April 1, 2012; Orlando FL, USA; Denver Nuggets power forward Al Harrington (7) reacts after he made a three pointer against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Denver Nuggets defeated the Orlando Magic 104-101. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Having players representing the Wizards who truly want to win was a goal set by Ted Leonsis and the rest of Washington’s brass when he first bought the team back in 2010. After cleansing the roster and finally establishing some sort of continuity, the Wizards have finally put themselves in a position to legitimately win some games, and hopefully even make the playoffs for the first time in half a decade.

After desperately searching for a stretch four, which John Wall and head coach Randy Wittman have long wished for, the Wizards may have finally found their answer in Al Harrington. Unlike past acquisitions, Al Harrington actually wanted to play for the Wizards to help them reach their playoff goal. In fact, Harrington reportedly turned down opportunities to suit up for the Los Angeles Clippers or Chicago Bulls in order to help the Wizards next season. For the first time in a very long time, players actually want to play in the nation’s capital. Even though Harrington is merely a role player who will only help in certain aspects of the game, it’s refreshing to actually have someone want to help the Wizards reach their goals.

Since Harrington has played with Nene in Denver and is represented by the same agent as John Wall and Martell Webster, he’s actually fairly familiar with some of Washington’s personnel. That familiarity will go a long with once the regular season actually starts, but that didn’t stop Harrington from making bold predictions when talking about his future with the Wizards.

I’m excited and I feel like this team is definitely going to make the playoffs, Harrington said in a telephone interview late Monday night. “And I don’t care. I’ll go on record saying that. I feel like if this team is healthy, it will be one of the top eight teams in the East, for sure.

-via Michael Lee of the Washington Post

If it wasn’t before, I think it’s pretty obvious that the Wizards only have one goal in mind and that’s to make the post-season. John Wall apparently called Harrington and asked him to “help me get to the playoffs”. If he can remain healthy, I have no doubt that Harrington could become a great addition to Washington’s already improved roster. Having someone spread the floor for a penetrating guard like John Wall is one of the more underrated aspects of basketball which often go unnoticed.

Though it hasn’t yet been made official by the team, Al Harrington seems excited about joining the Wizards and the change in culture is quite evident.