Washington Wizards Prediction: NBA Champion Makes Bold Statement
The Washington Wizards first game of the season did not go quite as planned with a 142-120 loss to the Indiana Pacers.
"Clearly not our best effort," coach Wes Unseld Jr. said after the game.
READ MORE – Not Washington Wizards ‘Best Effort’ says Coach Wes Unseld Jr.
Luckily there are 82 games in a season and the Wizards have time to turn things around. While it currently looks uncertain, Inside The Wizards spoke to two-time NBA champion Quinn Cook during the offseason and he doesn’t think the Wizards will struggle as much as people may expect.
As a Prince Georges County (MD) native and DeMatha High School standout, Cook is very familiar with the Washington, D.C. sports scene. He also won NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers.
When asked his thoughts on the team’s ‘rebuild,’ he quickly interjected and stated he does not think the Wizards are in rebuild mode.
“I don't think they're in a rebuild. With Tyus Jones, Jordan Poole, and Kyle Kuzma you're competitive every night," Cook said. "I don't know the roster off the top of my head right now but just based off those three, they're going to be competitive. I think the GM has done a great job restructuring the whole franchise."
Los Angeles Lakers players Anthony Davis (left) and LeBron James (middle) and Quinn Cook (right) pose with 2020 NBA Championship rings before a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Although no one is expecting a playoff caliber season, there is still time for the Wizards to gel and find their identity. If anything, Wizards fans should find solace in Cook’s outlook for the team.
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