Juan Soto was asked what lessons he can take from the 2019 Washington Nationals, who started 19-31 and won the World Series
"I learned most of the things I know right now on that team"
As for the specifics?
"Those are my secrets. I can't share it"
The Wizards haven’t won 50 games in a season since 1978-79
They haven’t played in a conference finals game since 1978-79 (longest drought in American sports)
They have exactly 50 wins in their last 250 games (3+ seasons)
They have the worst win % in the NBA from 2000-2026, 2010-2026 and 2020-2026
They were 1 lottery ball away from Zion, Wemby & Flagg
Gilbert Arenas pulled out a Glock in the locker room on Christmas Eve
Instead of signing Kevin Durant in 2016 they signed Ian Mahinmi
John Wall slipped in his bathtub and shattered his Achilles right after signing a $250 million supermax and never played another game with the team
They drafted Kwame Brown
They drafted Jan Vesely over Kawhi. Vesely retired with more fouls than points
They wanted Steph Curry but traded the 5th pick in 09 for Randy Foye instead
They officially have the worst record in the NBA again and if Adam Silver gives this team the 5th pick there will be legitimate riots in DC
THE SPIRIT OF OPENING DAY
Today you’ll dig in the closet for your glove and snap a ball into it while sipping your morning coffee.
Today you’ll drive to work and admonish yourself to “keep your head down” and your eye on the road.
Today your team will be in first and planning to stay there.
Today you’ll wonder about developing and selling tobacco-flavored toothpaste, as you spit into the sink.
Today you’ll still be able to turn the double play.
Today you’ll end your contract holdout.
Today you won’t lose a business deal in the sun.
Today you’ll find yourself rotating your arm around your head to stretch the shoulder and keep it loose.
Today sunflower seeds strangely find their way into your back pocket.
Today you’ll think of wearing a black suit to match the eye black.
Today you’ll have the steal sign.
Today you slip up in a meeting and mention “our sales team vs. lefties.”
Today as the toast comes out of the toaster, you’ll still remember how to execute a perfect “pop-up” slide.
Today a hot dog and peanuts for lunch will sound about right.
Today you tell a co-worker to “get loose.”
Today the only strike you’ll know about is above the knees and below the armpits.
Today you’ll wear your jacket only on your pitching arm.
Today you’ll buy two packs of gum and stuff them in the side of your mouth to look like a player.
Today, during lunch, you’ll wonder why Coke doesn’t come in a wood can.
Today you’ll scratch yourself and spit for no apparent reason.
Today you’ll wonder why stirrup socks never caught on as a fashion rage.
Today you’ll be the rookie looking to make it big.
Today you’ll be the wily vet with just a little something left.
Today you’ll look for the AM dial on your radio.
Today mom’s watching.
Today dad’s in the backyard with his glove.
Today will be hopeful.
Today it’ll still be a kids’ game.
Today you’ll be a kid.
Today is Opening Day.
April 9, 2023: The box score from the Wizards season ending loss to the Rockets
The very last game Washington played before hiring Will Dawkins and Michael Winger to kickstart the rebuild in DC
Insane what can change in just 3 years 🤯
stats via @bball_ref
Washington Wizards rooting guide for their 2026 draft picks.
1. Wizards lose as many games as possible to get the best odds on their pick (top 8 protected)
1B. Suns miss the playoffs and can potentially swap picks with Wizards if they get a better pick.
“Free Beal” in 2022: A lighthearted taunt from Suns fans who thought the Wizards were squandering Brad’s talent.
“Free Beal” in 2025: A bloodcurdling plea from Suns fans that are trapped under the tyranny of Brad & his NTC. The screams of agony are met with a chorus of laughter.