New Wizards GM Will Dawkins determined to reshape the franchise into a consistent winner

WASHINGTON (7News) — The Washington Wizards have entered into a new era: new players, new assistant coaches, and a new front office.

Michael Winger was installed as president of Monumental Basketball, while Will Dawkins replaced Tommy Sheppard as the Wizards' general manager.

At 37 years old, Dawkins is one of the youngest general managers in the NBA, spending 15 years in Oklahoma City and starting as an intern with the Thunder.

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The challenge now for Dawkins: retooling a franchise that has basically been stuck in no man's land for years.

7News sports anchor Scott Abraham sat down with Dawkins to discuss his first couple of months on the job.

Watch the full interview in the media player below:

"Before you can reshape, you have to assess. We made sure, Michael and I, took the time to assess everybody in the building, kind of what we did, what worked, what didn't work," Dawkins told Abraham. "Keep some of the best principles and things that we did at a high level. We went into the roster construction and the decision we had to make with a purpose on the future and that's towards sustainable success and building a team that's full of pride, full of joy, and that the fans can be proud of."

Dawkins and Winger worked side-by-side for several years in Oklahoma City. Winger left in 2017 to lead the LA Clippers.

As the pair reunite in Washington, they've already made big changes to the organization; most noticeably with the trade of Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis.

Dawkins and company said they don't want to rush things and they don't want to bottom out completely. They expect to be competitive and win games.

"I will say this, we're not into quick. We're into taking our time, being patient. We won't skip steps. We're going to do whatever it takes to get it right and get out of mediocrity," Dawkins said. "We firmly believe that's through player development, through building through the draft, building through free agency, however you do it, making sure those players are getting better while they are here ... we don't put a timeline on how long it's going to take, we just want to make sure we're going to get it right."

At its core, Washington D.C. is a basketball city. They love their hoops in the district, and fans desperately want to support a winner.

They might need a little more patience to see this thing through with the Wizards.

"We hear you. We understand. I think the ownership group realizes it as well and that's why they brought Michael and myself in and given us to give us the ability to create a plan that just isn't short term, but will be a long-term plan for sustained success," Dawkins said. "While we're doing it, enjoy the journey with us. You're going to have some fun, exciting players that you can get behind. There's going to be joy, there's going to be passion, there's going to be highlights, just good quality basketball and players just giving their all. It's a competitive group for sure."

The Wizards begin training camp on Tuesday, October 3rd. Their first preseason game is scheduled for Thursday, October 12th at home against the Charlotte Hornets.

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