On Tuesday, former NBA All-Star guard John Wall announced his retirement from basketball after 11 seasons. The Kentucky alum played for multiple teams throughout his NBA run, last suiting up for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2022-23 season. However, most would associate Wall with the team he began his career with, the Washington Wizards.
Washington drafted Wall with the first overall pick in 2010, and it did not take long for him to make an impact with the team. He was the runner-up for the Rookie of the Year award that season, and he led them to a playoff appearance in 2014. During his time with the Wizards, Wall was a five-time All-Star, a one-time All-NBA team selection, and a one-time All-Defensive team selection.
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Following the news of Wall’s retirement, the Wizards took to social media to send a congratulatory message to their former star.
“One of our franchise all-time greats. The definition of an era. A lasting legacy. A forever Wizard. Congratulations on your retirement, @JohnWall💙,” the Wizards wrote on X.
Fans also took to social media to send their messages. However, it was more than just sending congratulations to the North Carolina native following his retirement. Instead, fans are clamoring for Washington to retire his jersey number, something they have not done since they retired Phil Chenier’s jersey number in 2018.
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“Retire his jersey,” one fan wrote on X.
“Thank you @JohnWall. Now @TedLeonsis make things right and retire his jersey,” another fan wrote on X.
“yall the ones that needs to retire his jersey,” a third fan wrote.
“Retire that jersey in DC man,” a fourth fan wrote.
“Congratulations and thank you!! RETIRE THE JERSEY,” a fifth fan wrote on X.
“retire his jersey today,” another fan wrote.
John Wall Has a Case to Have His Number Retired
The Wizards did not win any championships or make a lot of serious noise during Wall’s tenure, but they still had their most success in a long time when he was leading the way. This was especially true for the 2016-17 season, when they won their division for the first time since 1979.
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Washington does not retire jersey numbers often as they only have five numbers in the rafters (six if including Bill Russell’s, whose No. 6 number is retired league-wide). However, Wall remains their most impactful player in recent years, and he was electric in his prime.
He may not have won any titles in Washington, but Wall led the team back to relevancy and left an impact on the organization. Retiring his jersey number may be the Wizards’ only option now that his playing career is officially over.
Related: John Wall Receives Message from Washington Wizards After Announcing Retirement
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.