Washington Wizards: Why it’s a critical year for Scott Brooks

Scott Brooks has a critical year ahead of him as he enters his third season as the Washington Wizards head coach.

Scott Brooks has been successful in his coaching tenure thus far. He began his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2008-2009 season when he was named interim head coach just 13 games into the season. On April 15, 2009, right before the teams last game, Brooks officially was named the head coach.

Under Brooks, the Thunder would rapidly grow into an NBA power. In his first full year, Brooks won Coach of the Year and had a record of 50-32. From there, he led the Thunder to three Western Conference finals in four years, including an NBA finals appearance in 2012.

In seven seasons with the Thunder, Brooks finished with a record of 338-207, producing a winning percentage of .620. He had a strong career with the Thunder, but was ultimately let go in 2015 as the Thunder organization wanted a culture change and headed in a different direction.

It wasn’t hard for Brooks to find work since he was largely responsible for the development of Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and James Harden. The Washington Wizards were the perfect fit for him with John Wall and Bradley Beal.

In his two years with the Wizards, Brooks’ record is 92-72, leaving his winning percentage at .561. His time in Washington has been good so far and last season would have turned out better if multiple injuries didn’t occur.

Despite all his success, this coming season will be pivotal for Brooks’ career. Now days, success is measure by what your team does in the playoffs. Yes, regular season accomplishments are great, but it’s the post season wins that really matter on the resume.

The perfect example of this is what happened last year with Dwane Casey and the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors had the best record in the East, but disappointed in the playoffs. Toronto, was thought by most, to finally be the team to take down Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Unfortunately, everyone was sorely mistaken.

The Raptors got swept. Casey was named coach of the year. Then, sadly, Casey was fired two days later. He was always great during the regular season, but had a playoff record of 21-30. That type of record doesn’t cut it for NBA coaches these days.

Brooks is currently 9-10 in the playoffs with the Wizards. Not bad, but obviously not great. With James gone, Washington has the chance to establish themselves as the next force in the Eastern Conference. Brooks has to cease this opportunity because it doesn’t come along often.

As of now the top 3 teams should be the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Wizards. Kawhi Leonard has to prove his worth once again before the Raptors can be considered in the conversation.

Brooks and the team can most certainly take the crown. The Wizards organization did a outstanding job this offseason in constructing the best roster that they’ve had in years.

No excuses can be made this season. Regardless if injuries occur, the team is deep enough to sustain and overcome those types of problems. It also allows Brooks and this coaching staff to have two solid units on the floor at all times.

With all the talent surrounding Brooks, it shouldn’t be difficult for him to bring the team together and take them to the next level. He’s far more superior at developing and mentoring players than other coaches in the league.

Reaching the NBA finals is a realistic goal for the Wizards. If Brooks can’t help the team take the next steps to succeed this season and at least advance to the Eastern Conference finals, then Ernie Grunfeld and the organization have every right to analyze a possible shake up.

It’s safe to say that Brooks feels a little bit of pressure himself. Hence, why he’s switching up the offense to play quicker and get more shots up. He understands what’s at stake and how expectations are being set extremely high for this year.

He’s got the perfect melting pot of veterans and young guns. If that locker room is all on the same page then the Wizards will be the most dangerous team in the East.

There is no reason why the Wizards should win less than 50 games and advance to the conference finals. Brooks has all the tools to succeed. Let’s hope he follows through.