Trae Young honored former Washington Wizards star John Wall during the team’s official celebration night.
The tribute came as the Wizards recognized Wall’s career and franchise impact while Young remains sidelined with injury.
Trae Young Honors Wizards Franchise Legend John Wall
During the Wizards’ celebration of John Wall, Trae Young wore a Wall Wizards jersey on the bench. The moment was widely shared on social media.
Trae Young rocking a John Wall jersey on John Wall celebration night 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nBxO6diAwR
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 30, 2026
The Wizards celebrated five-time NBA All-Star Wall on Thursday, Jan. 29, when they hosted the Milwaukee Bucks. As part of the celebration, the first 15,000 fans in attendance were set to receive a John Wall bobblehead.
Wall’s sons, Ace and Amir, served as the honorary captains for the game.
Wall also addressed the crowd during the ceremony and thanked the fans and the organization for their support.
“First and foremost, I want to thank all y ‘all for coming out. I know it’s a snowstorm and some ice outside,” Wall said.
He continued by thanking the franchise for giving him his opportunity in the NBA.
“I want to thank … the Wizards organization for giving me an opportunity to live out my dream to make it to the NBA. Coming from Raleigh, North Carolina, all I think about was making it to 18 years old,” Wall said.
Wall closed his message by expressing his connection to Washington.
“I never thought this was possible. I love y ‘all. This is my city. This is still my house. And I love y’all and thank ‘all for the night,” Wall said.
“I never thought this was possible… I love y’all.” ❤️
John Wall addresses the D.C. crowd on his special night! pic.twitter.com/FCrEXmqVcc
— NBA (@NBA) January 30, 2026
Wall was selected No. 1 overall by the Wizards in the 2010 NBA Draft. He played nine seasons with the franchise and helped lead Washington to three playoff appearances.
Speaking to a reporter during the game, Young also shared a message for Wall and explained why the night mattered to him.
“That’s my guy, we know each other for a minute now,” Young said. “And so for me to be here in DC, for him having night like this, I am sure we’ll have nights like this in future for him. I show support, I show love, cuz he has this place rocking. I mean it’s only right we celebrate John.”
Trae Young showing love to John Wall, wearing his jersey. 🙌🔥
(via @NBAonPrime)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 30, 2026
Wall is the Wizards’ franchise leader in total assists with 5,282 and steals with 976. Over 573 career games with Washington, he averaged 19.0 points, 9.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds. Wall officially retired from the NBA in August 2025.
The Wizards also shared a video on X in which Young spoke about what it was like competing against Wall earlier in his career.
“I think that’s the hard part about coming in as a rookie. You’re going against guys that you grew up watching and things like that,” Young said. “Those guys’ games were different as far as downhill, attacking you, getting to the paint, and you were always backpedaling. I was a rookie, second-year guy.”
Young added that competition always came first, even when facing players he admired.
“It’s just like you want to compete. Like John said, we’re all competitors. That’s what’s gotten us to this point,” Young said. “As much as I was a fan of him, I needed to compete, and I knew he was going to come at me the same way. He was ready to take my head off as a rookie and a second-year player.”
.@TheTraeYoung breaking down what it was like going up against @JohnWall 👀 pic.twitter.com/0gtw55ZPNy
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 29, 2026
Young was acquired by the Wizards in a trade finalized on Jan. 9. The Hawks received Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum in the deal.
No Return Timeline for Young So Far
Young spent seven full seasons with Atlanta and was traded to the Wizards during his eighth season.
He has not yet suited up for Washington. Young is recovering from MCL and quad injuries in the same leg. Wizards general manager Will Dawkins said Young is currently participating in non-contact basketball activities.
Due to injuries, Young has played in only 10 games this season. While he continues his recovery, the Wizards remain at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with an 11-34 record.
