The Washington Wizards are preparing to join the 22-team restart of the NBA season in Orlando, Florida. John Wall won’t be a part of that process as he continues to rehab his torn Achilles he suffered during the early part of the 2018-19 season.
The Wizards are a long shot to make the playoffs in the post-coronavirus restart. Thus, Wall is focused on the future of the Wizards. He is expected to return to the playing court when the 2020-21 season starts. And the five-time All-Star would love to have one of his best friends playing next to him in Washington next season.
Speaking to The Undefeated’s Marc J. Spears, Wall said he wants the Wizards to sign former college teammate DeMarcus Cousins.
“Oh man, you know I’m trying to push for that. I’ve been on that for like five years. I want to sign him right now. [But] I’m like ‘bro, be smart, take your time to get all the way healthy so you can show these people what you’re all about. I want him to focus on that and get back to the Boogie that he was.”
Wall and Cousins were teammates at Kentucky as John Calipari’s first ‘one-and-done’ freshman-packed team in 2010.
Cousins is a free agent now. He was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers in February without playing a game for them. Cousins signed a one-year deal last summer but tore his ACL during an August pick-up game in Las Vegas.
Wall said Cousins is healthy now. However, it’s unlikely Cousins would join a team for the bubbled restart. Like Wall, Cousins waiting until next season to return makes more sense.
Wall added he has discussed signing Cousins with Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard “here and there.”
Cousins joining the Wizards has been a hot topic among team fans for many years, drawing on the relationship between Wall and him. For a time it seemed to be a fantasy.
But, the Wizards are in a retooling situation as they anticipate the return of Wall next season. Meanwhile, Cousins is looking to restore his status before suffering his knee injury and previous Achilles injury.
Their situations combined may present an opportunity to cross paths. Wall and Wizards fans will have to wait and see.
