By Jonathan Forney
Special to the AFRO
(Photo courtesy of X (Twitter) / Zack Leonsis)
The Washington Wizards honored the career and community impact of former star John Wall on Thursday, Jan. 29 at Capital One Arena as they took on the Milwaukee Bucks. Fans were shown highlights of Wall’s achievements on and off the court for the city.
Attendees were given special bobble heads commemorating Wall’s game-winning three-pointer in the 2017 National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs, where he stood atop the scorer’s table and hyped up the crowd. A special “John Wall of Fame” was set up to allow fans to check out awards, game-worn shoes and photos from his career in Washington.
“I love y’all,” Wall said to the team and his fans. “This is still my city. This is still my house.”
Fans were able to submit their favorite memories of the All-Star’s career as a Wizard through a QR code. There was plenty of dancing in the crowd as footage looped of Wall hitting his signature “Dougie” dance. The speakers also blasted Troop 41’s “John Wall” song to hype up the fans.
Wall retired in August 2025 after 11 seasons in the NBA. During halftime, a special tribute to the Raleigh native was projected onto the court. Wall was also honored for his impact in the D.C. community. He was surprised to learn that the next renovation to the Randall Recreation Center basketball court in Ward 6 will bear the name the “John Wall Court.”
Wall was actively involved in community outreach during his career and continues to be in retirement. He helped pay residents’ rent, donated to various organizations and volunteered in the D.C. community.
“The most important thing for me was not just basketball, but what you do off the court,” Wall said.
When he was awarded the NBA’s season-long Community Assist Award for the 2015–2016 season, he called the outreach that he did “the most rewarding part of being an NBA player.”
Zach Leonsis, Monumental Sports president of media and new enterprises, presented a $25,000 check to the John Wall Foundation in recognition of their continuing work in the region. Wall was joined in accepting the check by his sons, Ace and Amir Wall.
The foundation provides mentorship, education and opportunities to exercise to disadvantaged families and at-risk youth.
The Wizards went on to defeat the Bucks 109-99, led by sophomore guard Kyshawn George’s 23 points. George is a part of the Wizards’ young roster that didn’t play alongside Wall, but his impact on the team is still being felt.
“I know he was a big leader in D.C. Not only for the team, but for the community,” George said, adding that it’s important to see an example of a great basketball player that can also impact the community.
“You try to model yourself after [them],” said George.
Wizards’ big man, Alex Sarr, echoed the sentiment.
“He’s done so much here,” Sarr said. “I was just happy to see the love that the city gave him.”