BY: LUKE ASKEW, WIZARDS.COM

The Wizards 2022-23 Media Day is in the books. From All-Star Guard Bradley Beal to rookie Johnny Davis to big man Kristaps Porzingis, D.C. fans got to hear from nearly the entire roster. Players spoke about personal expectations, team goals, offseason workouts, team chemistry, their upcoming trip to Japan, and much more. 

Here are some of the best quotes from Wizards Media Day: 

Corey Kispert on his improved flexibility

Like most rookies, Corey Kispert experienced the ups and downs of a first year in the NBA. He struggled from deep to start the year, but got more comfortable as the season progressed, ultimately finishing the season at 39.4 percent from 3-point range in March and April.

After the season, he made it known that improving his flexibility would be a focal point for the offseason, and at Media Day, he talked about the progress that he’s made in that area. 

“It went great,” Kispert said. “It wasn’t just me stretching in my apartment back home for 20 minutes before I went to bed. It was everything – a conscious effort from how I warmed up to the weight room. It was definitely a high priority, so I feel really good about that.” 

Despite improved flexibility, Kispert knows he has to temper his expectations in that area.

“You can’t turn into Gumby overnight, so it’s still a work in progress for sure.” 

Bradley Beal on pressure and leadership:

There’s a ton of pressure that comes with being “the guy” on an NBA team. When asked about pressure, Beal took a moment to provide an incredibly thoughtful answer.

“I feel like pressure is what you make it as an individual,” said Beal. “For me, I just focus and understand that, yeah, I am in this position. I am the leader of the team. Win, lose, or draw, it’ll be my fault. Sure will. I’m okay with that. I’ve learned to accept that, and I’m confident in that. I’d rather you guys blamed me than blamed anybody in that locker room.”

Kristaps Porzingis on being doubted 

Entering his first full season as a member of the Wizards, Kristaps Porzingis feels confident in the team. And as for how it compares to the rest of the talent in the Eastern Conference, being an underdog is something he enjoys.

Porzingis was asked if he takes it personally that some experts overlook the Wizards.

He responded, “Honestly, I like it…I enjoy being in that position. I like being doubted. And I think we’re in for a good year.” 

Kyle Kuzma on his on-court abilities 

After a few years playing in L.A. next to LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma took a huge step forward in his first season with the Wizards. He averaged over 17.0 points per game, put up career highs in rebounds and assists, and showed tremendous improvements on the defensive end of the court. 

If the Wizards want to reach their ceiling as a team for the 2022-23 season, they’ll need all of that and more from Kuzma. The good news is he’s not lacking in confidence that he can deliver. 

“I believe that on a basketball court, I can do everything,” said Kuzma. “For me, I think the next step is elevating others. I’ve seen it best from LeBron James. He made me better, but he also made 1-17 better. If you’re on the court with him, you’re going to get easy looks.” 

Daniel Gafford on the upcoming trip to Japan 

The Wizards are going to be heading to Japan soon to play two preseason games overseas. This is an opportunity for the team to spread the NBA game across borders and also have new experiences. But a trip to Japan means a long flight, and if you’re wondering what’s on Daniel Gafford’s must-have for long flights, it’s a simple list: a neck pillow and his Nintendo Switch. 

The flight will be about 14 hours, and Gafford said his goal is to sleep for at least half of the flight. But he did issue a subtle warning for those on the plane just in case he gets a little antsy.

“If I can’t [sleep], then I’m probably going to be messing with somebody on the plane. Ain’t no telling.” 

Delon Wright taking a subtle jab at Kyle Kuzma 

During Kuzma’s media availability, he mentioned that he played about six or seven minutes per game during his freshman year of college when he was teammates with Delon Wright. A reporter asked Delon about his impressions of Kuzma during those six to seven minutes per game. 

Delon responded with a nice smile, “If that. I don’t even know if he played that many minutes.” 

Johnny Davis on becoming a father 

2022 lottery pick Johnny Davis has had a few big changes in his life recently. He got drafted 10th overall by the Wizards in the 2022 NBA Draft, had to move out to the East Coast, and is now adjusting to life in the NBA. None of those can compare to his biggest change, though: becoming a father. 

A reporter asked Davis what fatherhood has been like.

“It’s a lot more difficult than the transition coming into the NBA,” Davis joked. “It’s really great – knowing I can just come home and see my baby every day.”

If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page.

NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLC’s Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network