Thank you – this article is tough – fair and well-articulated. By the Washington Post – a good question and what we are all here to answer? Read this one if you have the time. We are working hard to manage the cap well; to build through the draft and to have upside in the new NBA. We are also working hard to build better team chemistry and adhere to a new, more defensively minded system in this shortened and compressed NBA season; all with 15 players on the roster. We are in rebuild mode – and we unashamed and unabashed about it.

New ownership enters its second season with the team. We have had two off seasons; and two drafts. Of the 15 players on the roster now – 3 were with the team when we bought the franchise and those three – Young, McGee and Blatche were all young players on the squad at the time; just to put things in perspective about the amount of change that has been implemented. (Yes – I know Roger Mason once played for the Wizards too before stints in San Antonio and New York).

And then there is this column – which as one comment notes is about 2 years too early; geesh – what buzz kill. We haven’t even started a new season; and we are already worried about a player leaving us in 3 or 4 years ; filled with back handed compliments; and speculation and angst by the columnist. The new CBA does allow for a player’s team to be more aggressive on a contract extension than another team, that wasn’t noted here as well.

Come on – get in the holiday spirit – enjoy the season that is coming up; worry and communicate if and when the time is right; that would be my comment back. I am sure we will feed the monster amply during the season and during the rebuild; this article was a pre-emptive strike by media – and I had heard it all before specifically regarding the Washington Capitals and Alex Ovechkin. Sometimes media underestimate how great of a fan base we possess; how great our city is and how players are in it together with the fan base and with the plan. Thank you.