A District-wide celebration of Wizards’ legend John Wall brought wins, thrilling energy, and reflection to a sports culture and beyond that he helped shape.
The celebration began where it all started for Wall’s career at Capital One Arena, stretching to Howard University, and various communities across Washington, D.C.
The Washington Wizards Defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 109-99 on John Wall Celebration Night
In a victorious game for Washington Wizards against the Milwaukee Bucks, the team honored Wall, a five-time NBA All-Star, on Thursday, Jan. 29 at Capital One Arena in a nationally streamed matchup on Amazon Prime Video that highlighted the athlete’s contributions to the franchise and DMV overall.
The first 15,000 fans in attendance received commemorative Wall bobbleheads as the franchise celebrated one of their most accomplished players in team history.
“First and foremost, I want to thank the Leonsis family and the Wizards organization for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream, to make it to the NBA,” said Wall. “Coming from Raleigh, North Carolina, all I was thinking about was making it to 18 years old. I never thought this was possible. I love you all. This is my city, this is still my house, and I love you all and thank y’all for tonight.”
The Wizards also announced, in partnership with D.C. Parks And Recreation’s District of Play program, that the next court renovation at Randall Recreation Center will be named the John Wall court. The court renovation is set to debut this summer, expanding on Wall’s legacy in Washington, D.C.
In addition to Wall’s honors and celebration, the Leonsis Family Foundation, founded by the owners of the Washington Wizards, gave John Wall a $25,000 check for his own philanthropic work. Through the John Wall Family Foundation, the basketball star turned commentator, works to uplift District communities.
Selected as the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, Wall spent 10 seasons in Washington and remains the franchises all-time leader in assists (5,282) and steals (976). He is ranked top five in games played, minutes, points, and field goals made, while leading the Wizards to three playoff appearances.
Wall earned All-Rookie Team honors in 2011, All-Defensive Second Team recognition in 2015, and All-NBA Third Team honors in 2017— the same season he averaged 23.1 points, 10.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds, all while leading Washington to a 49-win campaign and a seven-game Eastern Conference Semifinal run.
“The arena was loud,” said Wizards center Alex Sarr. “Obviously it was a great night for him, getting his recognition in the city because he has done so much here [Washington, D.C.]. So you know I was just happy to see the love that the city gave him and yea it’s just great to see.”
With Wall in attendance the Wizards won their 12th game of the season— 25% of those victories were against the Bucks. The first-time All-Star Rising Star KyShawn George had a thrilling performance on national television, ending the night with 24 points shooting 10-of-24 from the field, along with five rebounds and two steals.
Sarr, a fellow All-Star Rising Star, has made his presence known as he continues his campaign of being one of the best centers in the league midway through his second season. He finished the night with 16 points, a career high of 17 rebounds, and two blocks.
Guard Bub Carrington stepped up off the bench after rookie guard Tre Johnson exited the game with a sprained left ankle. With this in mind, Carrington notched 13 points and six assists, with 40% shooting.
Forward Justin Champagnie also stepped up tremendously, coming off the bench with 12 points with 50% shooting, and six rebounds. His role in Washington grows with providing hustle and aggression on each play.
“I think really the story of tonight’s game, obviously we didn’t shoot the ball the way we would’ve liked but we’re winning with our defense,” said Wizards’ Head Coach Brian Keefe. “We were able to get stops, we were able to keep them off the free throw line, and I think those are the things that make us consistent and we got stops down the stretch too. I think that’s really the story of the game. When you’re not shooting well, you still win the game…those are really good positive steps for our team.”
Although the team celebrated history and past through honoring the retired athlete, the night showcased an impressive look on the future as the emerging young core in Washington looks to rise to the occasion and the Wizards back to Wall days.
Supporting his team from the bench, newly acquired guard Trae Young sported Wall’s jersey during the game.
“That’s my guy,” said Young. “We’ve known each other for a minute now so for me to be here in D.C. and for him to have a night like this, I’m sure we’ll have some nights like this in the future for him. It’s only right that I show support and show love because he had this place [Capital One Arena] rocking and hopefully we can get it back to the way he had it.”
Howard University Men’s Basketball Team Honored John Wall As Captain Of The Day For Conference Showdown Against Norfolk State, Bison Secure 80-66 Victory
The celebration extended beyond the NBA floor. This past weekend at Howard University, Wall served as Captain of the Day for the Bison’s highly anticipated Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference (MEAC) matchup against the Norfolk State Spartans. Wall remained courtside throughout the game, engaging with student-athletes and fans as the Bison continued its push in the conference race.
“It’s crazy,” said Howard Men’s Basketball Head Coach Kenneth Blakeney. To have a guy that means so much to this city and has contributed so much on and off the court, the things that he has done in the community as a person of, you know, celebrity that doesn’t have do those things but means all the right intentions of doing those things, and for what he means to the city is really special.”
His presence helped to set the one for the Bison, as it turned out to be their most thrilling performance of the season so far, as they secured an 88-60 victory over a projected conference contender.
Howard led 42-28 at halftime and never looked back, shooting 52% in the first half and 54% from the field in the game overall. The Bison also connected on 47.4% of their three-point attempts and converted 25 of 29 free throws, underscoring their efficiency on both sides of the ball. Defensively, Howard controlled the paint and glass, outscoring Norfolk State 36-32 in the second half while allowing zero lead changes.
Graduate student guard Bryce Harris and junior Guard Cedric Taylor III led the effort for the Bison, combining for 54 points. Harris finished the day with 27 points, shooting 8-of-11 from the field, adding eight rebounds, while Taylor matched him with 27 points shooting 9-of-10 from the field. Howard also generated 36 points in the paint, 17 second-chance points, and 16 points off of turnovers.
This win against the Spartans marked a statement performance for a Howard team pushing toward the top of the MEAC standings, aligning defensive intensity with offensive balance on a night influenced and inspired by Wall’s presence.
“We took a step in trust, we took a step in being connected, we took a step in sharing, we took a step into being together on both ends of the ball,” said Blakeney.
The John Wall Family Foundation Partners With The Museum DC For An Exclusive Pop-Up Shop Experience
District-wide festivities were scheduled to conclude with a pop-up shop meet called Heart of The District, in partnership with The John Wall Family Foundation and Museum DC on Sunday, Feb. 1. The event was postponed for a second time due to inclement weather and icy conditions, as snow cleanup efforts continue across the DMV.
Wall posted a video message on Instagram sharing the postponement announcement.
“I know a lot of you all were traveling and trying to come up here for the pop up…but with the weather conditions, the icy storm, I’m sorry that we had to reschedule which was a [tough] decision,” said Wall. “But we want all of you all to be safe and sound and have a good time, so watch out and be ready for the new date we’re gonna give you.”
The Heart of the District pop-up shop event is set to offer fans exclusive access tied to Wall’s legacy and community impact. While the final celebration was delayed, with no expected date declared, Walls work and legacy continues to permeate across the District and inspire.
“[Wall] was like a big leader in D.C., not only for the team but for the community,” said forward KyShawn George. “Just being able to see that you were able to be a great basketball player but also have an impact on the community is something that you look forward to as a player and try to model yourself after.”