On Sunday night my wife and I entertained Fox News’ Chris Wallace and his wife at Stella’s, a fine new dining establishment in Rockville, Maryland. Ironically, while we were eating, Chris’s show was being played in the bar as a rerun on Sunday night. The owner of Stella’s was so happy to see Chris in his establishment.
What did Chris and I talk about? The Stanley Cup Finals; the NBA Finals; the overall business climate; and the upcoming NBA draft.
Last night, Ernie Grunfeld and I took John Wall to dinner in Rockville at Cava in the same neighborhood. What did we talk about? The Stanley Cup Finals; the NBA Finals; the overall business climate; and the upcoming NBA draft.
It was John’s first visit to an authentic Greek restaurant. John is working out here in DC. He is attending some of the workouts by potential draftees. He is watching the Mystics practice. He is watching film.
We talked a lot about basketball trivia. John is a real – and I mean a real – student of the game and its history. I am very impressed by his level of respect for the game. He loves it. He understands the importance of not just hard work but of paying homage to the past stars of the game. And the past great teams as well.
John is a very nice young man and he is very committed to our rebuild. He looks like he has already grown an inch this off season. He is working on his strength and his jump shot and is watching hours and hours of film. He enjoys it all too. He loves the game.
He is uber smart; very polite; very intense; and focused. I enjoyed the dinner very much and it was fun to see diners at Cava do double takes as John walked in and out the establishment. He was very nice to sign autographs and pose for photos as well with some of our neighbors. John was wearing some new Wizards merchandise too. He loves the new designs and color schemes.
John attended this morning’s work out, too.
A strip mall in Rockville – where the stars come out to shine. 
And don’t ever publicize this if u are doing it, because you want it to be completely confidential if you already are doing this, so John never looks like a “company man” But I hope if John has garnered u and ernie’s trust as a basketball thinker (he’s got mine but I’m getting limited exposure to him)..,that you are listening to his feedback as he attends these workouts… Plus u and he also know WAY more about any off-the-court stuff than I ever will…teach him never to tweet about his true feelings about a prospect or teammate…& then really listen to him… I’ve heard a rumor about McGee and 6 to wolves for 2 if cavs select Irving. Please don’t do that unless wall convinces u… God o wanted d. Williams. But it just didn’t work out. Seraphin and 18 to swap.. I’d listen. But my instinct would say : sign Josh Howard back if the price is 3m or less… Hope that he or Rashard can stay healthy enough to fortify the 3… And then just stand pat and take best avail…u need solid backups at all positions and none of the starters are good enuff besides wall to not want them pushed for their starting job
I just can’t say how impressive he is… Both on the court and in every interview I’ve ever heard or read… I don’t watch much college hoops…but I follow the wizards extremely closely… And all I needed to see to be all-in on John Wall was his first Vegas summer league game and subsequent interview after the game… & I’ve no reason to change. Did he play well that game? Ehhh not really. But with all the hype surrounding his 1st game, my greatest fear was that we had another Gilbert arenas Allen iverson “combo” guard who would jack up 30 shots a game and never be a champion. He didn’t force ANYTHING that game… Showed a willingness to make the “simple” pass instead of trying for a highlight every trip down… And showed a humble nature afterwards that was SO refreshing…d rose is the only other that impresses me as much… Very excited and I will defend him from the rooftops forever if he stays the same person he is.
What a great choice for dining! Cava is one of my favorite places to dine with friends! There place in dc is just a fun and delicious!
John Wall is one of the most impressive young men the Wizards have ever drafted!