Deadspin | Spurs visit Mavericks, hoping to build upon big win over OKC

Deadspin | Spurs visit Mavericks, hoping to build upon big win over OKC

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Feb 4, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams (34) passes the ball over San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) and guard Stephon Castle (5) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The San Antonio Spurs will swagger a bit when they stride into Dallas to play the struggling Mavericks on Thursday in the latest rendition of the Lone Star State rivalry.

The Spurs should be feeling pretty good about themselves after beating Oklahoma City 116-106 on Wednesday to secure their fourth win in five games this season against the West-leading Thunder.

Yes, Oklahoma City suited up just eight players and was without four starters including reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but any win over the Thunder has to be celebrated.

Keldon Johnson scored 25 points off the bench and Victor Wembanyama added 22 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Spurs, who — with 34 wins — have already matched their total from last season just nine games past the midway point.

San Antonio also got 15 points and 10 assists from De’Aaron Fox, while Stephon Castle hit for 14 points, Carter Bryant scored 11 and Luke Kornet took 15 boards.

The win was not an easy one despite the Spurs’ obvious advantage in depth. Oklahoma City pulled to within four points with four minutes to play before Castle and Wembanyama made plays down the stretch to assure San Antonio’s second straight win.

“We did what we had to do to get the win,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “I think there’s a lot of things that could have been better and it was good to see us finish the job, but there are a lot of things that we will continue to do to try to hold ourselves to our standard.”

Thursday’s contest is the first meeting between the teams since a Spurs win in Dallas in their season opening game on Oct. 22. It is also the first of a home-and-home miniseries over a three-day period, with the follow-up on Saturday in the Alamo City.

The Mavericks have dropped five straight games, most recently a 110-100 setback at home to Boston on Tuesday. The loss came despite a 36-point performance from rookie Cooper Flagg, while Caleb Martin added 13 points, Daniel Gafford had 10 points and 12 rebounds and Max Christie also hit for 10 points.

The Mavericks tallied just 15 points in the second period – their lowest in any quarter this season – trailed by eight at halftime and never recovered.

Flagg’s output marked his third straight game with 30 or more points.

“I’m just being confident, being aggressive, getting to my spots with good pace and it’s worked out well,” Flagg said of his recent scoring outburst. “I’m just proud of myself for staying confident, staying poised. I never doubted myself (with) everybody saying everybody (I’ve hit) a rookie wall or whatever. I just let all that pass and got back up stronger.”

The Mavericks’ team that lines up against San Antonio will have a different roster. On Wednesday, Dallas traded injured superstar Anthony Davis along with Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to Washington in exchange for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III and five combined draft picks.

While Dallas’ new players may not be in uniform on Thursday, the team will definitely be without the four players who were traded away.

-Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Braves bring historic pace into series finale vs. Tigers Apr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) celebrates after a walk-off two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images The Braves will look for their 11th straight win against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon when the teams play the finale of a three-game series in Atlanta. Matt Olson and the Braves gut-punched the Tigers on Wednesday when the first baseman crushed a two-run walk-off homer in the ninth inning. Detroit hasn’t beaten Atlanta since June 12, 2023. “When you have good years, you tend to have games like that,” Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said. “You look back and there’s always 10 or 12 games you won that you necessarily shouldn’t have. And we’ve had a few of those already. That’s a good sign.” Atlanta owns a major-league-best 22-9 mark, its best start in 26 years. The Braves have not lost a series, going 9-0-1. The 1983 team went a franchise-record tying 10 straight series without a defeat to open the season. The 1889 and 1892 Boston Beaneaters also opened their seasons with 10 straight series wins. “Like I said the other day, we’ve had innings where we’ve put up five, six and seven spots, so it kind of makes it feel like you’re in every ballgame when you feel like you can do that,” Olson said. Atlanta will pit right-hander Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.95 ERA) against Detroit southpaw Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.41) in the series finale. Elder, in his latest outing on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitched seven innings and allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out two. The Braves eventually lost 8-5 in 10 innings. Elder has made one career start against the Tigers, beating them last Sept. 19 by allowing one run — on a solo homer by Spencer Torkelson — in seven strong innings. Valdez did not receive a decision when he faced the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. His control was shaky and he allowed two runs on four hits and five walks while striking out four in 4 1/3 innings. He threw 89 pitches, only 47 strikes. Valdez is 1-1 with a 6.55 ERA in two career starts against the Braves, both while a member of the Houston Astros. He took a loss against Atlanta last Sept. 14 when he allowed five runs over four-plus innings. Detroit rookie Kevin McGonigle went 2-for-4 on Wednesday and extended his hitting streak to 13 games, during which he has hit .358 (19-for-53). He has reached safely in his past 26 starts. The Tigers had to put left-hander Casey Mize (right adductor strain) and shortstop Javier Baez (right ankle sprain) on the injured list on Wednesday. Detroit recalled lefty Emmanuel De Jesus and third baseman Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo. “Hopefully time heals that and (Mize) will continue with his arm-moving and things like that,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Javy’s is a pretty significant ankle sprain, so I don’t know what that means in terms of a timeline.” The biggest decision involves who will take Mize’s spot in the rotation, as the Tigers don’t have another day off until May 7. The Braves announced that right-hander Spencer Strider, out all season with a left oblique strain, would make his first start on Sunday at Colorado. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #bring #historic #pace #series #finale #TigersApr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) celebrates after a walk-off two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Braves will look for their 11th straight win against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon when the teams play the finale of a three-game series in Atlanta.

Matt Olson and the Braves gut-punched the Tigers on Wednesday when the first baseman crushed a two-run walk-off homer in the ninth inning. Detroit hasn’t beaten Atlanta since June 12, 2023.

“When you have good years, you tend to have games like that,” Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said. “You look back and there’s always 10 or 12 games you won that you necessarily shouldn’t have. And we’ve had a few of those already. That’s a good sign.”

Atlanta owns a major-league-best 22-9 mark, its best start in 26 years. The Braves have not lost a series, going 9-0-1. The 1983 team went a franchise-record tying 10 straight series without a defeat to open the season. The 1889 and 1892 Boston Beaneaters also opened their seasons with 10 straight series wins.

“Like I said the other day, we’ve had innings where we’ve put up five, six and seven spots, so it kind of makes it feel like you’re in every ballgame when you feel like you can do that,” Olson said.

Atlanta will pit right-hander Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.95 ERA) against Detroit southpaw Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.41) in the series finale.

Elder, in his latest outing on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitched seven innings and allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out two. The Braves eventually lost 8-5 in 10 innings.


Elder has made one career start against the Tigers, beating them last Sept. 19 by allowing one run — on a solo homer by Spencer Torkelson — in seven strong innings.

Valdez did not receive a decision when he faced the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. His control was shaky and he allowed two runs on four hits and five walks while striking out four in 4 1/3 innings. He threw 89 pitches, only 47 strikes.

Valdez is 1-1 with a 6.55 ERA in two career starts against the Braves, both while a member of the Houston Astros. He took a loss against Atlanta last Sept. 14 when he allowed five runs over four-plus innings.

Detroit rookie Kevin McGonigle went 2-for-4 on Wednesday and extended his hitting streak to 13 games, during which he has hit .358 (19-for-53). He has reached safely in his past 26 starts.

The Tigers had to put left-hander Casey Mize (right adductor strain) and shortstop Javier Baez (right ankle sprain) on the injured list on Wednesday. Detroit recalled lefty Emmanuel De Jesus and third baseman Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo.

“Hopefully time heals that and (Mize) will continue with his arm-moving and things like that,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Javy’s is a pretty significant ankle sprain, so I don’t know what that means in terms of a timeline.”

The biggest decision involves who will take Mize’s spot in the rotation, as the Tigers don’t have another day off until May 7.

The Braves announced that right-hander Spencer Strider, out all season with a left oblique strain, would make his first start on Sunday at Colorado.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Braves #bring #historic #pace #series #finale #Tigers">Deadspin | Braves bring historic pace into series finale vs. Tigers Apr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) celebrates after a walk-off two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images The Braves will look for their 11th straight win against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon when the teams play the finale of a three-game series in Atlanta. Matt Olson and the Braves gut-punched the Tigers on Wednesday when the first baseman crushed a two-run walk-off homer in the ninth inning. Detroit hasn’t beaten Atlanta since June 12, 2023. “When you have good years, you tend to have games like that,” Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said. “You look back and there’s always 10 or 12 games you won that you necessarily shouldn’t have. And we’ve had a few of those already. That’s a good sign.” Atlanta owns a major-league-best 22-9 mark, its best start in 26 years. The Braves have not lost a series, going 9-0-1. The 1983 team went a franchise-record tying 10 straight series without a defeat to open the season. The 1889 and 1892 Boston Beaneaters also opened their seasons with 10 straight series wins. “Like I said the other day, we’ve had innings where we’ve put up five, six and seven spots, so it kind of makes it feel like you’re in every ballgame when you feel like you can do that,” Olson said. Atlanta will pit right-hander Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.95 ERA) against Detroit southpaw Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.41) in the series finale. Elder, in his latest outing on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitched seven innings and allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out two. The Braves eventually lost 8-5 in 10 innings. Elder has made one career start against the Tigers, beating them last Sept. 19 by allowing one run — on a solo homer by Spencer Torkelson — in seven strong innings. Valdez did not receive a decision when he faced the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. His control was shaky and he allowed two runs on four hits and five walks while striking out four in 4 1/3 innings. He threw 89 pitches, only 47 strikes. Valdez is 1-1 with a 6.55 ERA in two career starts against the Braves, both while a member of the Houston Astros. He took a loss against Atlanta last Sept. 14 when he allowed five runs over four-plus innings. Detroit rookie Kevin McGonigle went 2-for-4 on Wednesday and extended his hitting streak to 13 games, during which he has hit .358 (19-for-53). He has reached safely in his past 26 starts. The Tigers had to put left-hander Casey Mize (right adductor strain) and shortstop Javier Baez (right ankle sprain) on the injured list on Wednesday. Detroit recalled lefty Emmanuel De Jesus and third baseman Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo. “Hopefully time heals that and (Mize) will continue with his arm-moving and things like that,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Javy’s is a pretty significant ankle sprain, so I don’t know what that means in terms of a timeline.” The biggest decision involves who will take Mize’s spot in the rotation, as the Tigers don’t have another day off until May 7. The Braves announced that right-hander Spencer Strider, out all season with a left oblique strain, would make his first start on Sunday at Colorado. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #bring #historic #pace #series #finale #Tigers

Deadspin | Hunter Dobbins set for Cardinals debut vs. Pirates, Paul Skenes Apr 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Hunter Dobbins (40) throws in the outfield before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Hunter Dobbins will go up against a formidable opposite number in his Cardinals debut on Thursday afternoon when St. Louis opposes the host Pittsburgh Pirates. The 26-year-old right-hander will face the Pirates’ ace, reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes (4-1, 2.48 ERA). St. Louis has won the first three contests of the four-game series after holding on for a 5-4 victory on Thursday night, which ended with Nathan Church leaping at the left field wall to snare Nick Gonzales’ long drive with a runner on. Dobbins will be activated from the injured list to make a spot start with St. Louis in the team’s stretch of 17 games in 17 days. Dobbins has been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis, where he went 3-0 with a 4.37 ERA in five starts. The Texas Tech product is set to make his first major league appearance since last July, when he was a member of the Boston Red Sox and tore his right ACL during a fielding play. That injury and an elbow strain limited him to 61 innings as a rookie in 2025. Dobbins will be trying to follow an outstanding start by Andre Pallante on Wednesday night, in which he allowed a run and five hits over six innings. Dobbins went 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA, 17 walks and 45 strikeouts in 13 games (11 starts) for the Red Sox last year. The Cardinals obtained Dobbins and two other pitching prospects when they traded Willson Contreras to Boston in December. Dobbins faced only two of Pittsburgh’s current players last season. Jake Mangum singled against him as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Ryan O’Hearn went 0-for-2 vs. Dobbins while playing for the Baltimore Orioles. Skenes, who has 30 strikeouts and a 0.72 WHIP in 29 innings, is coming off a 6-0 win over the host Milwaukee Brewers on Friday in which he took a perfect game into the seventh. Jake Bauers’ two-out groundball single broke up the quest for perfection. Skenes had to settle for seven innings of one-hit, scoring ball. He struck out a season-best seven, walked none and threw a season-high 93 pitches. “That’s the best I’ve ever seen from anyone, I think,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said after the game. Opponents are hitting .141 against Skenes this season. He held foes to a .198 average while winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and a .199 average in his Cy Young campaign last season. “I think sometimes we lose sight of the fact that he came up two years ago and he’s in his third season in the big leagues,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “He’s continuing to get better, which is amazing considering what he’s already done in the game.” Even so, Skenes has yet to defeat St. Louis in his short career. Despite a 2.39 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings over six starts against the Cardinals, Skenes has a 0-4 record in those contests. St. Louis has only managed 27 hits with seven walks against him. Though his try for a game-winning walk-off home run was foiled by Church, Gonzales did extend his hitting streak to 10 games with a single earlier Wednesday night. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hunter #Dobbins #set #Cardinals #debut #Pirates #Paul #SkenesApr 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Hunter Dobbins (40) throws in the outfield before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Hunter Dobbins will go up against a formidable opposite number in his Cardinals debut on Thursday afternoon when St. Louis opposes the host Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 26-year-old right-hander will face the Pirates’ ace, reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes (4-1, 2.48 ERA).

St. Louis has won the first three contests of the four-game series after holding on for a 5-4 victory on Thursday night, which ended with Nathan Church leaping at the left field wall to snare Nick Gonzales’ long drive with a runner on.

Dobbins will be activated from the injured list to make a spot start with St. Louis in the team’s stretch of 17 games in 17 days. Dobbins has been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis, where he went 3-0 with a 4.37 ERA in five starts.

The Texas Tech product is set to make his first major league appearance since last July, when he was a member of the Boston Red Sox and tore his right ACL during a fielding play. That injury and an elbow strain limited him to 61 innings as a rookie in 2025.

Dobbins will be trying to follow an outstanding start by Andre Pallante on Wednesday night, in which he allowed a run and five hits over six innings.

Dobbins went 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA, 17 walks and 45 strikeouts in 13 games (11 starts) for the Red Sox last year.

The Cardinals obtained Dobbins and two other pitching prospects when they traded Willson Contreras to Boston in December.


Dobbins faced only two of Pittsburgh’s current players last season. Jake Mangum singled against him as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Ryan O’Hearn went 0-for-2 vs. Dobbins while playing for the Baltimore Orioles.

Skenes, who has 30 strikeouts and a 0.72 WHIP in 29 innings, is coming off a 6-0 win over the host Milwaukee Brewers on Friday in which he took a perfect game into the seventh. Jake Bauers’ two-out groundball single broke up the quest for perfection.

Skenes had to settle for seven innings of one-hit, scoring ball. He struck out a season-best seven, walked none and threw a season-high 93 pitches.

“That’s the best I’ve ever seen from anyone, I think,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said after the game.

Opponents are hitting .141 against Skenes this season. He held foes to a .198 average while winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and a .199 average in his Cy Young campaign last season.

“I think sometimes we lose sight of the fact that he came up two years ago and he’s in his third season in the big leagues,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “He’s continuing to get better, which is amazing considering what he’s already done in the game.”

Even so, Skenes has yet to defeat St. Louis in his short career. Despite a 2.39 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings over six starts against the Cardinals, Skenes has a 0-4 record in those contests. St. Louis has only managed 27 hits with seven walks against him.

Though his try for a game-winning walk-off home run was foiled by Church, Gonzales did extend his hitting streak to 10 games with a single earlier Wednesday night.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Hunter #Dobbins #set #Cardinals #debut #Pirates #Paul #Skenes">Deadspin | Hunter Dobbins set for Cardinals debut vs. Pirates, Paul Skenes Apr 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Hunter Dobbins (40) throws in the outfield before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Hunter Dobbins will go up against a formidable opposite number in his Cardinals debut on Thursday afternoon when St. Louis opposes the host Pittsburgh Pirates. The 26-year-old right-hander will face the Pirates’ ace, reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes (4-1, 2.48 ERA). St. Louis has won the first three contests of the four-game series after holding on for a 5-4 victory on Thursday night, which ended with Nathan Church leaping at the left field wall to snare Nick Gonzales’ long drive with a runner on. Dobbins will be activated from the injured list to make a spot start with St. Louis in the team’s stretch of 17 games in 17 days. Dobbins has been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis, where he went 3-0 with a 4.37 ERA in five starts. The Texas Tech product is set to make his first major league appearance since last July, when he was a member of the Boston Red Sox and tore his right ACL during a fielding play. That injury and an elbow strain limited him to 61 innings as a rookie in 2025. Dobbins will be trying to follow an outstanding start by Andre Pallante on Wednesday night, in which he allowed a run and five hits over six innings. Dobbins went 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA, 17 walks and 45 strikeouts in 13 games (11 starts) for the Red Sox last year. The Cardinals obtained Dobbins and two other pitching prospects when they traded Willson Contreras to Boston in December. Dobbins faced only two of Pittsburgh’s current players last season. Jake Mangum singled against him as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Ryan O’Hearn went 0-for-2 vs. Dobbins while playing for the Baltimore Orioles. Skenes, who has 30 strikeouts and a 0.72 WHIP in 29 innings, is coming off a 6-0 win over the host Milwaukee Brewers on Friday in which he took a perfect game into the seventh. Jake Bauers’ two-out groundball single broke up the quest for perfection. Skenes had to settle for seven innings of one-hit, scoring ball. He struck out a season-best seven, walked none and threw a season-high 93 pitches. “That’s the best I’ve ever seen from anyone, I think,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said after the game. Opponents are hitting .141 against Skenes this season. He held foes to a .198 average while winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and a .199 average in his Cy Young campaign last season. “I think sometimes we lose sight of the fact that he came up two years ago and he’s in his third season in the big leagues,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “He’s continuing to get better, which is amazing considering what he’s already done in the game.” Even so, Skenes has yet to defeat St. Louis in his short career. Despite a 2.39 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings over six starts against the Cardinals, Skenes has a 0-4 record in those contests. St. Louis has only managed 27 hits with seven walks against him. Though his try for a game-winning walk-off home run was foiled by Church, Gonzales did extend his hitting streak to 10 games with a single earlier Wednesday night. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hunter #Dobbins #set #Cardinals #debut #Pirates #Paul #Skenes

Deadspin | Howard tabs John Wall as president of basketball ops Jan 29, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Former Washington Wizards guard John Wall looks on before a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images Five-time NBA All-Star and former top overall draft pick John Wall is returning to the Washington. ESPN reported on Thursday that Wall has become the president of basketball operations at Howard, based in D.C. and a top-ranked HBCU program. Wall played the first nine seasons of his NBA career with Washington after being selected by the Wizards with the top overall pick of the 2010 draft out of Kentucky. He averaged 19.0 points, 9.2 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 573 career games (561 starts) with Washington. Wall, 35, served as Howard’s honorary captain for the team’s game against Norfolk State on Jan. 31. Per ESPN, he reportedly expressed to the school of having an interest in serving as president of basketball operations at the NBA level one day. Wall will work alongside Howard coach Kenny Blakeney and team general manager Daniel Marks in his new role. Wall, who did not play in 2019-20, was involved in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Rockets on Dec. 2, 2020, that saw Russell Westbrook sent to Washington. The Wizards sent Wall and a first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft to the Rockets for Westbrook and a lottery-protected first-round pick in the same 2023 draft. Wall played one season in Houston (2020-21), sat out the 2021-22 season with an injury and came back to compete in 34 games with the Clippers in 2022-23. He officially retired from the NBA on Aug. 19, 2025. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Howard #tabs #John #Wall #president #basketball #opsJan 29, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Former Washington Wizards guard John Wall looks on before a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Five-time NBA All-Star and former top overall draft pick John Wall is returning to the Washington.

ESPN reported on Thursday that Wall has become the president of basketball operations at Howard, based in D.C. and a top-ranked HBCU program.

Wall played the first nine seasons of his NBA career with Washington after being selected by the Wizards with the top overall pick of the 2010 draft out of Kentucky. He averaged 19.0 points, 9.2 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 573 career games (561 starts) with Washington.


Wall, 35, served as Howard’s honorary captain for the team’s game against Norfolk State on Jan. 31. Per ESPN, he reportedly expressed to the school of having an interest in serving as president of basketball operations at the NBA level one day.

Wall will work alongside Howard coach Kenny Blakeney and team general manager Daniel Marks in his new role.

Wall, who did not play in 2019-20, was involved in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Rockets on Dec. 2, 2020, that saw Russell Westbrook sent to Washington. The Wizards sent Wall and a first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft to the Rockets for Westbrook and a lottery-protected first-round pick in the same 2023 draft.

Wall played one season in Houston (2020-21), sat out the 2021-22 season with an injury and came back to compete in 34 games with the Clippers in 2022-23. He officially retired from the NBA on Aug. 19, 2025.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Howard #tabs #John #Wall #president #basketball #ops">Deadspin | Howard tabs John Wall as president of basketball ops Jan 29, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Former Washington Wizards guard John Wall looks on before a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images Five-time NBA All-Star and former top overall draft pick John Wall is returning to the Washington. ESPN reported on Thursday that Wall has become the president of basketball operations at Howard, based in D.C. and a top-ranked HBCU program. Wall played the first nine seasons of his NBA career with Washington after being selected by the Wizards with the top overall pick of the 2010 draft out of Kentucky. He averaged 19.0 points, 9.2 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 573 career games (561 starts) with Washington. Wall, 35, served as Howard’s honorary captain for the team’s game against Norfolk State on Jan. 31. Per ESPN, he reportedly expressed to the school of having an interest in serving as president of basketball operations at the NBA level one day. Wall will work alongside Howard coach Kenny Blakeney and team general manager Daniel Marks in his new role. Wall, who did not play in 2019-20, was involved in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Rockets on Dec. 2, 2020, that saw Russell Westbrook sent to Washington. The Wizards sent Wall and a first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft to the Rockets for Westbrook and a lottery-protected first-round pick in the same 2023 draft. Wall played one season in Houston (2020-21), sat out the 2021-22 season with an injury and came back to compete in 34 games with the Clippers in 2022-23. He officially retired from the NBA on Aug. 19, 2025. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Howard #tabs #John #Wall #president #basketball #ops

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