Wiz of Awes
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Wizards decisionmakers are right to preach patience in press conference

ByCem Yolbulan|
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 18: A view of the Washington Wizards logo on their uniform during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Capital One Arena on March 18, 2023 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. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 18: A view of the Washington Wizards logo on their uniform during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Capital One Arena on March 18, 2023 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. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

The Washington Wizards team president Michael Winger and general manager Will Dawkins gave an hour-long press conference yesterday, discussing the short and long-term future of the franchise and the vision they have for it. They may not have uttered the word “rebuild” even once according to Ava Wallace of the Washington Post but the plan seemed clear throughout the presser.

Their methodical approach was evident as it has been since they were hired over three months ago. They continued that tone in yesterday’s press conference ahead of media day and training camp. Winger’s statements sum up the general approach of the leadership:

"“We have a vision for the team. It is ambitious, and it is a very heavy lift. We want to build an organization that develops and can support a sustainably great team. We don’t want to be a flash in the pan. We don’t want to be a one-hit wonder. We want to build the right way… Hard decisions, a lot of patience, an intense focus on player development, an intense focus on research, and that’s what we are going to do.”"

The emphasis on vision, sustainability, and patience is nice to see. The road to success can be long and painful and requires patience. The previous regimes in Washington struggled with that. They sacrificed long-term sustainability to chase immediate success. Winger and Dawkins’ promise to not “be a one-hit wonder” is refreshing in that sense. It means that the Wizards fans will not see short-sighted moves like giving no-trade clauses, drafting older, low-upside prospects, or sacrificing future assets and financial flexibility in trades.

This meticulous focus on player development and research bodes well for the future of the franchise. Where the organization stands now, the Wizards need time more than anything. They neither have blue-chip prospects nor enticing extra first-round picks. It will take a few years to stock up on draft assets and build a core of high-level young players.

Fortunately, the Wizards are in good hands to lead them through this period. Winger and Dawkins proved in Oklahoma City that they can do this and they are off to a great start here in Washington. They just need patience to finish the job.

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