Spencer Dinwiddie reflects on time he was labeled a locker-room cancer the Wizards

On a high note, the Wizards began the 2021-22 season 10-3. Unfortunately, the early success was short-lived, and the team's performance took a nosedive before the calendar year ended. The guard's views and approach to the team's shortcomings reportedly didn't sit well with everyone in the locker room.

"I've just been on little spunky teams that made sixth seeds and stuff like that. we're better than them, we're way better than them," Dinwiddie said. "There's no reason we should be here, and I'm thinking because you just paid me, that I'm allowed to kind of voice that, and it got turned into, 'Everything needs to be about him, and cancer… and I was like, anybody that's ever been around me, it's never been like that, and that was another welcome to the NBA kind of mind [expletive] moment."

It didn't mix well

When the Colorado product arrived in D.C., the team had high hopes. The roster featured players like Bradley Beal, a perennial All-Star, and other talented contributors. Expectations were mounting, and Spencer believed his experience with competitive teams could translate to success. His role in Washington was clear: to help lead the team to success. With his salary and skill set, he was expected to be a key contributor.

"I'm like, 'Y'all just paid me to come in here and basically figure out how to kind of help Brad win; the type of money that you gave me means that I'm probably a third guy, which is a very important piece on a team… We've got talent everywhere throughout; why are we so bad?" the former Wizard guard said.

The Wizards had talent on their roster, but the chemistry never clicked. Despite having other players like Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell, the team struggled to win games consistently. By midseason, it was evident that Dinwiddie's presence wasn't enough to change the team's trajectory.

His brief stint in Washington ended on February 10, 2022, when he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. While his time with the Capital was disappointing, his reflections highlight players' challenges and mindset when expectations clash with reality.