“A lot of the guys I have past relationships with, so that was obviously a plus for the transition,” O’Bryant said Wednesday.

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He liked the instant familiarity enough, but what O’Bryant really appreciated about Washington was the fresh start it offered. Playing for a new coach in a new city meant big opportunity.

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O’Bryant played 100 games in two seasons, averaging 3.0 points and 2.4 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game, before the Bucks waived him in June. He feels he didn’t have the right opportunities in Milwaukee to show what he can do as an athletic, 6-foot-9 power forward.

Here in Washington is a different story, with new Coach Scott Brooks allowing his players a little more freedom and heavily emphasizing defense.

“In Milwaukee I don’t think I had a great chance to prove myself,” O’Bryant said. “I think just starting over is good. It’s a little different, this is my first time going into a camp with nothing guaranteed as far as contract or whatever … so I’m just trying to go hard every minute and play within my strengths.”

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He certainly looked strong Monday night, playing his longest stretch of minutes so far this preseason in a 90-88 loss at the at the New York Knicks. O’Bryant matched up well defensively against Kristaps Porzingis and scored 10 points on 4 of 6 shots.

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“[I like] his versatility – I think he can guard multiple offensive players, his ability to score inside-outside, he did a lot of good things,” Brooks said. “Still, I’m trying to evaluate — as a group, we’re trying to focus on giving guys minutes. Every game’s gonna be different, but he got extended minutes and I thought he did well with them.”

What O’Bryant has prided himself on most through the first three preseason games is his blue-collar work ethic. He hopes his motor, his shot and his defense are enough to keep him around, though he knows not to read too much into getting more time on the court. Brooks is still playing around with rotations while he can.

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Should O’Bryant be around when rosters are set on Oct. 24, the forward thinks he could give the Wizards a powerful, versatile interior option.

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“Just being able to guard multiple positions helps me. Being able to shoot the basketball, obviously, then just playing hard, man,” said O’Bryant, who shot 41 percent from the floor in 66 games last season. “Giving them another big body that can move, can shoot, can defend, just do a lot of things. I think Coach Brooks gives his players freedom, and that helps me, and other players, a lot.