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Wizards' Brooks avoids question about Durant

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Wizards formally introduced new head coach Scott Brooks on Wednesday, and it didn't take long for one reporter to ask him whether he and the organization intended on going after free agent-to-be and D.C. native Kevin Durant this summer.

"I understand the question but I'm excited by the group of guys we have," Brooks said in response, clearly mindful that courting an opposing player by name could constitute tampering charges by the NBA.

In introducing Brooks, who signed a reported five-year contract worth $35 million, Wizards owner Ted Leonsis urged media to avoid peripheral questions, such as Durant.

"We'd like this to be the Scott show," Leonsis instructed, sitting on the podium next to Brooks and longtime general manager Ernie Grunfeld.

"I'm excited about the roster, I'm excited about Ted's leadership," Brooks said, citing the Wizards' "dynamic backcourt" of John Wall and Bradley Beal.

Outside of the assumption many are making that the Wizards hired Brooks as part of an attempt to lure Durant back home this summer, the 50-year-old former Oklahoma City Thunder bench boss has been lauded in his career as an excellent player development coach, even if he's been criticized as a play-caller.

That's something that could benefit both Beal, who has missed 46 games over the past two seasons, and Wall, the three-time All-Star point guard.

"John Wall has another level, maybe two or three more (to reach)," Brooks said. "Not just on the basketball court but in terms of leadership."

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