Houston Rockets: John Wall’s next chapter off to a solid start

The Houston Rockets got their first regular-season taste of John Wall, whose debut sparks hope in his ability to help keep them afloat.

John Wall’s inaugural test in his return to the NBA hardwood after over two years away came in his first preseason with the Houston Rockets. The former All-Star floor general turned heads by putting up 16.3 points, 5.3 assists and 1.7 steals across just 22.9 minutes a night. More level-headed people were still hesitant to conclude an official return before they could see his play put to meaningful use during the regular season

COVID-19 protocols would keep Wall from getting the chance through Houston’s first two games — technically three including a postponed opener — before sneaking in his debut just ahead of the new year.

One game will never say much, especially for a player overcoming as much as Wall has over the last two years against a surprisingly competent yet still subpar Kings team. But in turning in 22 points, nine assists and six rebounds in a 122-119 win over Sacramento, Wall set a bar he’ll fight tooth and nail to maintain.

“It was great, man, just to get out there and have fun,” Wall said after the game. “When I get between those four lines and once the ball touches my hands after the jump ball, I was fine. I was happy to be able to compete with some of the best guys in this league and [demonstrate] that I have the ability to be one of the best point guards in this league.”

Everything about Wall’s game starts with that burst of speed. At his best, he could explode to the basket from a standstill position or accelerate past hopeless defenders in transition.

Nobody could predict how close Wall would look to that former vision and what it would mean for a playstyle so heavily predicated on those athletic feats. Luckily, Wall ducked those questions if only for a single game, bursting past Marvin Bagley III for a left-hand jam and speeding bast the entire Kings team to finish over Corey Joseph.

Then there’s the playmaking for a player with the sixth-most assists among active players. Wall doesn’t exactly play hot potato with the basketball, preferring to pass only after he’s surveyed and broken down the defense.

That being said, he’s more than willing to dish the rock to directly set up a teammate. He connected with Christan Wood for three of the big man’s nine made field goals on his way to 21 points, including two alley-oops off scree-and-rolls.

Despite the comfort he’s exuded in a Rockets uniform, James Harden isn’t likely to remain in Houston much longer. When that time comes and the Rockets are forced to move forward with the remaining pieces, fostering this type of chemistry between two starters with the chance to have a mutually beneficial on-court relationship will be imperative for whatever success remains possible in the aftermath.

After proving he’s once again capable of functioning in an NBA game — for a surprising 37 minutes — Wall’s next step requires a more concerted effort to clean up his efficiency across multiple areas. His 22 points came on 8-of-20 shooting. Those nine assists were partially negated by five turnovers.

Having not held point guard duties since 2018, it’d be understandable to think Wall’s instincts are a bit out of tune. It does explain passes blatantly off the mark. Other giveaways should be smoothed over with more time in his new surroundings.

In the play below, Tyrese Haliburton makes a great read to intercept Wall’s pass. If Eric Gordon’s body language is any indication, it should’ve never been made in the first place. The dish that looked to lead Gordon to the corner should’ve been a simple feed to DeMarcus Cousins. Give Wall reps in his new coach’s system and those reads should become familiar.

Wall was just 2-of-11 outside the paint against Sacramento, including 2-of-8 from beyond the arc. It is not a coincidence that his only two makes came off the catch, where he was 2-of-4 overall. That says everything about the type of 3-point looks he should be hunting, though nearly 10 attempts are far too many for a career 32.4 percent outside shooter no matter the variety.

One of the game’s most explosive guards who still has signs of that life must put greater emphasis on attacking the basket, whether it’s to set up himself or others. Maybe it’s a mindset that will come when the utmost faith in his body does as well. Until then, it’s clear Wall does a disservice to Houston’s offense when he doesn’t even attempt to properly exploit mismatches like this one against a slow-footed Nemanja Bjelica

The Rockets are quite the situation for Wall to land in after departing the only franchise he’d ever known. One of his biggest challenges is trying to acclimate around a superstar who could be traded at any moment, which would drastically change his role and Houston’s expectations along with.

No matter what is asked of him, Wall is out to prove something. He had to sit and listen to doubters of his talent and criticisms of his salary with an Achilles that kept him from getting the chance to offer a rebuttal.

That opportunity has finally arrived. Through just one game, Wall looks ready to savor every minute of it.