If there's anyone who understands how difficult it is to keep a team's core intact outside of the front office executives, it's the head coaches. Being the link between management and the players, they have a deep understanding of what it takes to continue having a winning group.
Following his seven-year stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Scott Brooks recently spoke about the Washington Wizards' successful re-signing of John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter Jr., via Chase Hughes of CSN Mid Atlantic. He cited the three's willingness to remain with the Wizards as the key to their feat while adding that they all care for the team.
Article Continues Below“It's not easy to keep all of your players. I know that pretty well without getting into details. It's not easy to draft good players, either,” Brooks said.
“It's critical that your star players want to stay and play for the team. Without getting into the details that you all are well aware of, like in this past summer, that's not always the case. We have our three players that we drafted all wanting to stay here and stay long-term. That's good. That's good because if you don't have your best players wanting to stay here, then nobody wants to stay here. But we have John committed… I love guys that care for their team and John does care for his team.”
After already reaching the Eastern Conference Semifinals this past season, the Wizards will have the chance to build on the momentum they gained. By having the three aforementioned players, coupled with the addition of key pieces to their lineup, they are in a good position to continue challenging in the East with the hopes of beating the other favorites. Their front office has done their job, and it's now up to Brooks on how he can maximize the talent of his players, and bring out the best in them in order to help them win the title the soonest.