Wiz of Awes
Fansided

5 early predictions for the 2023-24 Washington Wizards

By Cem Yolbulan

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 02: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards watches his shot against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 2, 2023 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. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 02: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards watches his shot against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 2, 2023 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. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

This will be coach Wes Unseld Jr.’s last season with the team

It’s always difficult for the staff, coaches, and players in an organization that goes through a front office change. Usually, if the front office that hired or drafted you is fired, it doesn’t bode well for your future. You have to prove that you are the right person for the job, basically auditioning for the position you already have. This is likely what the Wizards’ head coach Wes Unseld Jr. will go through this season.

For all intents and purposes, it doesn’t seem like Unseld Jr. is on the hot seat. The new regime seems interested in continuing with Unseld Jr. for the foreseeable future. However, they presumably need to see more evidence that he is the coach of the future for this team.

In the first two seasons at the helm, Unseld Jr. hasn’t given us many reasons as to why he should keep his job. Going 35-47 in back-to-back underwhelming seasons doesn’t strengthen a head coach’s resume. The defense has been underwhelming, the internal development has been subpar, and it’s hard to pinpoint any specific aspects of coaching that Unseld Jr. is doing a good job in.

It is hard to foresee how he will impress the front office and the fans with the current roster. Yes, the expectations are low, but there still needs to be enough flashes and improvement from the young players to maintain faith in Wes Unseld Jr. It seems far more likely that there will be an amicable parting of ways at the end of the season, and the front office bringing someone they have more trust in.

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