Why The Washington Wizards Don’t Have Any Hype Behind Them

Why The Washington Wizards Don’t Have Any Hype Behind Them by Osman Baig

The Washington Wizards have become one of the most consistent teams in the Eastern Conference, but if you’ve been a fan for a long time, you know that it hasn’t always been that way.

After Ernie Grunfeld finally decided to clean the team, he added several veteran players that helped change the team’s culture. We could go as far back as Roger Mason or Maurice Evans, but let’s be honest, true change didn’t occur until the team started to win.

A few years ago, Grunfeld traded for Nene, Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza. While Okafor never had a winning season in D.C. after his career was cut short, Nene and Ariza became two of the leading veterans in Washington — both on and off the floor.

Nene and Ariza provided stability as starters, but there were also a number of bench players that helped change the culture as well.

I spoke to a person close to the Washington Wizards last year, and he noted Al Harrington as one of the biggest influences in the locker room.

Harrington, who dealt with numerous injuries in Washington, never really contributed much on the floor.

He was the first player that Washington tried to fill the stretch four role with, but injuries sidelined him. With that said, Harrington’s contributions came off the court more than they did on.

Harrington was one of the only vocal leaders the Wizards had in 2013.

John Wall was only in his third season at the time and Bradley Beal was a rookie.

Having players like Harrington, who led meetings and discussions among the players, was absolutely necessary.

Everyone on the coaching staff loved having Al Harrington around the team, but they opted not to re-sign the veteran because of injury concerns.

Instead, the team was open to having him join the organization as an assistant coach. Harrington decided to continue his playing career in China, with hopes of returning to Washington before the playoffs began.

Obviously, Harrington never rejoined the team. Washington added Drew Gooden and the role once occupied by Harrington was filled.

Harrington has since retired, and according to J.Michael of CSN Washington, he’s looking to become an assistant coach:

Al Harrington, who has been hoping to land on an NBA staff after recently retiring, still is looking for work as a coach, he told CSNmidatlantic.com over the weekend.

The Washington Wizards have grown a lot since Harrington last played for the team. Wall, in particular, has become much more of a vocal leader. Beal is entering the fourth season of his career and will be looking to make the All-Star leap.

Washington has been categorized as a young team, but in reality, they’ve had plenty of experiences throughout the past few seasons. In two straight seasons, the Wizards have made the semi-finals. Their core group of players have been together for at least three years as well.

That doesn’t mean they couldn’t use someone like Al Harrington on the bench, though.

Paul Pierce‘s role on the team will be filled by the likes of Otto Porter, Jared Dudley and Alan Anderson. His production on the court will be replaced. At 38-years-old, Pierce is no longer depended on heavily for contribution on the court. However, his leadership will be missed.

The Wizards have a solid group of professionals on their roster, but they could still use an extra motivator. Harrington played in the NBA for almost two decades and maintained relationships with most of the players on the roster since he left.

Having an additional presence on the bench would be very beneficial for someone like Kelly Oubre, who needs to become adjusted to the NBA life. Harrington, like Sam Cassell, formed bonds with many of the young players on the roster as well.

Harrington coached with the Denver Nuggets for a short period of time last season, and given his experience, I’m sure he’d fit right in. As a lower level assistant coach, Harrington would probably spend more time on player development than the actual x’s and o’s.

There’s really no downside to adding Harrington to the coaching staff. Make the call, Ernie.