It wasn’t as emotional as it would have been with fans, but the Wizards did show a tribute video for longtime point guard John Wall during his initial return visit since being traded to the Houston Rockets.
The video aired at Capital One Arena during the first timeout of Monday’s game between the Wizards and Wall’s Rockets. “It won’t be the same, because no fans will be there,” Wall said pregame of his return. “Definitely see some familiar faces (that) I can’t wait sit to see. If the fans would be there, it would be bigger emotions, to be honest.”
As is the case for the majority of NBA markets, the Wizards have yet to allow fans this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After his selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft, Wall played nine seasons in Washington and was an All-Star five times. He averaged 19.0 points, 9.2 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
Monday’s tribute video, which concludes with a simple message of “Thank You John,” can be viewed in its entirety below.
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Welcome back, @JohnWall! ♥2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/HybvdlqI0S
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) February 16, 2021