Before he missed the entire 2021–22 season over reasons that had nothing to do with his ability or health, the last time we saw John Wall in an NBA game was April 23, 2021, in a five-point loss to the Clippers. In 40 minutes against a title contender, he finished with 27 points and 13 assists, going 8-for-15 inside the arc, 1-for-7 behind it and 8-for-9 from the free-throw line. In short: Wall looked like who he’s always been, a sensational whirlwind of speed, wit and pressure. The first step and vision were still special.
Now, 435 days later, after he finally negotiated a buyout with the Rockets, the 31-year-old Wall has accepted the Clippers’ two-year $13.2 million for the taxpayer mid-level exception to join forces with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Ty Lue and a deep stable of skilled, versatile, two-way players. It’s a partnership that has the potential to be quite mutually beneficial.
