The 2023-24 season has been a disappointment for the Washington Wizards but it’s been around what was expected. In our season preview for the Wizards, we had them around the 20-win mark by the end of the season. Under Wes Unseld as head coach, the Wizards have won seven games (7-36). On Thursday morning, it was announced that they would move Unseld to the front office and named Brian Keefe the interim HC. Jeff Zilgit of USA TODAY Sports was the first to report the news.
The expectation is that they will conduct a full coaching search at the end of the season. As they look to find a coach with an extensive player development track record.
“After several thoughtful conversations with Wes, we determined together that a change was needed for the benefit of the team,” Wizards President Michael Winger stated. “Wes embodies the characteristics we value in our organization, and his vast basketball experience will be an asset to the front office as we progress toward our long-term goals. We are thankful that he will continue his contributions to our organization and community.”
The offseason marked a change in direction for the Wizards. In prior seasons, they were on the verge of competing with the offense led by Bradley Beal. However, some changes were made in the front office and they decided it would be best to undergo a full rebuild.
The Wizards hired Unseld in 2021 when he was a top assistant for Mike Malone in Denver. Since his hire, the Wizards have gone 77-130. This season the Wizards have struggled defensively, ranking 29th in the NBA.
For at least the rest of the 2023-24 campaign, the Wizards are promoting top assistant Brian Keefe as the interim head coach. Keefe had spent some time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets prior to joining the Wizards.
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