Here are a few teams that could be interested.
Chicago Bulls
Chicago’s need for a lead guard is well-documented. The Bulls have an open roster spot and have plenty of money to spend. Coby White has been handling the point guard duties with the first unit but has struggled on both ends of the floor. White is not a true lead guard, or is any of the other guards that the Bulls have on the roster. The Bulls’ point guards’ main issue is getting others involved and defense.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota hoped that 2023 free agent signee Shake Milton would solidify the point guard spot behind starter Mike Conley. Instead, Milton has been shakier than he was in Philadelphia. Milton averages 5.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 turnovers in 15.7 minutes. The Timberwolves still have Jordan McLaughlin, who has served as the team’s backup point guard for the past few years, but he has seen sparse action thus far. Minnesota has an open roster spot.
Denver Nuggets
Denver’s second unit needs a considerable boost. While Reggie Jackson, Christian Braun, and Peyton Watson’s backcourt with the reserves is fine, especially on the defensive end, the Nugs don’t have anyone besides Jackson consistently putting up points on the unit. The more significant issue is if Jamal Murray, who is out until the end of the month, continues to get hurt.
New Orleans Pelicans
Injuries have besieged New Orleans. Not only in the backcourt, but the Pelicans are also missing a couple of players there. Jose Alvarado (sprained ankle) is expected to be out for another week or two. Meanwhile, CJ McCollum (collapsed lung) is out indefinitely. The Pelicans, who have an open roster spot, rely on Dyson Daniels and Kira Lewis Jr. to man the point guard spot until help arrives.
Cleveland Cavaliers
With Ricky Rubio remaining away from the team due to mental health issues, Ty Jerome has been the Cavaliers’ backup point guard this season. But Jerome is dealing with an ankle injury and has played just 15 minutes in two appearances. As a result, Caris LeVert has seen time at the one when Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell were off the floor. The Cavs have an open roster spot.
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