Washington Wizards: Kristi Toliver hired as Assistant Coach

WNBA All-Star Kristi Toliver was hired by the Washington Wizards as an Assistant Coach.

Kristi Toliver has been hired by the Washington Wizards as an assistant coach of player development. Toliver played for the Washington Mystics and led them to the WNBA finals this past season.

Here’s what Scott Brooks had to say about the recent new hire.

Just a reminder, Toliver worked as an assistant with the Wizards summer league team and during training camp. Toliver is a 10-year WNBA veteran who averaged 13.9 points along with 4.4. assists last season as she received her second All-Star selection. According to Zach Rosen of the Wizards’ official site, Toliver will be specializing in helping with the team’s ball-handling, which is the perfect fit for her.

This is a fantastic move by the Wizards. Becky Hammon has done a phenomenal job at leading the charge on breaking the barrier for female coaches with the San Antonio Spurs. Expect Hammon to land a head coaching job very soon as she almost did this off-season with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Toliver brings a different perspective and element to the team. She’s an experience basketball player who will go down as one of the best female guards to play the game.

The interesting aspect is that she hasn’t retired for the WNBA yet. She’s still an active member of the Mystics. The WNBA season doesn’t start till next summer, which will give her ample time deciding if she wants resume her playing career.

Having a successful run to the finals this past season and Toliver being only 31 years of age, indicates that she still will continue her WNBA career. A bright future is ahead for new assistant head coach and I’m eager to see how she does for the Wizards this season.

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