Washington Wizards: 5 key quotes from media day
By Ethan Smith
![Bradley Beal John Wall Rui Hachimura Washington Wizards (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) Bradley Beal John Wall Rui Hachimura Washington Wizards (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/76ed5c02e184109738c0a3685c20d8083c1b313f462a46692ef60607e7c166e8.jpg)
“Guys have been in right after Labor Day, And that’s definitely changed. We’ve never had that before.” – Scott Brooks on increased preparation.
One thing that Tommy Sheppard and the rest of the new front office have been preaching since the Monumental Basketball announcement is a new culture based in hard work and accountability. It’s one thing to talk the talk, but the Wizards appears to be walking the walk this time. At least so far.
An unprecedented early commitment to getting better (at least during the Brooks reign) is a welcome sign of a new era in Washington. That alone isn’t quite enough to say that this new culture has arrived, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Brooks wasn’t the only one to mention the nearly month-long chemistry building, either. Bradley Beal, Isaiah Thomas, and Moritz Wagner all talked about how helpful the extra runs have been as the new group gears up for training camp.
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The roster full of new faces seems to be building chemistry off the court, too. Members of the Washington Wizards have been spotted courtside throughout the WNBA Playoffs as the Washington Mystics make their run at a title. Extra time in the gym can’t hurt a team with so many new players that have never shared the court before. Extra time off the court to help foster the new culture of Monumental Basketball can’t hurt, either. And if they happen to witness a D.C. basketball team win a championship in the process, that might even motivate this group.