It’s not just that the Wizards are 1-6. It’s how they’re acting and talking.
Bradley Beal: “Sometimes we have our own agendas on the floor whether it’s complaining about shots, complaining about playing time, complaining about whatever it may be. We’re worried about the wrong [expletive], and that’s not where our focus needs to be and it’s just going to continue to hurt us.”
John Wall: “Everybody on their own agenda.”
More drama between those star guards? Perhaps not.
That would exempt Wall and Beal, who are both on long-term contracts. It’d also absolve frequent criticism target Otto Porter, who also has long-term financial security.
Wizards on expiring contracts:
- Markieff Morris
- Kelly Oubre
- Austin Rivers
- Jeff Green
- Tomas Satoransky
Dwight Howard can also opt out after the season. But he has yet to play and therefore shouldn’t be blamed for on-court selfishness to date.
Still, five key players in contract years are a lot to manage. Washington backing Scott Brooks can help the coach maintain authority, but getting everyone to buy in still isn’t easy.
This is why the 2015-16 Hornets are one of my favorite teams. They were stuffed with players on expiring contracts, but they banded together and won a post-reincarnation franchise-record 48 games.
The Wizards have the talent to do something similar. There’s just no sign of that type of cohesion. Or much cohesion at all.