Washington Wizards begin new season with annual Media Day

A new NBA season is here. That means the Washington Wizards return to the basketball court.

It's been a long and busy offseason for the team.

So far, Brian Keefe has been hired as the Wizards head coach, Deni Avdija was traded to Portland and three talented rookies joined the Washington roster. Jonas Valanciunas was also the team's big free-agent acquisition.

"This is the best team I've been around in terms of chemistry, camaraderie and character since I've been in Washington," Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma said.

This is year two of a rebuild under the front office leadership of Michael Winger and Will Dawkins. This franchise hasn't won 50 games in a season since 1979. That's also the last time they went to the NBA Finals.

Washington has a few veterans with championship experience on their roster. Kuzma and Jordan Poole, who might start the year as the Wizards starting point guard.

"I want him to go be himself this year," Wizards head coach Keefe said. "He's had a great career. I just wanted to remind him that's who he is."

Washington will open the new season at home on Thursday, Oct. 24 against the Boston Celtics.