It has been nearly two calendar years since Houston Rockets guard John Wall last played competitive basketball.
Wall suffered an Achilles injury in late-December of 2018, and he would miss the entirety of the 2019-20 season. However, the five-time All-Star will have a chance to get a feel for the action as the Rockets take on the Chicago Bulls in their first preseason game Friday night.
The former No. 1 overall pick explained his emotions, admitting there will be some nerves, but also plenty of excitement:
“It’s going to be a lot of anxiousness and a lot of excitement to step on that floor when the jumpball goes up,” Wall told reporters on Zoom.
“But once the ball touches my hands one time, it’s over with. Now, it’s play basketball, get out there and have fun.”
Wall is entering a new chapter in his basketball career.
The longtime Washington Wizards point guard requested a trade from the team after reports leaked suggesting the Wizards were shopping him. Although Washington general manager Tommy Sheppard initially stated the team was not looking to move Wall, the Wizards agreed to send him to the Rockets in exchange for Russell Westbrook.
Wall could be under pressure to get back into his pre-injury form in a hurry. The Rockets still face plenty of uncertainty as the team navigates James Harden's trade demands. But Wall's explosive playmaking ability might be enough to convince “The Beard” Houston can still be a winning organization.
In any case, Friday's game is a big step for Wall, who has been waiting for this moment for quite some time.
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