In 2021, the landscape of college athletics changed dramatically when the NCAA overturned its long-standing ban on athletes profiting from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This historic decision opened the door for college athletes to earn money through a wide range of opportunities, from brand deals and social media posts to hosting camps and writing books.

Unfortunately for athletes who made the leap to the pros before 2021, the groundbreaking NIL era came too late. One such player is NBA legend John Wall, a former Kentucky Wildcat, who shared a bitter reality about how he didn’t get a dime while playing college basketball.

On ‘The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis,’ John Wall took a deep dive into how NIL has completely reshaped the landscape for college athletes. He acknowledged the incredible financial opportunities athletes now have, even if they don’t end up as full-time pros. However, Wall also pointed out that, while NIL has its perks, there are some downsides as well!

In the podcast, Wall says, ” I think NIL is dope to a certain extent.” He continues, ” Okay look at the kid from Ohio State Jeremiah Smith, somebody offered him $4.5million to hit the portal, like why am I leaving the Ohio state when I can probably go back there for the next two years if I really want to so I get it for some kids who probably not gonna make it to the league and this might be the most money they might see but I think they gotta take the portal out though because everybody just going to the portal every year just to see who gon’ offer me the most money.” 

Wall’s point about the transfer portal being used as a bidding war for NIL deals is spot on and one of the best examples of this is Great Osobor. After transferring from Utah State to the Washington Huskies, Osobor’s reported NIL valuation was a staggering $2 million. Not only did he reunite with his former coach, Danny Sprinkle, but he also got the chance to test just how much his name was worth in the rapidly growing NIL market.

That being said, John Wall is still eyeing a return to the NBA, and he’s got plenty to say about his comeback aspirations! The veteran guard, who’s seen his fair share of ups and downs, is ready to prove he’s still got gas in the tank. Let’s dive into what Wall has been saying as he looks to make a comeback!

John Wall wants to end NBA career on his own terms

John Wall isn’t hanging up his sneakers just yet! The veteran point guard who we last saw suiting for the Clippers in the 22-23 season isn’t ready to call it quits yet! Wall, who has battled through injuries and setbacks, plans to retire voluntarily!

“It would mean the world” Wall said talking about a comeback to the NBA.  “You want to go out on your own terms. I want to finish it the way I want. If I play my last game, I want to walk off the court my way.”

Wall who was the first pick in the 2010 NBA draft is a 5x All Star and everyone if familiar with his abilities as a hooper! Even in his last season with the Clippers which got derailed due to another injury, Wall was averaging 11.4 points, 5.2 assists and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 40.8 percent from the field.

At 34 years old, John Wall wouldn’t exactly be the NBA’s oldest player, but his path back to the league might not be as smooth as he’d like. After sitting out the entire 2023-24 season without a contract, Wall faces the tough challenge of convincing teams he still has the magic.

As John Wall weighed in on the impact of NIL, he acknowledged how transformative it’s been for college athletes, offering them lucrative opportunities. However, he also pointed out the drawbacks, particularly how players are now using the transfer portal to chase bigger paydays instead of focusing on their development. That said, we all hope to see Wall make his comeback to the NBA and light it up like he once did before his Achilles injury!