John Wall underwent double knee surgery back in May and there’s no guarantee that he’ll be ready for the Wizards’ season opener in October.
Wall told The Washington Post‘s Candance Buckner that he has been working out, but hasn’t been cleared for one-on-one play and there is no timetable for his return.
“I’m right where I’m supposed to be but I’m not in no rush,” Wall told reporters at the event at Malcolm X Elementary School in Southeast Washington. “I’m just taking it day by day and just hopeful that I’m ready for the opening of the season.”
Wall, who underwent surgery on both knees at the end of the Wizards’ 2015-16 season, echoed a similar prognosis from May.
Though Wall had a slight procedure on his right knee — loose particles removed — the surgery on his left knee was far more serious and could have sidelined him for several months had it been done during the season.
With the start of training camp looming in October, Wall said he can now run, jump and endure two-a-day workouts but has not yet been cleared to play one-on-one. The Wizards will open the regular season Oct. 27 against the Atlanta Hawks.
“A lot of people keep asking me the same question every day, but I enjoy it. It’s another challenge I have to take, but I’m willing to conquer [it] and do whatever I have to do to prepare myself and come back 100 percent and have a better season than what I had last year,” Wall said. “It’s all up to me. . . . I’m doing two times a day, attacking it the best way I can, and I’m attacking like I’m playing in a basketball game. That’s trying to do the best I can and getting stronger and making sure I don’t have the same problems later down the road in my career. So I think I’ll be fine.”
