John Wall talked with Howard through ‘whole process’

John Wall is well aware of the reputation that Dwight Howard carries in NBA circles.

Howard, who signed with the Wizards last week, has been called difficult, immature, among other things. The 32-year-old is now on his fourth team in four seasons, or fifth including a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets.

The Wizards’ star point guard has heard all of that. But when he was searching for players to join the Wizards this summer, Howard’s reputation didn’t stop Wall from reaching out.

“I talked to him throughout the whole process,” Wall said Sunday at Nationals Park. “It’s kind of how it got done.”

After a disappointing 2017-18 season, Wall said he was pleased with the Wizards offseason moves. Washington’s decision to bring in Howard was controversial, but Wall was quick to bring up Howard’s production last year.

“He averaged a double-double, 16 and 12, so if he can do that for us, that’s fine for me,” Wall said. “Get somebody down there who can block shots, catch lobs, do the little things. Everybody says he has all these other problems that he can deal with.

“But as long as he’s helping our team win, doing the right thing and play the right way, I’m fine with it all.”

Wall, of course, openly pleaded for the Wizards to add an “athletic big” in his season-ending exit interview, following the Wizards’ first-round elimination in six games to the Toronto Raptors. He wanted someone who would fit in with the modern game — a center who could run the floor, set hard screens and roll to the basket.

Though Howard’s possessions still primarily came from posting up last season, he is an upgrade from previous starter Marcin Gortat in terms of being able to protect the rim and score in the pick and roll. Washington traded Gortat in June to the Clippers for guard Austin Rivers.

It was ultimately management’s decision to sign Howard, but the NBA has changed in how players decide where to go in free agency.

Players now recruit one another behind the scenes — like when Warriors forward Draymond Green sat in his car and called pending free agent Kevin Durant after the Warriors lost in Game 7 of the 2016 finals, according to ESPN.

Wall played his part. Besides talking with Howard, he also recruited Jeff Green, who signed a one-year deal with the Wizards.

Wall said the additions give the Wizards a “veteran presence.”

How far will that take them? In the East, Boston and Philadelphia are the clear favorites to win the conference. Toronto, now that they have acquired star Kawhi Leonard, could be a contender to reach the finals, as well.

But the Wizards see an opening with LeBron James joining the Los Angeles Lakers out west.

“If everybody stays healthy, we’ve got an opportunity to do something special,” Wall said. “We’ve just gotta stay healthy and play together as a unit.”