Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving recently took the time to honor former Washington Wizards standout John Wall. Currently recovering from an ACL injury sustained during the 2024-25 NBA season, Irving has been engaging with fans through Twitch streams, where he answered various questions, including those about Wall.
Irving, the 2016 NBA champion and the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, praised Wall for setting a high standard as a top draft pick. Wall was the number one overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Wizards, and Irving acknowledged the importance of finding an elite point guard when building a team. He highlighted the rarity of having two consecutive top picks who were both exciting point guards, calling it a “generational” event unlikely to happen again, especially as teams today tend to prefer drafting versatile big men like Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama.
Reflecting on their careers, Irving recalled the intense competition between the two when they faced off in the Eastern Conference, noting how fans debated who was superior. While Irving remains a key player for the Mavericks after signing a three-year contract, Wall’s career has been more turbulent, with his last NBA appearance coming with the LA Clippers in 2023.
Fan Take: This recognition from Irving shines a spotlight on the evolving nature of NBA rosters and player roles over the years. For basketball fans, appreciating the legacy of players like Wall alongside current stars like Irving offers a richer understanding of the league’s history and the shifting dynamics of team building.
