Fresh off the blockbuster trade that sent John Wall and a 2023 protected-first round pick to the Houston Rockets for Russell Westbrook, the Washington Wizards announced the first half of their 2020-21 season.
The Wizards will open the season on the road at the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 23. However, the date most intriguing dates on the schedule may be when the Wizards are slated to play Wall and the Rockets.
The first meeting following the trade will be Jan. 26 in Houston. The game will be televised nationally on NBA TV.
With all healthy it will be the first time Wall plays against his longtime teammate Bradley Beal in an NBA game. Beal and Wall paired as a dynamic backcourt that guided the Wizards to four playoff appearances during a five-year stretch before Wall’s injuries derailed their success.
Westbrook, who played 11 seasons in Oklahoma City, spent last season in Houston to team with friend James Harden in hopes of challenging for an NBA title together. Yet, the pairing did jell as good as anticipated. After Houston underwent a makeover with their coaching staff and front office, Westbrook was traded to Washington for Wall.
Feb. 15 will be Wall’s first trip to Washington’s Capital One Arena as a visitor. Wall’s homecoming will also be televised nationally on NBA TV. Wall spent 10 years with the Wizards after being the first overall pick in 2010. In that time span, Wall became the franchise’s all-time leader in assists and steals. Additionally, he is fourth all-time on the team’s scoring list.
Wall made a lasting impact on and off the court for the Wizards. Thus, his trade to Houston was emotionally difficult for all involved, including Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard.
Beal admitted Friday, he believes Wall will try to score 60 points in his first meeting against his former team.
Sheppard said Wall “deserves” a standing ovation in his return to DC. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fans most likely won’t be permitted inside Capital One Arena when Wall and the Rockets visit. Still, there will be a wide range of emotions for sure for the five-time all-star and the Wizards organization.
