Veteran guard John Wall isn’t playing for the rebuilding Rockets in the 2021-22 NBA season, with Houston choosing to prioritize its backcourt minutes for young prospects like Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green.
But that doesn’t mean that the five-time All-Star isn’t making an impact. When asked about Wall prior to Monday’s game at Boston, Rockets head coach Stephen Silas clarified that Wall continues to travel with the team and is viewed by the team as a “helpful presence” on the sidelines during games and practices. Silas explained the dynamic to reporters:
He’s traveling with the team and working out, and preparing himself for whatever comes next for him.
He’s been good for our group. He’s been good as far as watching film with guys, and pulling them aside when they come off the court. He’s on the bench, he’ll be on the bench tonight, and is definitely a helpful presence.
As for Wall’s playing career, recent reports have indicated that a resolution could be delayed to as late as the 2022 offseason.
Now 31 years old, Wall averaged 20.6 points and 6.9 assists in 32.2 minutes per game with Houston last season, but his contract is seen as too prohibitive at this time for other teams to trade for or for the Rockets to buy out. So until the dollar figure shrinks more, both sides wait.
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