Dear Coach: Notes for Wes Unseld Jr. from a Washington Wizards fan

4. For the love of G-Wiz, move the ball

If you can convince players to move when the ball is not in their hands, you will achieve what was once believed impossible.

Now I’ll admit, I’m no basketball mastermind. I understand the pick-and-roll, pin downs, and other offensive emotions, but I couldn’t tell you how to make it sink in with the more stubborn players. But what I can tell you is this. The Wizards’ offense lacked some serious creativity, and it started with the lack of ball movement.

The Wizards averaged 267 passes per game in the regular season, good for fourth-worst in the league. Despite having the assists champion on their team, Russell Westbrook, they ranked a middling 13th in assists per game. But of course, the Wizards did not have the most potent weapons on their team, so what about potential assists per game? Surely they at least tried to get others involved?

They actually drop down a spot to 14th on that list. Not the worst, but also not very conducive to winning basketball.

This team lacks an offensive identity outside of “The backcourt is pretty good. Let’s roll with that,” so anything you come up with should be an improvement. Just come up with anything, really. Please.

5. Good luck, Wes Unseld Jr.

All this being said, I’m happy to welcome you to the Washington Wizards. We’re a broken bunch, but we mean well and can’t wait to see what you do with this roster. From Bradley Beal to the 15th overall pick in this year’s draft, the Wizards have plenty of potential. They just need a coach like you to bring it out of them.

Sincerely,
Assistant to the Coach,
Caleb Sarvis