Tag Archives: Basketball

Thank You Wizards Fans

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It was wonderful to see so many of you in the building last night.

I sensed a real high level of happiness, enthusiasm and energy. I am truly honored and grateful to you all for your support. It was a Tuesday night – Election Day – in Washington DC and our young team was 0-2. I didn’t know what to expect but we sold more than 17,000 tickets last night for our home opener. And as I walked around and met so many of you, I could feel your hopefulness and genuine levels of support.

So many of you introduced yourselves to me and made notice of the work we have done of late to improve the fan experience and the level of benefits to serve you. Thank you again.

Our fans were treated to quite the game: An overtime win; a game where we opened with my friend and Billy Joel band member Mark Rivera playing the sax for the National Anthem; the world’s first 3-D video opener at a sporting event; to a John Wall dance; and to a game that was played at a very high level of speed. It had drama; despair; a big shot to tie it at the buzzer; and a big win because of little things. We hit our free throws.

We were treated to a wonderful individual performance by John Wall. He scored a lot of points. He dished out a lot of assists and he made a lot of steals. But he showed will power and focus and played with energy and with leadership. He is showing the NBA why he was worthy of being the number 1 pick in the draft. I said he injected a shot of cappuccino into our franchise – strike that – it is ESPRESSO! A double shot of ESPRESSO!

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More Than a Game

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Here is wonderful documentary on basketball in the mean streets of Chicago. I was nostalgic watching this film. It reminded me of my street ball days in Brooklyn as a kid growing up in the sixties.

Hard top courts - no nets on baskets - winners keep the ball and the court to defend - play all day until your Mom called out to come home for dinner. This is a fun film for sports fans. Click here to watch.

Thanks Mystics Fans

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Thank you for turning out this season and thanks for caring so much in good times and in bad times.

Here is a great article about the enthusiasm in the fan base and about our team this year. We have so much still to improve upon but we are making steady progress towards our goal of competing for a playoff spot; making the playoffs; and hopefully winning a championship. Our business operations now are world class as well. Thanks for noticing Washington Post. It is very much appreciated.

When the going gets tough..

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This has been a very tough year for the Washington Wizards: A year of injuries; a coaching staff released; and a team that is playing young athletes that are all new to the NBA. The team is struggling and is into a rebuild in that, at times this season, it plays 2 of its starting 5 players compared to last season.

But in basketball, a rebuild can happen quickly. Next season, a Gilbert Arenas and Brendon Haywood can come back refreshed. A high draft pick can come in and make a statement and play big minutes. A trade can be made to add a starter. Suddenly a new five man unit is comprised; a new set of back ups is more seasoned and has young legs; and the team is easily transformed.

Last night reminded us all of the excellence in our core. Caron Butler, who has missed some games, came back and hit the buzzer beater. And for a moment, we were reminded of how well this team can play. Stars can hit big shots and we can win close games.

The Wizards will fight on this season but my bet is that the turnaround will happen fast, as soon as next season. We are all pulling for the franchise. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Bad PR

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Show up. Play when asked. Say, “Thank you. I am fortunate to be a professional athlete playing in the NBA.” Regardless of how bad the atmosphere is, support your team and your teammates and play the game. Enjoy life and your career. Time is short so get out there and play and earn that paycheck. The world is ending. Real people – good people - are getting laid off from work and having their homes foreclosed. No one will empathize with a professional athlete making $21 million per year and one who doesn’t want to work to earn it.

Wow. Talk about bad timing and bad optics and bad PR. Just play the game. Smile and realize how fortunate you are to be a professional athlete. No one will sympathize about hurt feelings. For $190k per game, get on the floor and play and enjoy. How bad can it be?

Rock Bottom: Only Way to Go is Up for Mystics

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Now the rebuilding can begin.

We have to get a high draft pick in the off season. Hopefully a great young player will be added and can become a cornerstone player for us. We have to use trades where we can add youth and get more picks and prospects. We have to use free agency to add veteran presence. And our young players that got lots of playing time this season after the Olympic break will just mature and get better and better.

We want to rebuild this team the right way. There will be no quick fixes or shortcuts. We are looking at long term solutions. We want to build a great team and one we can be proud of. That is the plan. Does it sound familiar?