Wizards’ Wall ‘itching’ to get back on the court after long layoff

Washington Wizards point guard John Wall said he is “110 per cent” healthy and “itching” to get back on the court next season.

Sidelined due to multiple injuries and surgeries since December 2018, the five-time All-Star updated his condition with reporters Tuesday.

“I’m 110 per cent. I’m healthy,” said Wall, who was promoting his “202 Assist” program to help pay rent for people in Washington affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Wall, 29, last played on Dec. 26, 2018. A left heel operation to repair bone spurs halted that season prematurely, and then he tore his left Achilles tendon during the rehabilitation process and had another surgery in February 2019.

“I’m itching to get back out there,” Wall said Tuesday.

Even if the NBA resumes the 2019-20 season, Wall and the Wizards have repeatedly insisted he will not return until 2020-21.

“I’m just focused on getting back out there and watching how Brad (Beal) has developed, how our team has developed, how we have made changes in the organization to prepare ourselves for next season and see what we can do,” Wall said.

Wall, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft out of Kentucky, has averaged 19 points, 9.2 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 573 games (561 starts) with Washington.

PISTONS BEGIN GM SEARCH

Detroit Pistons senior adviser Ed Stefanski and vice chairman Arn Tellem are starting their search for a general manager.

According to multiple reports, Stefanski plans to begin interviewing candidates for the GM post this week.

Stefanski was hired in 2018 and ownership requested a restructured front office with coach Dwane Casey maintaining some input. Stefanski said the critical element for the Pistons is to “get the draft right.”