As part of an interview with Rachel Nichols of “The Jump,” Washington Wizards point guard John Wall gave a definitive answer when asked if he would be able to play in the event that this season resumes.
Wall has been recovering well from his Achilles injury. Even now, in the midst of the NBA's decision to suspend the 2019-20 regular season due to the coronavirus pandemic, he continues to work toward rehabilitation from his home.
Despite positive signs, the former No. 1 overall pick tells Nichols that he will not be returning to play if this season resumes:
“You look amazing out there in those highlights,” Nichols said to Wall during their discussion. “The Wizards had pronounced you ‘out' for this entire season, but of course, now, this season could extend into July or August. If that were to happen, is there any chance that you could play a few games there at the end?”
“Nah,” Wall replied without hesitation. “I just think, with our program and what we've got with the schedule for next season, one of my ultimate goals is to make sure I'm fully healthy.”
Terrific conversation with @JohnWall on whether he could come back this season if "this season" is pushed late enough, his "man to man" conversation with Bradley Beal,, the weight he's cut to come back from his Achilles injury & his aspirations to coach or GM in the NBA one day. pic.twitter.com/CIWiNORycY
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) April 17, 2020
Wall, who had surgery in February 2019, added that the coronavirus lockdown has complicated his rehab “because (he's) not getting up-and-down in five-on-five and the conditioning.”
Prior to these latest Wall comments, management was already signing a similar tune about the chances of a return:
“We’ve said all along that we can’t wait until John plays next season, and I think that will still be our attitude and our stance,” Wizards General Manager Tommy Sheppard said in a recent interview with The Washington Post. “We’re very anxious to see John Wall in uniform next year. I don’t think any of this changes that.”
Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Wall should be fully recovered by the start of next season. For now, he'll do his best to work towards that goal from home.
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