The Washington Wizards’ search for a new assistant coach under Wes Unseld Jr is over. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that the Wizards are hiring Brian Keefe who was with the Brooklyn Nets the past two seasons. A long-time assistant coach, Keefe brings valuable experience to the Wizards bench.
The Washington Wizards are hiring Brian Keefe as an assistant coach, sources tell ESPN. Keefe, who spent the past two seasons on the Nets’ staff, also interviewed for the Pistons’ head coaching job this spring.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 15, 2023
Brian Keefe is no stranger to working with the Wizards team president Michael Winger and GM Will Dawkins as he spent between 2007 and 2015 and the 2019-20 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. After stints with the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers, Keefe was most recently with the Brooklyn Nets before signing with Washington.
Keefe is known in the NBA world as “Kevin Durant’s guy.” Having known him since Durant’s rookie season, Keefe is credited for teaching KD “everything he knows.” It’s hard to find a stronger stamp of approval for a coach than one from Kevin Durant. What Keefe did for Durant and his work ethic and professionalism can be an excellent blueprint for the young Wizards.
After working with Durant with the OKC Thunder for eight seasons, the New York Knicks hired Keefe with the hopes of attracting KD. That attempt failed but Keefe and Durant’s paths crossed again when the Brooklyn Nets brought him in to join Steve Nash’s staff.
Not only is Keefe credited with Durant’s development, but he also played a part in the development of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, making him a more versatile, well-rounded player.
On top of his player development chops, Keefe has been the defensive coordinator in Oklahoma City and Brooklyn; two serious organizations with playoff aspirations. His high-level coaching experience will be immensely valuable for a young, rebuilding team.
The fact that he interviewed for the Detroit Pistons head coaching opening is another great sign for the Wizards hire. Detroit ended up hiring Monty Williams and making him the highest-paid head coach in the NBA, but Brian Keefe being a candidate there demonstrates his impressive reputation around the league.
The Washington Wizards are continuing the reshaping of their front office, staff, and roster. It is an exciting time to be a Wizards fan.
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