The Rockets and John Wall mutually agreed earlier this month to hold him out of games and work together on finding a trade, but the veteran point guard believes he still has a role to play with the team off the court.
Wall reiterated several times during his Media Day availability today that his main priority is to serve as a veteran mentor to Houston’s young players, and also stated that he’s 100 percent healthy entering the new season (Twitter link via Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle).
Wall, who isn’t sure which team he’d like to be traded to, told reporters on Monday, “My job is to be here with this team, stay healthy, and see what the future holds” (Twitter link via Kelly Iko of The Athletic).
General manager Rafael Stone and the Rockets’ front office are in lock-step with Wall, a stark contrast to the situation in Philadelphia. Stone says that the communication between the two sides has been great, stating, “In terms of our communication it’s been easy. The challenge was what works for everyone long term. It’s not like our communication ends today” (Twitter link via Iko).
When asked about the possibility of a buyout with Wall, Stone said he doesn’t expect that to happen anytime soon, if at all.
“Organizationally we don’t have any interest in this at this time,” Stone said (Twitter link via Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston). “I don’t think that makes sense for John and I don’t think that makes sense for us. We’re gonna find things that make sense to both parties.”
There’s more from Houston:
- Forward/center Christian Wood, who was a borderline All-Star last season prior to injuring his ankle, says he’s fully recovered from the injury and is 100 percent healthy entering the season (Twitter via Kelly Iko).
- Kevin Porter Jr., whom the Rockets acquired from the Cavaliers last season, is beyond grateful to the Rockets. “This organization saved my life,” Porter told reporters today (Twitter link via Iko). “I needed a new change of scenery and they picked me up when I was down.” Porter went on to add that basketball wasn’t an escape outlet in Cleveland because he was depressed at the time, but coming to Houston represented a total 180 for the young player (Twitter link via Iko).
- Free agent addition Daniel Theis appears optimistic about partnering with Wood in the Rockets’ frontcourt, expressing optimism that the two big men can play alongside one another and telling reporters that he wants to be the anchor of the team’s defense (Twitter link via Iko).
- The Rockets are 100 percent vaccinated, Stone told reporters today (Twitter link via Iko).
The situation is completely different in philly, Simmons is 24 and has 4 years left on his contract, wall is 31 a shell of what he was,overpaid and is a bench player at best .
Think you missed the point of that comment. He meant John wall is happily talking with the rockets , meanwhile Simmons has blown off everyone from the organization including his teammates.
You’re right, but there was no need to bring up the situation in Philly other than to take a shot at Morey in an article about Houston (was the mention a quote by the GM or something the author threw in there?).
Ben is a top 30 player that will rightfully bring back a good, but admittedly not great, haul. Wall has the worst contract in the NBA with his prime in his rearview mirror. Houston would do good to not have to attach too many assets to get rid of him. Cooperation between the parties aside, it was just dumb to point out any contrast between the situations.
@ojdiddoit
I’ve never been a big fan of Walls because his game is as a volume scorer who really doesn’t shoot from outside to justify the number of shots. That being said he can still give you 20 and run an offense. To suggest he’s no better than a bench player is a joke. If healthy he can still give you 18pts and 8 assists. Supremely overpaid but that’s the nature of handing out max contracts in a league with thr economic structure that exists.
Wood and Olynyk worked out great starting together, so there’s no reason why it can’t work with Theis who should really help strengthen their interior defense.
17-65.
I don’t know what would be best for Wall personally or for the organization, but it would seem to me that the best thing for both parties would be for him to play. He could demonstrate his ability to be a leader and show what he has left in the tank. For the team, it would be better for the younger players if they had a former all-star on the court to guide them. It seems like the Rockets finally lost in the game of musical chairs with giant contracts. They’re stuck with the one that’s untradable at this point.
Wall not playing is ridiculous. First he’s making more money than all the NBA. He’s coming back from injury. So how are teams going to trade for that. He should be playing and showing his worth. As a talent, team player, and leader. I can’t see anyone taking a chance on him. When he’s sitting and wants to be traded. Rockets are not handling this well. Rockets will never buy him out this yr. It’s too much money. IMO he will play and show his worth. Otherwise no one is trading for him.
Porter seems genuine, for some reason. This is his last shot at a good living. He does have talent and can make his mark on this team. Rockets might have lucked out with him. I’ll let it go as being young and stupid. We’ve all been there. Time to man up and reach for it. Not a Wood fan. His D needs work. But Theis and him can work. IMO Rockets shouldn’t be expecting much this season. They should play and develop the youth. Let it go where it goes. Another lottery year is in their best interest. Personally I would move Wood. Two lottery picks next yr is a great great move. There are PGs and PFs there. Woods value will never be higher. Plus he wants to get paid. They can get a lot for him. I build around Green. He’s a great talent.
Wall agreed to this so I guess the rockets are playing their hand correctly. No drama, play the kids to see who has a future with the team. Win win for the rockets
Rockets should play wall like thunders did with cp3 and their young players.wall,green,porter,theis,wood.that isnt bad starter.