John Wall Announces Retirement from NBA

Washington, D.C. - John Wall, a five-time All-Star point guard, retired from professional basketball. He announced it on his Instagram and X accounts on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

In the announcement, Wall stated, “Today, I’m stepping off the court but not away from the game. Basketball will always be in my life. “With new chances ahead, I feel it’s the perfect moment to begin my next chapter.”

Wall, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft out of the University of Kentucky, enjoyed an 11-season career. He was with the Washington Wizards for nine seasons. He ranks first in assists (5,282) and steals (976) for the team. He’s also fourth in total points scored (10,879). After that, he played one season each with the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers.

While with the Wizards, Wall averaged 19.0 points and 9.2 assists per game. He led the team to four playoff spots, including an Eastern Conference semifinal in 2017. His career honors include five straight All-Star selections from 2014 to 2018. He also earned an All-NBA Third Team spot in 2017 and won the 2014 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Wall faced injuries in his later years, like a ruptured Achilles tendon and ongoing heel problems. These issues cut into his playing time and led him to retire. He last appeared in an NBA game on January 13, 2023, when he suited up for the Clippers.

Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis honored Wall on social media, calling him “a forever Wizard.” He said Wall’s impact shaped an era in D.C. basketball. Wall retires at 34, marking the end of an era. He was one of the most thrilling and influential point guards of his generation.