Former OKC Coach Scott Brooks Says Focus Is On Wizards Players, Not Kevin Durant

The Washington Wizards can't promise hiring Scott Brooks as coach will lead to Kevin Durant signing as a free agent, but it doesn't hurt.

The former Oklahoma City Thunder coach side-stepped the topic of bringing Durant to Washington when he was introduced Wednesday. General manager Ernie Grunfeld said Brooks is in Washington to coach the current players.

That includes All-Star point guard John Wall, who Brooks says has "another level" to his game. Even if the Durant doesn't become a Wizard, Brooks' relationship with Wall and his teammates will be crucial to his success after late-season issues with his predecessor, Randy Wittman.

Owner Ted Leonsis says Brooks is a "players' coach in the new NBA." As the Wizards seek to be a free agent destination, Brooks is another selling point.