The Washington Wizards fired longtime president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld on Tuesday. Grunfeld had been with the Wizards since 2003 and drafted John Wall and Bradley Beal, the two franchise cornerstones in the nation's capital.

Beal spoke to reporters on Wednesday for the first time since Grunfeld was fired, and the All-Star shooting guard said the news was “sad” before going on to praise the former president:

“It's sad,” Beal told reporters. “At the end of the day, everybody has a job and that's how he provides for himself and his family. You never wish that upon anybody. It's crazy, in a way. This is the man that drafted me. He's a man I have a huge amount of respect for. He gave me my opportunity in the league. I have nothing but positive things to say about Ernie.”

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The Wizards are missing the playoffs this season for the first time since 2016. Owner Ted Leonsis wanted to move in a new direction and made the decision to fire Grunfeld on his own.

Tommy Sheppard is Washington's interim general manager. He is also a candidate to replace Grunfeld. The organization is expected to conduct a thorough search for its next GM.

Bradley Beal did all he could this season to get the Wizards to the postseason. The two-time All-Star just didn't have enough help with Wall and Dwight Howard out.