Washington Wizards: 5 Head Coach Candidates In 2016
Washington Wizards: 5 Head Coaching Candidates
With 11 games remaining this season, the Washington Wizards are currently one game below .500 with a chance to sneak into the NBA Playoffs with a low seed.
Even if the Wizards make the playoffs, Randy Wittman‘s job as head coach is still on the line. Wittman has been a solid coach for the Wizards – leading them to two straight playoff appearances and winning in the first rounds in each of those years.
Even with his recent success, the team’s struggles this season has fans questioning his job security. Unless the Wizards win-out, it will be nearly impossible to match last year’s record – meaning, the team got worse.
This season has been an up-and-down one for Wittman with countless injuries and the team adjusting to the new “pace and space” style. Fans have been asking for Wittman’s removal for years and his tenure is coming to a end.
If Wittman leaves after this season, here are five coaches they could potentially consider.
1. Becky Hammon, San Antonio Spurs Assistant Coach
Becky Hammon is one of the most intriguing faces in the NBA today. As a former All-Star point guard in the WNBA, Hammon always aspired to be a coach in the league. She attended meetings in San Antonio, practices, games and often gave her own opinions about the team.
Last season, she became the first female to be a full-time assistant in the league’s history. During this summer, Hammon coached the Spurs to an NBA Summer League championship in Las Vegas, becoming the first female to do so.
Hammon already has an accomplished resume in her books and has many NBA teams on her radar. Even though she has two years under her belt and many folks still questioning her being a good coach, Washington should call her for an interview this summer.
2. Mike D’Antoni, Philadelphia 76ers Assistant Coach
Mike D’Antoni should be on top of the Washington Wizards’ radar this off-season.
In his 13 years in the NBA, he won the Coach of the Year award, took the Phoenix Suns to two straight Western Conference Finals appearances and every team he’s been with clinched a postseason berth.
D’Antoni also is a point guard guru.
He helped Steve Nash to two MVP awards and made Raymond Felton and Jeremy Lin quality guards in New York.
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Heck, Kendall Marshall averaged the most assists in the NBA under D’Antoni in Los Angeles.
Coincidence?
Probably not.
Even after the dumpster fire that happened in Los Angeles, he still found a job as an assistant with Brett Brown’s staff.
The Sixers have been adding more experience to their coaching staff and management, and D’Antoni was a part of that.
D’Antoni would be a great hire for Washington because he has experience coaching fast-paced teams.
Who better to coach the fastest point guard in the NBA than an expert in exactly that? Ish Smith went from being a third string point guard to a starter in Philadelphia. Wall is basically a superman version of Smith.
3. Scott Brooks
Scott Brooks has accomplished a lot in his coaching career. He went to the playoffs in five straight seasons, received the Coach of the Year honor, won four straight Northwest Division titles and appeared in the NBA Finals with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Even with the success that he had, OKC still fired him after missing the playoffs last season.
This would be an interesting hire because if the Wizards hire Brooks, he can play a role in the Kevin Durant Sweepstakes this off-season. Even with the fallout that happened in OKC, Brooks is still a top candidate for Washington.
4. Luke Walton, Golden State Warriors Assistant Coach
After his playing career was over, Luke Walton went on to coach at the collegiate level and the NBA D-League before landing a job with Steve Kerr‘s staff in Golden State.
This season, Walton became the interim head coach due to Kerr’s health issues and led the Warriors to a 39-4 start – the best start in NBA history.
Many critics can say Walton didn’t even”technically’ win those games, but Walton showed that he can have success with a winning team. Walton is still young and will relate to the locker room, which is something the recycled coaches struggle with.
5. Sam Cassell, Los Angeles Clippers Assistant Coach
If the Washington Wizards want to go back,, they might ask Sam Cassell to be the new head coach. After playing 15 years in the NBA, Cassell landed his first coaching gig as an assistant for Flip Saunders’ staff.
Cassell helped develop John Wall during his earlier years. After five years in D.C, Cassell joined Doc Rivers‘ staff and has been there since.
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Ted Leonsis likes to have familiar faces and Cassell would fit that description. His familiarity with the team and roster helps, too.