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5X NBA All-Star Reveals Heartbreaking Battle With Mental Health Problems

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated 3/14/24

For a time, John Wall was considered as one of the best point guards in the NBA. But after enduring several injuries and a significant dip in his career, the former number one draft pick reveals how his mental health has struggled in the past few years.

At the peak of his NBA career, Wall was a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. His run in 2016-17 was inarguably the best of his stint with the Washington Wizards when he averaged 23.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game.

Due to a heel injury and developing an infection right after, Wall missed a significant amount of time on the court. This led the five-time All-Star to regress and see his career come to a halt.

Unknown to many, Wall saw himself struggling with his mental health during the time he was injured and trying to get back to the league. In what he described as rock bottom, the former Wizards star almost lost everything during that period.

This article discusses suicide and self-harm. Readers’ discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Former All-Star Guard John Wall Reveals Mental Health Struggles During His NBA Career

Wall recently opened up about his mental health and how he struggled with it during the past few years. In an article written by Ryan Morik for Fox News, the former NBA star revealed how his injuries and the death of his mother in 2019 almost led him to commit suicide.

“If it wasn’t for my two boys, I would’ve killed myself. I put a gun to my head twice, and a lot of people that’s close to me and my friends at the time didn’t know,” Wall said in an episode of The OGs podcast.

Since his return to the league, Wall has put up respectable numbers in a limited number of games for the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers. Just recently, the former All-Star point guard was traded back to Houston and waived by the Rockets’ front office shortly after.

It remains to be seen whether Wall will find a new team to play for next season. In any case, fans are hoping he has moved on from the dark phase of his career in the past.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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