Wiz of Awes
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Michael Longabardi Will Improve the Washington Wizards Defense

By Matt Levin

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 9: The dc RISING logo is seen before the game between the Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards on February 9, 2015 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 9: The dc RISING logo is seen before the game between the Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards on February 9, 2015 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Defense was one of the biggest problems for the Washington Wizards last season. By hiring Michael Longabardi, the Wizards seek to correct the problem.

The Wizards have hired Michael Longabardi as an assistant coach per Chase Hughes of NBC Washington. Longabardi has been praised for his defensive coaching skills, something the Wizards need much help with.

The Wizards struggled mightily defensively last season. They relied too much on their offense and simply hoped that they could outscore their opponents.

The Wizards were the fourth worst defensive team in the league last season with a defensive rating of 112.9. They were also the third worst team in defensive rebounding, allowing their opponents to get an offensive rebound 29.4 percent of the time. The Wizards also gave up the second most points in the paint, giving up 52.1 points in the paint per game. Finally, the Wizards ranked in the bottom ten in blocks, opponent points off turnovers, and opponent second chance points.

With the current Wizards roster, things do not look like they will get much better defensively for the Wizards next season. Their players who could make an impact on defense last season, John Wall, Trevor Ariza, Kelly Oubre, and Dwight Howard, are all gone or injured. Much of the Wizards roster is young and new to the NBA. Also, the addition of Isaiah Thomas does not help the problem at all because he is undersized and known for his horrible defense.

The Wizards desperately need to find a way to improve their defense for next season, or at least set it in the right direction. They hope that the addition of Michael Longabardi to Scott Brooks‘ coaching staff will help solve the problem.

Longabardi began his NBA career in 2003 when he joined the Rockets as a video coordinator, working under Jeff Van Gundy. In 2007, he was hired as an assistant coach by the Boston Celtics, serving under Doc Rivers. The Celtics would win the NBA championship in his first year in Boston. In 2013, Longabardi joined Jeff Hornacek‘s staff on the Phoenix Suns. In his first year in Phoenix, the Suns improved their record from the previous season by 23 wins.

Most recently, Longabardi was hired by Tyronn Lue and the Cavaliers in 2016 after the firing of David Blatt. The Cavs would become NBA Champions during his first year in Cleveland and went to three straight NBA Finals appearances.

Longabardi is a renowned defensive specialist. When he played basketball at Newberry College, he even earned the nickname “Mr. Defense.”

Michael Longabardi has brought success to every team he has been a part of. He has worked under multiple great head coaches and has 16 years of experience. This hiring was a sign of culture change in Tommy Sheppard’s Washington Wizards and a good sign for things to come.

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