John Wall and the Houston Rockets have reportedly reached a buyout deal. Thankfully this ends the foolishness that we saw in Houston last season where Wall was not allowed to play due to the fact that the Rockets were trying to tank. Well I hope it all worked out for the Rockets because the got the 3rd pick and the projected number 1 prospect Jabari Smith. And, it looks like it will work out for Wall as well, another year stronger and free from injury Wall gets bought out for 40 Million, and will get the 6 million he lost back when he signs with a contender.
The rumor mill has already started, and the team that Wall has rumored to be interested in signing with is the Los Angeles Clippers. But is the Clippers a good fit for Wall, and the Clippers. IF Wall signs with the Clippers this would make their starting 5 look something like Wall, Jackson, PG, Kawhi, and Zubac. I’m sure T Lue could make this work, but basketball wise I do not like Walls fit on this team. Yes both Kawhi, and PG are knock down 3 point shooters, and Reggie is capable catch and shoot, but the Clippers are not known to really push the ball in transition. To me personally they are more of a half court set type team. This would also make them relatively small defensively, though we know Kawhi can guard the 4 with ease. But do you want to have him taking additional punishment coming off an ACL injury? This would also make the Clippers backcourt undersized as well with Wall and Jackson to players who are listed as PG. In my opinion Wall would not make the Clippers better or worse. They would still be a contender, but nothing that moves the needle too much.
Personally I would like to see John Wall sign with 1 of these 3 teams: Mavericks, Pelicans, or Hornets. The Dallas Mavericks are set to lose Jalen Brunson to free agency this summer, and Wall get fit in perfect for that spot. He wouldn’t need the ball in the half court to be effective like Brunson, instead Wall would add a new element to the Mavericks game with his transition game, Reggie Bullock, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Tim Hardaway Jr. would also thrive playing with Wall. The Pelicans obviously are looking to make some noise this coming season with their big 3 of CJ, Zion, and BI, but still need a PG to run the team. This is where Wall would fit in perfect, and Wall and Zion in the open floor would be ridiculous. My final team is the Hornets (assuming they resign Miles Bridges) this would be one of the most exiting teams in the NBA. Lonzo Ball, John Wall, and Miles Bridges would be special in transition. Yes Ball runs point, but he is big for his position, so it would be easy for Wall to step in as a secondary ball handler.
Wherever Wall signs this summer NBA fans are just happy to have an amazing talent back on the Basketball court.
