Washington Wizards: 6 early replacement ideas for team president Ernie Grunfeld

Milt Newton

Now with the Eastern Conference-leading Milwaukee Bucks, Milt Newton spent a decade with the Washington Wizards’ front office (2003-13). While in Washington, Newton worked his way up to vice president of player personnel before leaving to become the GM of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

While a few years of GM experience is certainly a plus, the Timberwolves never had a winning record while Newton was in charge. That’s not exactly the proven, winning record that Leonsis is looking for in the team’s next president.

But, now in Milwaukee, the Bucks’ ascent to the top of the conference behind probable-MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo could make people forget about Newton’s Minnesota woes. If so, Newton might be dropping that “assistant” in assistant GM before we know it.

Marc Eversley

Like Newton, Marc Eversley has a history with the the Washington Wizards that could help land him a GM job. Before becoming the Philadelphia 76ers vice president of player personnel, Eversley held the same position with the Wizards for three years. He’s also worked as assistant GM for the Toronto Raptors, so front office experience certainly isn’t an issue.

After Bryan Colangelo resigned as president of the 76ers in 2018, Eversley interviewed for the job as a possible internal promotion. It ultimately went to Elton Brand who was hired less than two years after the former power forward retired from the NBA.

Eversley was also considered for the Charlotte Hornets job before the team decided to go with Mitch Kupchak.