Remember the buzz around John Wall before he even stepped on an NBA court? Celtics star Derrick White certainly does, calling Wall’s pre-league mixtape “probably top three” all-time. White recounts his fascination with Wall’s game and their first electrifying encounter. What makes Wall’s early career so unforgettable?

The recent announcement of John Wall’s retirement from the NBA, following two years away from the league, has prompted a wave of reflection on his impactful career, particularly his formative years and his dominant nine-season tenure with the Washington Wizards. Wall, a dynamic point guard, commanded attention long before his professional debut, thanks to a skillset that promised greatness and captivated a generation of basketball enthusiasts.

Wall’s prodigious talent was evident throughout his high school career, where he excelled for both Garner Magnet and Word of God Academy, earning prestigious invitations to showcase his abilities at events like the Nike Hoop Summit and Jordan Brand Classic. However, it was a legendary pre-NBA mixtape, arguably the greatest dedicated to any player, that truly cemented his status as a future superstar and created an unprecedented level of hype around his name.

This iconic John Wall mixtape made a profound impression on many, including current Boston Celtics star Derrick White. White, recalling the experience on his podcast, unequivocally ranked Wall’s pre-league highlight reel among the all-time greats. “I feel like he’s a consensus top five, and that’s being [cautious]. He’s probably top three,” White asserted, highlighting the enduring legacy of Wall’s electrifying early performances.

White further elaborated on the deep personal connection he felt to Wall’s game, explaining the significant influence the mixtape had on his own burgeoning interest in basketball. “He was one of the first people I really paid attention to, and maybe that’s why I like him so much. I was watching the John Wall mixtape like, ‘This is so awesome,’” White shared, underscoring the mixtape’s ability to inspire and captivate young players.

Before injuries significantly altered his trajectory, Wall was widely recognized as one of the premier point guards in the NBA, often mentioned in the same breath as contemporaries like Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul. His tenure with the Washington Wizards from 2010 to 2019 was marked by breathtaking athleticism, exceptional court vision, and a relentless attacking style that made him a constant threat on the court.

Derrick White also recounted a memorable first on-court interaction with John Wall during a regular-season game between the Celtics and the Wizards. What particularly struck White was Wall’s incredible speed, even though by that point, Wall had already undergone significant surgeries on his knee and Achilles tendon. This encounter provided a glimpse into the raw talent that defined Wall’s prime.

White expressed his genuine surprise at Wall’s post-injury quickness, stating, “I did not expect that from him. This was post-injuries, and he was still fast.” This revelation further amplified White’s imagination of Wall’s pre-injury capabilities. “Before his injuries and before I was even in the league, I could only imagine how fast he was and guarding him with his speed,” White concluded, solidifying the notion that Wall’s early career speed and overall game truly belong in the annals of Basketball History.