New Washington Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. is wasting no time stamping his authority with his team. He's already spoken with Wizards stars Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook in length and according to Unseld himself, he had a bold message for Westbrook following what was an ultimately disappointing campaign for the Wizards.

Unseld made it abundantly clear that despite Washington failing to achieve its goals this season, he still believes that this team has what it takes to emerge as a real threat in the East:

“It's an extremely talented [group],” Unseld Jr. told NBC Sports Washington's Chris Miller. “You know, I said this to Russell, I said ‘We're not that far away.' You know, you fell short with the playoffs, you didn't have a winning record. But you look at COVID, the injuries and all the litany of things that some people say are excuses. I look at them as more reasons.”

Both Westbrook and Beal appear to be on the same page with their new coach. This is clearly the most important thing for the Wizards right now as they look to take it to the next level in 2021-22.

This is going to be Wes Unseld Jr.'s first season as a head coach. He's served as an assistant coach for several other teams for many years prior to being called up to take the top post in Washington. He may be a rookie head coach, but he has no shortage of experience. Nevertheless, being on the same wavelength with his stars will be the biggest key for the Wizards next term.