Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards 2016 Offseason Plans Power Rankings

By Charlie Gibson

Apr 26, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (L) celebrates with Wizards owner Ted Leonsis (R) celebrate on the bench in the final seconds of the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 125-94, and won the series 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (L) celebrates with Wizards owner Ted Leonsis (R) celebrate on the bench in the final seconds of the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 125-94, and won the series 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks reacts to a play against the Washington Wizards during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

4: Scott Brooks

The pressure comes later for Scottie.

Right now he should be enjoying his new contract. He’s been meeting with players, still has to fill out his coaching staff (welcome Tony Brown), and will be a part of free agent pitches.

That pales in comparison to how busy he’ll be once the season starts. So enjoy it while it lasts, because the Wizards have not had many coaches with long-term positive approval ratings.

Jun 28, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld speaks to the media during a press conference to introduce Otto Porter Jr. at Verizon Center. Porter was selected with the third pick of the first round in the 2013 NBA Draft. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports /

3: Ernie Grunfeld

Why is Ernie ranked this high? Because the books are finally clean.

Last year the Washington Wizards paid $13 million to Nene and $19 million to Jared Dudley, Alan Anderson, Drew Gooden, Gary Neal, and Martell Webster.

Now Grunfeld has money to spend and a mandate to wheel and deal. The NBA off-season is the GM’s regular season, and I think Ernie loves it.

Ernie has the longest to-list in the organization: negotiate with Beal, fill 10 roster spots, bring over Tomas Satoransky, offer Otto an extension, and add another significant piece to the team.

The Wizards have space because Grunfeld has been signing short-term contracts for two years, and now he faces huge pressure to validate those moves.

He’s made free agent splashes in the past with Paul Pierce and Gilbert Arenas, and he has at least shown a good ability to gauge player value.

Next: Rankings 2-1

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