Washington Wizards reportedly giving “Jonathan Wall” GM role for G-League team
The Washington Wizards have appointed an individual named Jonathan Wall as the general manager of their G-League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go, stirring fan speculation that the role might have been given to Wizards legend John Wall.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on Friday that G-League general managers were informed about a "Jonathan Wall" taking the GM position for the Wizards’ affiliate. He noted that many in the G-League were awaiting confirmation on whether this person was the same John Wall who played nine seasons for the Wizards.
However, The Athletic’s Fred Katz clarified that it was not the former NBA star.
“League source confirms that Jonathan Wall has been named GM of the Capital City Go-Go … but source tells @TheAthletic it’s not the former Wizards star. They have hired another person named Jonathan Wall to run their G League team,” Katz said.
The individual was unlikely to be John Wall the former player, as his full government name is Johnathan Hildred Wall Jr., not Jonathan Wall.
The new general manager of the Go-Go is a Harvard Law School graduate and a certified NBPA player agent with The Familie agency.
Despite the confusion, the two Walls do share ties to the Washington Wizards, having even appeared in a photo together.
Who is Jonathan Wall, the new GM of the Washington Wizards' G-League team?
According to a profile from The Familie agency, Jonathan Wall is a seasoned lawyer with expertise in both the game and business of basketball.
After earning his degree from Harvard Law School, he started his career representing top companies and executives across sports, entertainment, finance and technology at a certain New York City corporate law firm. In 2019, he was recognized on the National Black Lawyers' "40 under 40" list.
"Despite his success in the legal field, Jonathan’s goal was always to utilize his professional and interpersonal skills to advocate on behalf of athletes," the profile read.
The agency said Wall earned his NBPA Agent certification in 2020 and has since advised NBA players on contract negotiations, business ventures and post-career planning.
His work was not limited to professional players; he has also helped college and high school athletes with their NIL deals.
Wall was appointed to the position following Amber Nichols' promotion in June to a higher role within the Washington Wizards' front office. Nichols had served as the general manager of the Capital City Go-Go since January 2021.