John Wall not expected to return this season despite layoff

No matter what happens with the remainder of the 2019-20 season, it appears that John Wall will still not be taking part in it.

In a recent interview, Washington Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard indicated that the five-time All-Star guard is unlikely to return this season despite the NBA’s indefinite hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’ve said all along that we can’t wait until John plays next season, and I think that will still be our attitude and our stance,” Sheppard said, per Candace Buckner of The Washington Post. “We’re very anxious to see John Wall in uniform next year. I don’t think any of this changes that.”

The 29-year-old Wall is roughly 14 months removed from a left Achilles rupture he suffered after slipping and falling in his home. He had previously been plagued by bone spurs in his heel and has not played since Dec. 2018.

While Wall has made encouraging progress in his recovery, the combination of the Wizards being well south of .500 and the NBA recently shutting down team training facilities all but ensures we won’t see him again until 2020-21.