John Wall announces his retirement after an 11-year career

John Wall is calling it a career after 11 NBA seasons.

The 34-year-old announced his retirement Tuesday in a social media post, bringing to a close a career defined by electrifying playmaking, blistering speed, and a connection to Washington that spanned nearly a decade. Drafted first overall by the Wizards in 2010 out of Kentucky, the five-time All-Star point guard retires with career averages of 18.7 points and 8.9 assists per game.

“Today, I’m stepping off of the court, but not away from the game,” Wall wrote. “Basketball will always be in my life, and new opportunities present themselves. I feel now is the time to walk confidently into my next chapter.”

Wall spent the majority of his career in D.C., where he became the face of the Wizards and one of the league’s most dynamic guards.

His best season came in 2016-17, when he averaged 23.1 points and 10.7 assists, earned All-NBA Third Team honors, and helped Washington reach the Eastern Conference semifinals. He also added to his resume a Slam Dunk Contest crown in 2014 and an All-Defensive Second Team nod in 2015, showcasing the athleticism and defensive edge that made him a force in his prime.

After Washington, Wall had stints with the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers, though injuries increasingly defined the latter part of his career. He hasn’t appeared in a game since the 2022-23 season, and he never logged more than half a season’s worth of games in any of the past six years.

Still, Wall leaves behind a legacy as one of the most gifted and exciting point guards of his era — a player whose blend of speed, flair, and playmaking left a lasting imprint on the Wizards and the NBA.