On June 24, 2010, John Wall put on a blue Washington Wizards hat, hugged his mom, Frances Pulley, and walked across the NBA Draft stage to officially begin his career as a pro.
The first overall pick out the University of Kentucky was a symbol of hope for a franchise that had underwent a complete overhaul following the breakup of their three All-Stars – Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison.
Billed as “the next Derrick Rose,” the 19-year-old Wall represented potential in the form of athleticism, quickness and raw talent that the league hadn’t seen in decades.