KEY POINTS

  • John Wall meets with the Rockets management to possibly return to action
  • Wall could fill up the void of rookie Jalen Green, who is dealing with a hamstring injury
  • Wall may be aware that his overall value could decline unless he suits up and play

John Wall has yet to play a game this NBA season, but this is subject to change.

The five-time All-Star is on the trading bloc, but no team has come forward to take him off the hands of the Houston Rockets.

However, it appears Wall is tired of waiting and wants to do more than just being present on the Rockets bench.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the first-overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft met with Rockets general manager Rafael Stone and head coach Stephen Silas on Sunday, November 28 to discuss a possible return to play.

As of this writing, there remains no agreement on seeing Wall possibly playing games for the Rockets.

Although he prefers to be a starter, a potential scenario for the 31-year-old guard is to accept a similar role that Derrick Rose has with the New York Knicks, ESPN reported.

This means that if Wall wants to play this NBA season, the best to expect is for him to come off the bench and get spot minutes.

The Rockets are shifting their attention on their young core, particularly on Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr.

However, Wall’s sudden meeting with Rockets’ management could be timely considering Green is sidelined due to a hamstring injury he sustained in their game against the Chicago Bulls last Wednesday, November 24.

In the last update on the second overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft from ESPN, Green is expected to miss at least a week because of the strained left hamstring.

But even if the 19-year-old were to return, Silas is unlikely to force the issue and give him his usual playing minutes.

Hence, giving Wall a chance to play could make sense for the Rockets.

They are at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a 3-16 win-loss record.

Before registering their last two wins, the Rockets were on a 15-game losing streak.

Also, Wall may be aware that his value may decline if he is to continue being on the sidelines. He has no plans of settling for a contract buyout.

The 2014 NBA Slam Dunk champion is due $44.3 million this season and another $47.4 million next season if he exercises his player option.

Beyond that, the money he could earn may not be as significant unless he is on the floor and showing what he can do for any team.

John Wall #1 of the Houston Rockets dribbles in front of Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards
John Wall #1 of the Houston Rockets dribbles in front of Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards Getty Images | Will Newton
RELATED STORIES