Washington reacts to the shocking trade of John Wall to Houston
Washington traded 30-year-old guard John Wall and a future first-round draft pick to the Houston Rockets for 32-year-old Russell Westbrook, presumably (at least in part) because the Wizards didn’t want the injury risk of Wall coming off an Achilles tear that cost him all of last season.
Nonetheless, it’s hard to characterize Wall’s decade in Washington — which began with his selection at No. 1 overall in the 2010 NBA draft — as anything but a success. In all, Wall played in nine seasons there, averaging 19.0 points (43.3% FG) and 9.2 assists in 35.9 minutes per game, and he was a five-time All-Star over that span.
During that time, Wall also became well known for his extensive community work in and aaround Washington, DC.
As a result, many members of the Washington organization — as well as fans and media covering the team — were sad to see him go. After Wednesday’s trade announcement, here’s a sampling of their reaction.
I am very grateful to @JohnWall and his family for all they have done for our franchise and our community. John was the first player picked in the NBA draft and the first player we were blessed to pick under our new ownership of the @WashWizards a decade ago. https://t.co/CJCdDfQXqn
— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) December 3, 2020
I personally wish the best for him in his new city and franchise. Good health and good fortune to John Wall and all of Washington DC thanks you for your unabashed love of the game — and our community.
— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) December 3, 2020
I feel for Wizards fans.
John Wall has been in DC for 10 years and I’m not sure people outside of town realize how much the fan base loves him. I know he’s been hurt. I know he’s on a max deal. But I’m also certain people in DC are feeling lots of stuff right now
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) December 3, 2020
John Wall was beloved in DC, and was especially meaningful to Black folks and those who lived in underserved parts of the city. Here’s what he had to say last week at this community event in Southeast: pic.twitter.com/yJvg1EwGn7
— Ava Wallace (@avarwallace) December 3, 2020
One thing I’ll always respect @JohnWall for is that he did a ton of really good things for the community here in DC over the years that never made national headlines. Buddy helped keep roofs over a ton of people’s heads in DC this year during the pandemic.
— Justin Tinsley (@JustinTinsley) December 3, 2020
Why was John Wall loved by so many in D.C.?
Because he cared, he cared about this community.
I would argue Wall gave back to the D.C. community more than any other D.C. professional athlete in the last decade.
He made a difference, a role model to many boys and girls in DMV. pic.twitter.com/eynl0fRdo0
— Scott Abraham (@ScottABC7) December 3, 2020
The love DC had for John Wall far exceeded any that he received on a national NBA level Not many stars embrace a place, connect with it & represent it the way he did. He didn't win a championship in his 10 years but he won over hearts. This breakup will be hard for many to accept
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) December 3, 2020
Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard on the trade: pic.twitter.com/ZuK39FafiU
— Ava Wallace (@avarwallace) December 3, 2020
I found John to be a person who cared deeply. Even though you couldn’t see that on his exterior. The 2017 Christmas gift comes to mind. He gave all his teammates personalized Rolex watches & it’s not that he did so to flex on em. He honestly thought it was what a leader should do
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) December 3, 2020
Lots of folk in D.C. share this belief. Lots: https://t.co/o1D2b4ExzB
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) December 3, 2020
John is an All-Star basketball player, but he’s always been much more than that. His work off the court will be remembered for years to come.
Thankful to have been with the organization during so many of his amazing moments. Wishing the Wall-Star nothing but the best in Houston.
— Dan Nolan (@DanPNolan) December 3, 2020
Thank you @JohnWall for a decade of electric playmaking on the court, and for your powerful contributions off of it too. We appreciate everything you did to give back to our local community and know that all of your hard work will get you back to winning on the court soon. ❤️ https://t.co/N69dwXw5FF
— Zach Leonsis (@ZacharyLeonsis) December 3, 2020
I now have a crying kid on my hands. John Wall should have been allowed to stay, and…this really sucks.
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) December 3, 2020
Thank you for everything, @JohnWall ❤️ pic.twitter.com/I0D0nrZAZF
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 3, 2020
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Welcome to H-Town, @JohnWall!
Give our newest Rocket a follow! pic.twitter.com/OfGFhd9tK7
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 3, 2020
