Houston Rockets point guard John Wall is the luckiest man in the NBA.
The team will pay him $44.3 million this season to not play.
The Rockets could not care less having him in street clothes every game while looking for a trade partner for the five-time All-Star.
Unfortunately, it’s not easy to find a taker for him because of his expensive price tag.
John Wall just posted this to IG after meeting with Rockets officials 👀 @JohnWall pic.twitter.com/t9CuTkTcdg
— Overtime (@overtime) November 28, 2021
Teams that would like to acquire his services can let his contract expire after this season and offer him another deal.
Wall will most likely be on the way out even if exercising his $47.3 million player option with Houston sounds enticing.
Likewise, there’s an abundance of good point guards in the league, making him a luxury more than a necessity.
Why don’t the Rockets let him play and help the team if that’s the case?
Sources: John Wall met with Rockets GM Rafael Stone and coach Stephen Silas today to discuss a possible return to play and a role on the team. No agreement yet on how that would look. Wall has wanted a chance to be a starter again.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 28, 2021
They are just five games away from the Western Conference’s 10th and final playoff spot.
Here’s how Wall can contribute to the Rockets’ success as they chase a postseason appearance.
3. Rockets Get A Reliable Scorer
Wall is dependable in getting buckets because he averaged 19.1 points per game throughout his career.
Last season, he was still chipping in 20.6 points per game for Houston.
That’s a sign that he’s not yet slowing down, and the Rockets will need every point he can make
The team ranks 24th this season with 104 points per game.
The Rockets have won 3 in a row.
John Wall is coming back.
The championship run starts now. pic.twitter.com/LIPXxHT2fT
— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 30, 2021
However, they’ve lost more games because they surrender 111.9 points per contest.
He may not be an asset on defense, but letting him create scoring opportunities will lead to better winning chances.
Wall can compensate for Jalen Green‘s production while the rookie is injured.
2. A Mentor To Younger Players
Yes, he can perform this role while staying on the bench.
However, it’s best to drive his point home by showing his teammates how it’s done.
The battles he has been through over the years give him unlimited wisdom to impart to the younger Rockets.
Report: John Wall sees himself as the No. 1 option on the Rockets if he were to return, via @Schultz_Report pic.twitter.com/muOspGubFR
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 29, 2021
The team badly needs more veterans to lead by example because only two of their players are above 30 years old.
While Eric Gordon and D.J. Augustin serve as good examples to the next generation, they would lend an ear to Wall because of his loftier stature.
Having him playing gives Stephen Silas another coach inside the court who can motivate the squad when the chips are down.
1. Someone Who Can Scare Other Teams
The mental aspect of basketball is essential, and other NBA teams use their edge against the Rockets.
It’s easier to rattle younger players because pro games deliver a different level of pressure.
Likewise, opponents don’t get scared against the Rockets because they don’t have that player who can consistently alter the game’s outcome single-handedly.
John Wall got $90 million left on contract, he just gotta enjoy those free courtside seats.
— Ahmed/Lakers stink🇸🇴 (@big_business_) November 28, 2021
Jae’Sean Tate, Kevin Porter Jr., and Christian Wood may have occasional monster games, but they don’t strike fear upon opponents.
Having Wall on the active roster gives the opposition someone they must account for throughout the game because he’s unstoppable once his groove kicks in.
Giving foes someone to worry about gives the Rockets a fighting chance in psyching the other team out.
NEXT: Should Stephen Silas Be On The Hot Seat? (Full Argument)