The Washington Wizards are in the midst of media day and while there's plenty to go over, CJ McCollum's comments may be the most intriguing to start with.
McCollum has played his fair share of NBA games and he's had stops with both the Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Pelicans during his lengthy career.
With multiple head coaches, a variety of teammates over the years and several culture changes, it's safe to say that the veteran guard has seen it all.
However, McCollum made it clear on Monday that the Wizards already do things much different than any of his previous stops and not in a bad way.
McCollum impressed by Wizards media day workouts
McCollum enters the season as the mentor of a young team.
Obviously, expectations should be tempered, but it's been made clear by both general manager Will Dawkins and head coach Brian Keefe that improving this season is the focus.
Nothing will be given, but instead earned.
That statement already tracks well considering the Wizards early efforts to put the work in.
According to McCollum, Washington's early start to workouts is something he's never been apart of.
CJ McCollum said the Wizards are the first team he's been on where the players are conducting individual workouts on media day. pic.twitter.com/PzY0jRMZ0H
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) September 29, 2025
The Wizards early start to individual workouts on media day is pretty good sign that the front office and the coaching staff aren't the only people hoping the team can make strides this season.
With a young team, it's encouraging to see the drive and work ethic of the Wizards already starting out on a good note.
Players want to improve and while working out on media day may not seem like a major deal, the fact that it caught the attention of McCollum enough to note the difference between Washington and his previous stops says a lot.
With the NBA season looming, every workout and practice will be one step closer to Brian Keefe's squad getting better.
If things continue trending this way, it's evident that the new standard set in the DMV will push players to work on their game and considering the high-upside prospects on the roster, there's a real chance that the Wizards finally find the breakout player they've desperately been searching for.
Regardless, things in Washington seem to be starting off on the right foot and not just for the young players.
Considering the team's newest vet is already impressed with his new squad, things are looking up for the Wizards moving forward.