Wes Unseld Jr. out as Wizards head coach, team names Brian Keefe interim HC
For the second time in less than a week, we have a head coaching change in the NBA! The Washington Wizards have elected to transfer head coach Wes Unseld Jr. to a front-office role with the organization, as it will promote Brian Keefe to an interim head coach for the foreseeable future, the team announced Thursday.
“After several thoughtful conversations with Wes, we determined together that a change was needed for the benefit of the team,” Michael Winger, the team president, said via press release Thursday. “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 Wizards are currently 7-36, currently 2.5 games ahead of the lowly Detroit Pistons, who underwent an NBA-record 28-game losing record with a league-worst 5-39 record, in the Eastern Conference standings.
Unseld was in his third season as the Wizards’ head coach, going 35-47 in each of his previous two seasons. He previously spent time as an assistant of the Wizards for six seasons (2005-11), Golden State Warriors (one season; 2011-12), Orlando Magic (three seasons; 2012-15) and Denver Nuggets (six seasons; 2015-21).
“I am grateful to have served as head coach of the Washington Wizards,” Unseld said via release. “I look forward to this new opportunity to work toward our organization’s continued progress.”
This year was Keefe’s first year working under Unseld as an assistant, spending his two previous two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets. He’s also spent time as an NBA assistant with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks after spending two seasons as a video coordinator for the Spurs (2005-07).
Keefe, who also five combined seasons as a college assistant from 2000-05, has never been a head coach at any level of his coaching career.
The Wizards are likely going to part with multiple pieces ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline, which is exactly two weeks away. So Keefe’s team will likely look completely different in the coming weeks, which could open room for playing time for various players.
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This is a breaking news story. Stay tuned for updates.
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