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5 best head coaching destinations for Luke Walton

By John Buhler

Jan 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors interim head coach Luke Walton argues a call during the first quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors interim head coach Luke Walton argues a call during the first quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 4, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrates with Wizards guard John Wall (2) and Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) after making the game-winning basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the final second of the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 102-99. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrates with Wizards guard John Wall (2) and Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) after making the game-winning basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the final second of the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 102-99. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

142. . East. Southeast. Washington Wizards. 3. player

If Walton were to leave the Warriors to become an NBA head coach next season, the best spot for him to go is probably with the Washington Wizards of the Eastern Conference. While former Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks is probably the best fit for the Wizards in 2016-17, Walton should too be a finalist for the Wizards job if he wants to meet with ownership in D.C.

Walton would get three very talented players in point guard John Wall, shooting guard Bradley Beal, and power forward Marcin Gortat if he were to become the next head coach of the Wizards replacing Randy Wittman. He would also get young players like Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre to mold and shape into solid role players for the Wizards.

Besides having one of the best point guards in the East on his roster in Wall, perhaps the best thing that Washington has to offer is that the Wizards play in the Eastern Conference. While the Wizards finished in 10th place in the East in 2015-16 and missed the NBA Playoffs, Walton could easily get Washington back into the NBA Playoffs in 2016-17.

The three biggest questions Walton has to ask about the Wizards job are as follows: 1.) Will Beal return/be healthy in 2016-17? 2.) Will he want to work with general manager Ernie Grunfeld who will be on the last year of his contract? 3.) Is he ready for the media onslaught that comes from coaching in the Nation’s Capital?

Walton is qualified to be the next head coach of the Wizards, but Brooks is probably more prepared for the job than is Walton entering the 2016-17 NBA season. That being said, this is the best landing spot for Walton this summer should he choose to leave Golden State to become an NBA head coach.

Next: 2. New Orleans Pelicans

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