New Clippers addition John Wall sat down with Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN (YouTube video link) to discuss his opportunity with what could be one of the deepest teams in the NBA next season, led by All-NBA swingmen Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Wall, a five-time All-Star with the Wizards before a series of lower body injuries limited his availability, agreed to sit out the entire 2021/22 season for the Rockets as Houston prioritized developing younger backcourt talent. After agreeing to a buyout, Wall signed a two-year, $13.2MM deal with the Clippers as an unrestricted free agent.
“I think they’re just a first-class organization, great teammates over here,” Wall said of joining L.A. this summer. “I just feel like they have a great culture… Also not having to be a Batman every night, having an opportunity to play with other players where I can take a backseat, and develop my game but also just help those guys as much as possible.”
Here are more highlights from their conversation:
- Wall discussed how he’ll adapt his game as a secondary player in Los Angeles after being one of the top two offensive options, alongside shooting guard Bradley Beal, for the majority of his NBA career while with the Wizards. “I know I’m still a talented player,” Wall said. “I know all the things that I’ve worked on, especially being able to knock down catch-and-shoot shots because I probably won’t have the ball in my hands as much (as on past teams). But at the same time they still want me to be myself, be aggressive, be able to break down the defense for (Leonard and George). I think… sometimes in the fourth quarter a lot of teams (are) keyed in on Kawhi and Paul George. I think that’s an opportunity for me to excel.”
- “Still can’t believe it,” Wall said of his chance to play with two All-NBA wings, alongside whom he anticipates leaning into his abilities as a facilitator. “I can’t wait till I have the opportunity to be on the floor with those guys. I’ve just always been a past-first point guard… But my best attribute is being able to pass the ball.”
- When asked about his expected training camp competition with incumbent Clipper Reggie Jackson for dibs on the starting point guard role with Los Angeles next season, Wall was diplomatic. “I’m a competitor like he’s a competitor,” Wall began. “We’re two very talented players. He’s been great for this team the last couple of years… We’re just going to battle it out.” Jackson will be on the last season of a two-year, $22MM contract he signed to stick with the Clippers through 2023.
Hot take. John Wall is a better player right NOW than James Harden.
He has barley played over two seasons. No basis for that take
The basis for that take is seeing the level of trash that James Harden has become as a player.
I know what John Wall was when he left. He’s had two years off to rest, and hasn’t accumulated any miles while doing so. I’m pretty sure John Wall right NOW is better than Harden, hence my “hot take”.
Since when do hot takes need any “basis” anyway?? Isn’t that the point of the word “hot”, before the word take?? People like you are more boring than watching paint dry.
Wall’s last season of significant playing time was 2020-21 and he played 40 games. Let’s see how he did:
20.6 ppg, 6.9 apg, 3.2 rpg, .404/.317/.749, .503 TS%, 15.4 PER, 0.4 VORP, -0.007 WS/48
Let’s see how ‘trash’ James Harden did last year:
22.0 ppg, 10.3 apg, 7.7 rpg, .410/.330/.877, .583 TS%, 20.9 PER, 3.7 VORP, .152 WS/48
It’s almost like you have no idea what you’re talking about and are throwing out lame, tired Harden hot takes. Harden is not what he used to be, but he’s still way better than John Wall. The last time Wall put up numbers that matched Harden’s ‘trash’ 2021-22 numbers was in 2016-2017, a full six years from the start of next season.
@rct
I think he’s dead Jim! Ahahaha
Crack is wack.
They’re still the Clippers. They have to actually win something for anyone to care. Until then they’re just hype
My hypothetical hot take:
At the same price, Clippers wouldn’t think twice about signing James Harden over John Wall
Note to the Mods: please add a laugh reaction
All non-playoffs teams are aggressive this summer.
but Lakers are not.
Why?
Lakers have the most expensive tickets?
Cost saving + expensive gate tickets = money
JW is an idiot… Jackson has clearly been one of the best players on the team, and JW needs to understand his role is to back up and complement Jackson.
I think Wall has selective memory. He was certainly not a ‘pass first’ guy when paired with a fine shooter in DC. I guess 3 years of sitting in your behind may have changed that. It does seem like if they remain healthy, Clips will be able to score. The question is will rebounding by committee be enough, and will the excellent perimeter defense counter lack of interior defense?