WashingtonWizards.com talked with newly signed point guard A.J. Price in an exclusive 1-on-1 interview...
WW.com: How does it feel to join the Washington Wizards?
Price: It feels great! I’ve always been a fan of the organization, so it feels great to be a part of them. Hopefully I can do my best to contribute and help them win games next year.
WW.com:What role are you looking to play on this Wizards team next year?
Price: I want to do the same thing I’ve always done, which is bring leadership, bring toughness, and be a point guard that runs the team. I want to make sure everyone is playing to their capabilities and personally I just want to do my job.
WW.com: What are some of the strengths in your game that you are bringing to Washington?
Price: My leadership is my biggest strength, you can’t gameplan or scout what I do, my leadership is my biggest quality. When I’m with the second unit backing up John, having those guys playing as best as possible and continuing to push guys every day.
WW.com: How do you think gaining playoff experience last season has helped you and do you think that will rub off next season in Washington?
Price: It’s probably too early to say now but I think it will have a huge impact on my career. The last 2 years I’ve seen that’s what NBA basketball is all about, everyone is watching you. I’ve gotten greedy, that’s something I want to be a part of every year, so that’s something I want to come in and instill that to the young guys early.
WW.com: How familiar are you with the Wizards players & coaches and the system that is in place here?
Price: I know guys from being in the league, I’ve known Sam Cassell for a while. I had a great workout in Washington 3 years ago, that’s always stuck in my mind, so to come back now and to hear guys still talking about that makes me feel good and I’ll be comfortable coming in.
WW.com: What are your thoughts on John Wall?
Price: I think he’s a phenomenal talent, one of the best young players in the league, especially at the point guard position, so my hats off to him for doing as well as he’s done. I see myself being able to give him blows when he needs them, I can see myself playing with him, allow him to score more. I could see a lot of things happening with him. My job is going to be to push him every day in practice.
WW.com: How familiar are you with Washington DC? Anything particular you are looking forward to seeing or doing?
Price: I’m not too familiar with the city, I’m just excited to get down there embrace the community and let them know who I am not just as a player, but as a person. I’m eager to get out there and interact with the fans and in the city and try and get the buzz back.