Washington Wizards: Wizards can change players, but also change the way they lead

WASHINGTON, DC -  APRIL 22: Mike Scott #30, John Wall #2, and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards react to a play against the Toronto Raptors in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  APRIL 22: Mike Scott #30, John Wall #2, and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards react to a play against the Toronto Raptors in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 20: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards look on during the game against the Toronto Raptors in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 20: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards look on during the game against the Toronto Raptors in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Leadership begins at the top: Wall and Beal

On the outside we don’t know the relationships of the players, all that matters is how they perform together on the court.

Yet, since Wall underscored the need to be a leader at all times, I’m going to write something that’s going to be unpopular. It was clear that Gortat needed a little guidance to get him back into his role.

But the player who needed it the most was Keef. There were a lot of games, where coach Scott Brooks proclaimed that he will start playing players who want to play. Yet, Morris was never held to the fire.

A lot of games this season Keef didn’t show up, yet wasn’t held accountable. Meaning he would do the same thing the next game, and then Brooks will give the line about finding “five guys”.

Being held accountable meant either Wall spoke to Keef as the leader of the team and not as a friend. Or at least one game Mike Scott should have started over him.

Whichever method would have got the point across. Hopefully, just Wall being the leader and speaking to Keef should be enough.

I believe it was Keef who once called an opponent a “crybaby”. Isn’t it better to let Keef have a proverbial “cry” then, to everyone on the team “crying” now?

It’s too easy to point out Gortat and Mahinmi–they played during the regular season to the best of their abilities. Morris did not.

He would show up one game, and not show up the next. So when Wall stated, that he needs to be a leader every day, I was hoping that meant when he was sidelined he should have spoken up.

Also, I hope that means that Wall can talk to Morris as a leader, and afterwards they’re still friends.

Wall’s leadership style has to change. Everyone should be held accountable, even Wall himself.

I don’t believe in this new thing of “calling out people”. I do believe in helping people achieve the best that is within themselves.

Therefore, leadership works both way. Players shouldn’t be afraid to approach Wall about the way he plays, and conversely. That way you grow as one team instead of apart.

The last one is pretty dicey. With the exception of the Boston Celtics who play as a team no matter the circumstance, there is not one team in the league that really has co-leaders.

But since Washington has both Beal and Wall as leaders, then they will have to learn to tell the truth in such a way, whether it’s a win or loss, that doesn’t hurt your teammates feelings. Also the converse.

It’s unfortunate to use the term “feelings”, but that’s how the season went. It appeared that no one wanted to say anything for fear of hurting someone’s feelings.

If it’s said in a respectful and helpful manner than “feelings” don’t come into the equation. The Wizards wanted to be known as being tough with other teams, but this season, they were afraid to be tough with themselves. In the end, that’s what ultimately hurt their chances this season.

Tough decisions have to be made this summer. But the first decision should be how you approach leadership. It starts with the top, so you don’t find yourself once again at the bottom.