Wizards hone in on Wes Unseld Jr. as next head coach
The Washington Wizards have found their next head coach, as they are preparing to hire Denver Nuggets assistant Wes Unseld Jr.
The Washington Wizards had a rollercoaster year last season. After starting slow and dealing with a coronavirus outbreak, Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal carried the team to the play-in tournament and then the playoffs.
However, their spirited finished didn’t help head coach Scott Brooks’ contract situation. His deal expired after 2020-21, and both sides agreed to part ways after they couldn’t agree on a new deal.
After weeks of interviews and searching for Brooks’ replacement, the Wizards have found their man. They are bringing in an assistant coach who has a special connection to Washington, thanks to his late father.
Wizards are offering Wes Unseld Jr. the franchise’s head coaching job
The Wizards are honing in on Denver Nuggets assistant Wes Unseld Jr. as the team’s next head coach, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The sides are expected to begin contract talks tomorrow, with an agreement coming soon after, according to Woj. Unseld has considerable coaching experience, working as an assistant for the Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic and Nuggets.
The Washington Wizards are offering Denver Nuggets assistant Wes Unseld, Jr., the franchise’s head coaching job and sides are beginning contract talks soon expected to result in his hiring, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 16, 2021
Wes Jr. also has family ties to the Wizards organization. His late father, Wes Unseld, played for Washington from 1973 (when they were the Capital Bullets) to 1981. He helped the team win its first and only championship during the 1977-78 season. He also became a head coach and general manager for Washington after his playing career. Unseld Sr. was a five-time All-Star, league MVP and Hall-of-Famer. He even had his son coach with him as an assistant for Washington.
A deal will tie together a remarkable homecoming: Unseld’s late father, Wes Unseld, is the most important figure in franchise history -- a Hall of Fame player, coach and executive with Washington. https://t.co/grv6BRHPvp
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 16, 2021
Although the family reunion of sorts is nice, the job of turning around this Wizards team will be tough. They have two superstars in Beal and Westbrook but not much else. With both having player options for the 2022-23 season, Unseld needs to make an immediate impact. Keeping both stars happy and developing their young talent will be the key to success in his return to Washington.
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