The 4 Nations Face-Off was a huge success for hockey, made even bigger by the NBA being in their All-Star Break so the floor was all theirs – and it also helped showcase how, in some opinions, the NBA has lost the plot of their All-Star festivities.
As the Wizards prep to get back on the hardwood Friday night, head coach Brian Keefe joined his good luck charms The Junkies (who will be represented in the building by JP and Cakes for the game) – and he wasn’t sure how the NBA could capitalize on a similar idea for their events.
“I was aware of it but did not see the finals, the Bucks played last night and we play them tonight, so I was watching that game, but I grew up in the Northeast so I am a hockey fan,” Keefe said. “But that’s a great question. I know we’re trying a bunch of different things in the last few years with the All-Star Game – some people said maybe the World vs. the US, so maybe that’s something interesting, but I'm not sure what the answer to that is.”
When the Wiz do return tonight, they’ll be seeing old friend Kyle Kuzma, who was traded to Milwaukee earlier this month, and is someone Keefe has known for a long time.
“I have a long relationship with him. I coached him when he was drafted with the Lakers, so I've known him for a very long time, and it was fun for me because I got to see him as a young person coming into the league and then saw his game develop into what he turned into here as a pretty high performer for us,” Keefe said. “But he also did a lot of stuff off the court, in the community. I have a deep personal connection with him just because of knowing him so long, so he will be missed. It was a joy to coach him, and I wish him well…but not too well tonight.”
Khris Middleton came back from the Bucks in that deal, although neither he nor fellow acquisition Marcus Smart will be on the court tonight - with Keefe only saying ‘we’ll see them soon.’
“I can't reveal quite yet all of that, but soon, but they've been great. Really have enjoyed getting to know them in the short time that they've been with us, and these are guys who are really accomplished in the league,” Keefe said. “Really looking forward to building relationships with them and integrating them into the things that we're doing, but they've been really terrific so far, working hard, fitting in with their teammates, so we're excited to have them. One thing I know about both these guys is they're really high character guys; it’s always a shock when you get traded mid-season, but the energy they’ve brought in here, they're workers and love the game, so they fit in with the guys that we already have. They're very similar in terms of their makeup and what they're about. They’ll take a little bit of time, but I think they're excited to be here, and press forward and finish off the year well.”
Take a listen to Keefe’s entire visit above, as he also talks about the team’s philosophy down the stretch, some thoughts on a couple individual players, and more!