Wizards owner consulted Barack Obama on franchise changes

Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis has aggressively tried to reshape the organizational culture this offseason, and one of those he consulted is an unlikely name.

According to Candace Buckner of the Washington Post, Leonsis spoke to President Barack Obama about the state of the Wizards. Obama, an avowed NBA fan, reportedly spoke to Leonsis regularly about the state of the NBA, and Leonsis opted to get his input on organizational matters.

According to the report, Obama spoke with Leonsis about building a positive culture in the organization, as well as the “beauty of the game, teamwork, [and] sacrifice” in their late-April conversation. Obama also advised Leonsis to invest in amateur scouting in Africa.

Leonsis has made it quite clear that he wants to become more involved in team operations. Apparently talking to President Obama is all part of the process.