Bullets Forever - NBA All-Star 2017: John Wall represents the Wizards in New Orleans"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2017-02-23T16:00:01-05:00http://www.bulletsforever.com/rss/stream/144195952017-02-23T16:00:01-05:002017-02-23T16:00:01-05:00Check out John Wall’s emoji app
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CbfrtDg7FF3LE6fk32sD2LiK028=/0x0:1409x939/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53390983/wallmoji.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Emojis are a thing in today’s world. And now, you can have your own featuring Wall’s likeness.</p> <p id="McPNQe">Emojis are quickly becoming a thing in social media. People are now able to add emoticons to their Facebook posts, tweets, SnapChats, and a variety of other platforms like never before.</p>
<p id="z2UlTX"><span>John Wall</span> is one of the first NBA players to put his likeness on emojis onto an app which he released last Thursday. </p>
<div id="fkNCwi">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div>
</div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQmYGw5gXbs/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">WallMoji by @JohnWall is now available on the App Store and Google Play. ⭐️ Click the link in bio to get it now. #wallstar #wallmoji</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by WallMoji By John Wall (@wallmoji) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-02-17T04:40:20+00:00">Feb 16, 2017 at 8:40pm PST</time></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async="" defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
</div>
<p id="X1P5NV">The app is available on the App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play store for Android devices. The app is essentially an additional keyboard for you to install onto your mobile phone or tablet.</p>
<p id="Mosztz">The app costs $1.99 to download. That’s still less than one of those 2 for $2.50 deals at McDonald’s or buying lunch anywhere for that matter.</p>
<p id="c8qj62">So go ahead and download the app. With Wall back in action tomorrow against the Sixers, there should be plenty of opportunities for you to use realistic emojis like these after a victory:</p>
<div id="KXeFdK">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WallMoji?src=hash">#WallMoji</a> app in action <a href="https://t.co/8OV9FriflR">pic.twitter.com/8OV9FriflR</a></p>— Albert Lee (@aleeinthedmv) <a href="https://twitter.com/aleeinthedmv/status/832816026307985410">February 18, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="JT9ySL">instead of kiddie Miitomo drawings like this one:</p>
<div id="XrnwGh">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">John Wall for President! Makes a shot with Davis in his face, gets steal in the next possession! <a href="https://t.co/j1qzkz3iqP">pic.twitter.com/j1qzkz3iqP</a></p>— Albert Lee (@aleeinthedmv) <a href="https://twitter.com/aleeinthedmv/status/828064565602742274">February 5, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="43KqLp">Looks like in-game tweeting will get to a whole new level later this winter and spring.</p>
<p id="UJur5S"></p>
<p id="QdqFNc"></p>
<p id="FsI6hL"></p>
<p id="bajSYG"></p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2017/2/23/14656216/wallmoji-appAlbert Lee2017-02-19T23:29:38-05:002017-02-19T23:29:38-05:00Wall scores 12 points in the All-Star Game
<figure>
<img alt="NBA: All Star Game-Eastern at Western" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dQOosiAONYFPuLCxOML7wYkVPfU=/0x281:2926x2232/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53317799/usa_today_9888872.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="jbCsEn">The Eastern Conference All-Stars lost to the Western Conference, 192-182 on Sunday Night in New Orleans. <a href="https://www.thebirdwrites.com/">Pelicans</a> center <span>Anthony Davis</span> scored an NBA-record 52 points for the hometown crowd while <span>Russell Westbrook</span> scored 41 points off the bench in the victory. </p>
<p id="wyX8qE">Yes, the play of the game was a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2017/2/19/14665440/kevin-durant-russell-westbrook-alley-oop-video-nba-all-star-game">Westbrook to Kevin Durant alley oop</a> midway in the first quarter after a drama-filled weekend around the two former teammates. But along the way, <span>John Wall</span> scored 12 points on 6 of 12 shooting. He made<a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2017/2/19/14665524/john-wall-dunks-first-quarter-nba-all-star-game-2017"> two dunks in the first quarter</a> and made this alley oop as an exclamation mark in the third:</p>
<div id="JuJkUc">
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Oop from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KembaWalker?src=hash">#KembaWalker</a>, slam from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JohnWall?src=hash">#JohnWall</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAAllStar?src=hash">#NBAAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/f20bkieU6A">pic.twitter.com/f20bkieU6A</a></p>— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/833519615082835969">February 20, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="lRPQYr">Wall also added four assists and four steals in the game.</p>
<p id="YdQ89X">Some other notable points:</p>
<ul><li id="NGIN7d">
<span>Giannis Antetokounmpo</span> led the East’s scorers with 30 points. His highlight was a putback dunk over <span>Stephen Curry</span> in the third quarter. It’s so good that I have to embed this!</li></ul>
<div id="QJeYiv">
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">When Steph Curry can't help but smile after being posterized by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Giannis?src=hash">#Giannis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAAllStar?src=hash">#NBAAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/VszlqB9i0p">pic.twitter.com/VszlqB9i0p</a></p>— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/833515943842160640">February 20, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<ul><li id="gmPbUE">
<span>Kyrie Irving</span> did his best John Wall impression by scoring 22 points and dishing 14 assists. He also made 6 of 8 threes. He made a notable <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2017/2/19/14665446/watch-kyrie-lebron-all-star-highlight">alley oop pass to LeBron James </a>early in the game.</li></ul>
<div id="GW0Vsr">
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That's our squad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAAllStar?src=hash">#NBAAllStar</a> || <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CavsASW?src=hash">#CavsASW</a> <a href="https://t.co/DYTjHzQaJf">pic.twitter.com/DYTjHzQaJf</a></p>— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) <a href="https://twitter.com/cavs/status/833491662752018432">February 20, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="l9apEH">Though Wall wasn’t the All-Star Game MVP -- Davis was — it’s a good thing to see him show his skills in an internationally covered event like this. </p>
<p id="5j8HME">The Wizards get back in action this Friday with a road match against the Philadelphia 76ers. The trade deadline is on February 23, or this Thursday, so there’s a chance that the Wizards could have an additional piece (or two) as they start their playoff push. </p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2017/2/19/14666204/john-wall-2017-nba-all-star-game-wizardsAlbert Lee2017-02-19T21:10:03-05:002017-02-19T21:10:03-05:00Watch John Wall’s first two dunks in the All-Star Game
<figure>
<img alt="NBA: All Star Saturday Night" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f3xCX2SwZIU1vtzInRQZTj_Sly0=/0x0:3935x2623/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53316491/usa_today_9886054.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Check out John Wall’s highlights in the first quarter.</p> <p id="8d17ZC">The All-Star Game’s in progress with the game looking more like a dunk or shooting contest than a real game. Therefore, a lot of players get some time to make some crazy shots.</p>
<p id="VZ4T1N"><span>John Wall</span> entered midway in the first quarter where he made two of three shots -- all of them as dunks. His first came with about 2:28 left in the first:</p>
<div id="JqgDGF">
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bucket No. 1 for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JohnWall?src=hash">#JohnWall</a>... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAAllStar?src=hash">#NBAAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/rzhlV5wNSo">pic.twitter.com/rzhlV5wNSo</a></p>— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/833494398985867264">February 20, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="cWbZlU">His second was a windmill with 32 seconds left.</p>
<div id="vkqXWT">
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Windmills, anyone? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JohnWall?src=hash">#JohnWall</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAAllStar?src=hash">#NBAAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/p5Hx2Y5O9N">pic.twitter.com/p5Hx2Y5O9N</a></p>— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/833496078699753472">February 20, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="sAe378">We’ll be on the lookout if Wall makes more buzz later in this game.</p>
<p id="5VD4PW"></p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2017/2/19/14665524/john-wall-dunks-first-quarter-nba-all-star-game-2017Albert Lee2017-02-19T19:30:01-05:002017-02-19T19:30:01-05:00NBA All-Star Game 2017 GameThread
<figure>
<img alt="NBA All-Star Game 2016" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6hD1rSDGYOMKfBR6x-V1p3eJR2k=/0x0:2773x1849/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53304447/510338442.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Elsa/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The main event’s here.</p> <p id="n6LNpm">The NBA All-Star Game’s on at 8 p.m. ET on TNT. John Wall will represent the Wizards on the Eastern Conference team at some point during the game. Since he’s proclaimed himself the best point guard in the NBA, let’s see if that propels him to an MVP finish!</p>
<p id="DVsdLH"></p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2017/2/19/14657830/nba-all-star-game-2017-gamethreadAlbert Lee2017-02-18T19:30:02-05:002017-02-18T19:30:02-05:00NBA All-Star 2017 Weekend Open Thread
<figure>
<img alt="Sprite Slam Dunk Contest 2014" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JLIyDlBuBU8ll9ftvG5ECSuCS9s=/0x0:2355x1570/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53304397/469639623.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>John Wall’s in the Skills Challenge. So root for him here!</p> <p id="MqzSCf">Today’s NBA All-Star Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET on TNT. Here’s the lineup:</p>
<h4 id="TkNA7c"><strong>Skills Challenge</strong></h4>
<p id="9zhOqj">Eight players move around obstacles, take shots, and perform Bria Hartley moves as fast as they can in this single elimination tournament. <span>John Wall</span> will be here, so we’ll get to see how he fares in this thing.</p>
<ul>
<li id="PWxSd2">
<span>Devin Booker</span>, <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Suns</a>
</li>
<li id="KKOcmz">
<span>DeMarcus Cousins</span>, <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Kings</a>
</li>
<li id="OIuNuv">
<span>Anthony Davis</span>, <a href="https://www.thebirdwrites.com/">Pelicans</a>
</li>
<li id="ew7afh">
<span>Nikola Jokic</span>, <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Nuggets</a>
</li>
<li id="xicmTD">
<span>Gordon Hayward</span>, <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Jazz</a>
</li>
<li id="tyn6yS">
<span>Kristaps Porzingis</span>, <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">Knicks</a>
</li>
<li id="ES40op">
<span>Isaiah Thomas</span>, <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Celtics</a>
</li>
<li id="WZwit1">
<strong>John Wall, </strong><a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/"><strong>Wizards</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="5YWCso"><strong>Three Point Contest</strong></h4>
<p id="eeDrfF">Players shoot 25 threes from five locations in a minute. </p>
<p id="olWO3i"><span>Otto Porter</span> and <span>Bradley Beal</span> aren’t in it. BOO!</p>
<ul>
<li id="Lq9uzE">
<span>Eric Gordon</span>, <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Rockets</a>
</li>
<li id="97MUBO">
<span>Kyrie Irving</span>, <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cavaliers</a>
</li>
<li id="HjFtfH">
<span>Kyle Lowry</span>, <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Raptors</a>
</li>
<li id="UieLKR">
<span>Wesley Matthews</span>, <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Mavericks</a>
</li>
<li id="EPhj9t">
<span>C.J. McCollum</span>, <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Trail Blazers</a>
</li>
<li id="LVYG7Y">
<span>Klay Thompson</span>, <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a>
</li>
<li id="WNr5Hw">
<span>Kemba Walker</span>, <a href="https://www.atthehive.com/">Hornets</a>
</li>
<li id="NhOJqL">
<span>Nick Young</span>, <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a> (NICK YOUNG, REALLY? - I know, he’ll always be known as one of the clowns in the early years of the John Wall Era. But he makes 41.3 percent of his threes, and makes nearly three a game for L.A. Though I will always know him as one of the clowns — albeit the least egregious of them — he deserves a chance to be here.)</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="ki9Wii"><strong>Slam Dunk Contest</strong></h4>
<p id="IckT62">Players try to one up John Wall’s performance in 2014. </p>
<div id="WF1FKz"><div><div style="left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PRYjmBQ2W3s?wmode=transparent&rel=0&autohide=1&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" style="top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div></div></div>
<p id="ikbh8G">Here’s the field of John Wall wannabe’s for this year:</p>
<ul>
<li id="accyVl">
<span>Aaron Gordon</span>, <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Magic</a>
</li>
<li id="Mn42vl">
<span>DeAndre Jordan</span>, <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Clippers</a>
</li>
<li id="am89zr">
<span>Glenn Robinson III</span>, <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Pacers</a>
</li>
<li id="mJTNxA">
<span>Derrick Jones Jr.</span>, Suns</li>
</ul>
<p id="e7iVnV">Enjoy the festivities everyone.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2017/2/18/14657766/nba-all-star-2017-weekend-open-threadAlbert Lee2017-02-17T21:09:18-05:002017-02-17T21:09:18-05:00Check out Wall’s busy All-Star Friday
<figure>
<img alt="NBA: All Star Press Conference" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ngl2UFttJMSKaGZr3orao_kzuKQ=/0x0:4783x3189/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53300795/usa_today_9882327.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>#NoDaysOff for the #WallStar.</p> <p id="3csvsj"><span>John Wall</span> arrived in New Orleans on Friday morning for NBA All-Star Weekend. He had no time to waste, because he quickly went on the media circuit as a guest on ESPN’s First Take where he represented the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> well:</p>
<aside id="64uI1I"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Wall says he’s the NBA’s best PG on ESPN’s First Take","url":"http://www.bulletsforever.com/2017/2/17/14650934/john-wall-nba-best-point-guard-espn-first-take-interview"},{"title":"Grunfeld shows his swagger as All-Star Break begins","url":"http://www.bulletsforever.com/2017/2/17/14647942/ernie-grunfeld-swagger-nba-all-star-break"}]}'></div></aside><div id="49dzWY">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div>
</div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQnvZ8AhN80/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Talking shop with @tic_pix on #Area21!</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Washington Wizards (@washwizards) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-02-17T17:23:10+00:00">Feb 17, 2017 at 9:23am PST</time></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async="" defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
</div>
<p id="yBAmDy">Hanging out with former NBA superstar <span>Kevin Garnett</span>,</p>
<div id="lxAYsQ">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div>
</div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQnvZ8AhN80/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Talking shop with @tic_pix on #Area21!</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Washington Wizards (@washwizards) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-02-17T17:23:10+00:00">Feb 17, 2017 at 9:23am PST</time></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async="" defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
</div>
<p id="Odzy2c">Doing more interviews with reporters both old,</p>
<div id="AK8sJv">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div>
</div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQn2L2JhIya/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Fourth straight year doing All-Star media availability.... Everyone knows @johnwall #NBAAllStar #WallStar</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Washington Wizards (@washwizards) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-02-17T18:22:25+00:00">Feb 17, 2017 at 10:22am PST</time></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async="" defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
</div>
<p id="kDqVej">and young.</p>
<div id="2LKiMS">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This young reporter is not fond of <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnWall">@JohnWall</a>'s choice for favorite home cooked meal <a href="https://t.co/MzLxl930fv">pic.twitter.com/MzLxl930fv</a></p>— MonumentalSportsNet (@MonSportsNet) <a href="https://twitter.com/MonSportsNet/status/832665311836987393">February 17, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="Qu2ekL">Wall also took glamour photos,</p>
<div id="m7QZ4K">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div>
</div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQoFpnNlYbk/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">#NBAAllStar photo shoot with @johnwall! #WallStar #DCFamily</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Washington Wizards (@washwizards) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-02-17T20:37:33+00:00">Feb 17, 2017 at 12:37pm PST</time></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async="" defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
</div>
<div id="3umEJC">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div>
</div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQoK2aqlu0x/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">The #WallStar looking sharp for his #NBAAllStar portrait</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Washington Wizards (@washwizards) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-02-17T21:22:59+00:00">Feb 17, 2017 at 1:22pm PST</time></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async="" defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
</div>
<p id="MiZyQN">made real life GIF’s,</p>
<div id="HE4b7c">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAGIFParty?src=hash">#NBAGIFParty</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JohnWall?src=hash">#JohnWall</a> <a href="https://t.co/CquPDT05aD">pic.twitter.com/CquPDT05aD</a></p>— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/832661348806897665">February 17, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="131kCu">and took part in the NBA’s Community Service Day. There, he made amends with <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Pacers</a> forward <span>Paul George</span> less than 24 hours after beating his team:</p>
<div id="Rk83Rp">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:45.87962962962963% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div>
</div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQoOIrvloAE/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Helping to repair a New Orleans home destroyed by a tornado, @JohnWall & @YGTrece making a difference with @nbacares at #NBAAllStar #NBACares #WizCare</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Washington Wizards (@washwizards) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-02-17T21:51:42+00:00">Feb 17, 2017 at 1:51pm PST</time></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async="" defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
</div>
<div id="mvbrO8">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">One of the best parts of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAAllStar?src=hash">#NBAAllStar</a> weekend, <a href="https://twitter.com/nbacares">@nbacares</a> event, as today <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnWall">@JohnWall</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/Yg_Trece">@Yg_Trece</a> helped repair a home destroyed by a tornado <a href="https://t.co/IURpR5CqXS">pic.twitter.com/IURpR5CqXS</a></p>— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/832706128115015680">February 17, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="VSigJz">Go out there and do you John!</p>
<p id="7Pm6l0"></p>
<p id="7Fs9IL"></p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2017/2/17/14655284/john-wall-2017-nba-all-star-friday-commitments-picturesAlbert Lee2017-02-17T13:42:35-05:002017-02-17T13:42:35-05:00Wall says he’s the NBA’s best PG on ESPN’s First Take
<figure>
<img alt="Washington Wizards v Indiana Pacers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yNWw-bKnVoGr_VCgoeXfAxN2HEw=/0x0:3544x2363/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53294479/642149044.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A couple months ago, people would’ve laughed if he said it out loud. Now, people are cheering for him.</p> <p id="hGNWK5"><span>John Wall</span> has finally arrived in New Orleans for his fourth consecutive NBA All-Star Weekend. Though he was playing late last night, he wasted no time getting on the NBA media circuit as he joined the set of ESPN’s First Take, hosted by Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman, and Molly Qerim. You can watch highlights above.</p>
<aside id="aZd9th"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Grunfeld shows his swagger as All-Star Break begins","url":"http://www.bulletsforever.com/2017/2/17/14647942/ernie-grunfeld-swagger-nba-all-star-break"}]}'></div></aside><p id="FplT7L">Here are some of the major highlights:</p>
<ul>
<li id="FtlBur">Stephen A. Smith complimented Wall, noting that he has paid more attention to the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> in the last couple months. He is impressed with Wall’s two-way play, and asked him how it feels “to get the recognition he deserves.” Wall responded that he was happy that he’s getting more recognition, which also comes with winning.</li>
<li id="szb44E">Kellerman asked Wall who the best point guard is in the NBA. Wall said that he himself was. Kellerman had a follow up question on how he would distinguishes himself from folks like <span>Russell Westbrook</span>, <span>Stephen Curry</span>, and Kyrie Irving. Wall’s response was that he’s an all around player. That’s kind of a jab at the Kyrie and even the Steph fans of the world.</li>
<li id="xHaFox">Smith tells Wall that his impression of the Wizards is that “they want Cleveland” and would be disappointed if the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cavaliers</a> weren’t an Eastern Conference opponent. Wall responded that defeating Cleveland is a goal because they are the two-time defending Eastern Conference Champions, but he didn’t shed too much light on it.</li>
</ul>
<p id="jnvrAQ">Anyway, it feels good seeing the Wizards and their stars featured on national television for winning. Here’s to hoping that Wall wins the Skills Challenge Saturday and the MVP award on Sunday!</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2017/2/17/14650934/john-wall-nba-best-point-guard-espn-first-take-interviewAlbert Lee2017-02-17T11:37:13-05:002017-02-17T11:37:13-05:00Grunfeld shows his swagger as All-Star Break begins
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ngZfL7KKNaSyB5yd0COSiXb0Z1g=/452x0:2612x1440/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53291807/ernieog.0.png" />
<figcaption>Washington Wizards Instagram</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Wizards’ President of Basketball Operations is an OG.</p> <p id="Ln8P0P">Shortly after the <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2017/2/16/14643300/washington-wizards-indiana-pacers-final-score-nba-recap">Wizards beat the Pacers on 111-98</a> on Thursday night, the players headed out their separate ways for All-Star Break. Many players will take a quick vacation while hotel prices are lower now than other times of the year. <span>John Wall</span> on the other hand, will head to New Orleans for his fourth consecutive All-Star Game. It also happens that he has an entourage with him.</p>
<div id="0uPS2u">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div>
</div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQmRoB9hR_-/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Another big road win.... Now to New Orleans for #WallStar's #NBAAllStar weekend! #WallWay ✌️ #DCFamily</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Washington Wizards (@washwizards) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-02-17T03:43:42+00:00">Feb 16, 2017 at 7:43pm PST</time></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async="" defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
</div>
<p id="p7gPoi">We all know Wall’s happy to spend some time at the bayou. But it just so happens that Ernie Grunfeld, the Wizards’ President of Basketball Operations made a swaggy pose right side the entrance of a private jet. </p>
<p id="CPo6WX">Really, it’s him! Let’s take a closer look:</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-rtNERRnbKs70ZOPUVIKQ8dZNDI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8001745/ernieog.png">
<cite><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQmRoB9hR_-/">Washington Wizards Instagram</a></cite>
</figure>
<p id="Xw3Pxq">Really, the man’s cracking a smile, and ready to live the high life with some R&R in Louisiana!</p>
<p id="XFpeLh">As you might expect, life’s been kinda tough of Grunfeld lately. Many give him crap over the infamous 2011 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft">NBA Draft</a> when he brought <span>Jan Vesely</span> and <span>Chris Singleton</span> to town. People are quick to point out that he didn’t have the foresight to reach for <span>Kawhi Leonard</span> in 2011 with the first round pick, or select <span>Draymond Green</span> instead of <span>Tomas Satoransky</span> with the Wizards’ 2012 second round pick. </p>
<p id="TybXAF">Grunfeld’s also an easy target since the Wizards’ 2015-16 season, when he essentially put them in a holding pattern for <span>Kevin Durant. </span> </p>
<p id="O5zUEl">Unfortunately, Durant thought that the Golden Gate Bridge is a more historic attraction than the Washington Monument. <span>Markieff Morris</span> should have never been a Wizard in the first place. <span>Scott Brooks</span>, a coach who was good only because he had KD and <span>Russell Westbrook</span> should have been passed over for <span>Frank Vogel</span> or Dave Joerger, who never showed the interest Brooks did. </p>
<p id="V2ICqV">And that <span>Andrew Nicholson</span> signing. I get it’s not max money, but .... yikes. </p>
<p id="jgDhEx">Though Ted Leonsis said he’d judge Grunfeld from 2010-11 on, Wizards fans have a loooooong memory. They want Grunfeld burned at the stakes for signing <span>Gilbert Arenas</span> to a mega deal, which I think we can all agree is the worst signing in NBA history. And he traded their 2009 first round draft pick for a one year rental of <span>Mike Miller</span> and <span>Randy Foye</span>.</p>
<p id="Ttu0VG">I get it. A lot of you want Ernie Grunfeld fired yesterday or several years ago. But consider this over the past few seasons:</p>
<ul><li id="2nVAX0">The Arenas deal indirectly gave the Wizards the assets needed to sign Marcin Gortat. Arenas was initially for <span>Rashard Lewis</span> in the 2010-11 season. But Lewis was traded before the 2012-13 season for <span>Trevor Ariza</span> and Emeka Okafor. And in the following season, Okafor was traded to the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> for the Polish Machine. By the way, Wszystkiego najlepszego, Marcin!</li></ul>
<div id="K3OUTQ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Join us in wishing <a href="https://twitter.com/MGortat">@MGortat</a> of the <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards">@WashWizards</a> a HAPPY 33rd BIRTHDAY! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBABDAY?src=hash">#NBABDAY</a> <a href="https://t.co/VhE4tlSbBm">pic.twitter.com/VhE4tlSbBm</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/832575635088404482">February 17, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<ul>
<li id="SLoLFi">If Kawhi Leonard was drafted in 2011 by the Wizards, I think many of us would have scratched our heads that he was picked too high. While Leonard has emerged into an NBA franchise player for the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a>, I don’t think the Wizards had the system in place to mold Leonard into that type of guy. You could also make the same case for Green, though he wouldn’t have had to deal with <span>Nick Young</span>, <span>JaVale McGee</span> (who’s a Warrior himself now), or Andray Blatche. What I’m saying is that system matters as much as the players who are drafted.</li>
<li id="2y760p">Grunfeld can also be viewed as the uncredited savior of the Washington Mystics. In 2012, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/mike-thibault-hired-as-new-mystics-coach-and-general-manager/2012/12/18/d3ee3a90-494a-11e2-ad54-580638ede391_story.html?utm_term=.bbd396ff2e89">he helped set up the referrals and initial contacts</a> to get Mike Thibault interviewed, and ultimately hired as the team’s General Manager and Head Coach in late 2012. Considering where the Mystics were at that time, Thibault probably didn’t have much interest working for Leonsis. But thanks to Good ol’ Ernie, the misconceptions around Ted as the Mystics owner were debunked. Four years later, the Mystics have Elena Delle Donne AND still have the best young players from their home grown core.</li>
<li id="rvUAAO">Finally, the dude is livin’ the good life and is part of John Wall’s crew since 2010! </li>
</ul>
<p id="CBAUP9">Okay, for those of you Ernie haters out there, let me be clear. I’m not the biggest fan of him myself. He’s not a particularly good drafter outside of the lottery. He has made trades that fixed past errors — and he’ll probably have to do so again. </p>
<p id="0sYrb0">But like Randy Wittman, who often didn’t get enough credit as the Wizards’ head coach from 2011-2015, Grunfeld deserves his as well. He is the best GM the Wizards had since they won the 1978 NBA title over the Oklahoma City Thunder. I mean the then-Bullets winning the 1978 NBA title over the franchise now known as the Oklahoma City Thunder. In fact, all of the Wizards’ playoff success as the Wizards has come under his watch.</p>
<p id="KfBPfa">Let’s also give Grunfeld credit for building one of the best starting lineups we’ve seen in D.C. since the Wizards won the championship in 1978. Better yet, the top players on this team are still on the right side of 30. This starting lineup isn’t just good for D.C. standards. It’s one of the NBA’s best!</p>
<p id="jEU57E">In closing, go ahead and live the good life this weekend Ernie! After all the crap you’ve received this past fall and winter, you deserve it. You and Scott Brooks proved us all wrong that the best of the John Wall Era was behind us. </p>
<p id="Ialyir">But once the break is over, it’s time to get back on the grind. </p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2017/2/17/14647942/ernie-grunfeld-swagger-nba-all-star-breakAlbert Lee