The Washington Wizards star John Wall gave his thoughts on the trades involving LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard, as well as the NBA London Game in January.
Q: What are your expectations for the team this season and do you think you can challenge for the Eastern Conference?
A: My expectation is just to go out there and compete, not set any goals for ourselves. Just play the right way. Win games. Take on the full responsibility of that. Yeah, I feel like we can compete for the Eastern Conference.
What did you make of the offseason moves that sent Kawhi Leonard to Toronto and LeBron James to LA?
I think it’s all interesting. DeMar [DeRozan] going to the Spurs is going to be big for them. Kawhi coming to the Raptors is going to make them a tough team also. And, LeBron going to the Lakers makes them a powerhouse team. It’s a team that didn’t make the playoffs last year but is definitely going to make the playoffs because you know what he’s done the last eight years he’s been in the East. I think it’s going to be more challenging in the West. I think there’s still going to be some more trades that happen.
Are you happy LeBron has moved to the Western Conference?
To me, doesn’t matter. I love to compete. I’m mad I didn’t get the opportunity to play him and try to fight for an Eastern Conference championship because he’s been so dominant the last eight years being over here. But, I think it opened things up. There’s a lot of talented teams on this side.
How excited are you about traveling to London to play in front of a British crowd and in a different country?
It’s great. Fun for me. We went to Brazil and played before, so that was exciting. I’ve never been to London, so I think it’s going to be a great atmosphere for me the first time to be there, plus play a basketball game, so I think it’s going to be fun and exciting.
How do you assess the Knicks?
They’re a talented team. They’ve got some pieces they’re trying to add. Not having [Kristaps] Porzingis there is a different schedule for them. But, they have a lot of talented young guys. Have one of my good friends Trey Burke, over there [who] is talented. Tim Hardaway Jr., those guys. I think they’re a team that’s going to be flying under the radar, but is still going to compete hard and play hard because coach [David] Fizdale’s doing a heck of a job.
What would you say to any fan thinking about getting tickets?
Well, if you want to see a show, you want to see the D.C. family come down there and tear it up, get some tickets and enjoy watching us play.
Tickets for the NBA London Game 2019 will go on general sale Friday, Oct. 19 at 9am (BST) at www.axs.com/nbalondon.
