NBA Rumors: Eastern Conference team to retain head coach for 2023-24 season
Wes Unseld Jr. will return for another NBA season as head coach of the Washington Wizards, according to a report by The Athletic's Josh Robbins.
Wizards president and general manager Tommy Sheppard reportedly told Robbins that Unseld will remain in his role for the 2023-24 NBA season, despite the team's elimination from playoff contention.
The Wizards' loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday officially ended their hopes of making the NBA playoffs or the play-in tournament. Prior to the game, indications were that Washington wasn't making an effort to secure the No. 10 seed, as several key players sat out, including Bradley Beal, Monte Morris Kristaps Porziņģis, and Kyle Kuzma.
This may have been a strategic decision by the front office, as the team owes a top-14 protected pick to the Houston Rockets as part of the John Wall-Russell Westbrook trade. With the Wizards missing the playoffs, the pick will now defer to the 2024 NBA season and is top-12 protected.
Wes Unseld Jr. will remain the Washington Wizards’ coach for the 2023-24 season, @TheAthletic has learned exclusively. Story:
theathletic.com/4382672/2023/0…
Regardless, Wes Unseld Jr. signed a four-year contract with the Wizards, his first as a head coach. He looks set to continue in his position at least until the start of next NBA season, according to The Athletic
Wes Unseld Jr. to continue as Washington Wizards coach despite NBA Playoff failure
Unseld, who signed a four-year contract as head coach in July 2021, has a strong connection to the Wizards organization. He served as an assistant coach for the team from 2005 to 2011. He also worked with the Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, and Denver Nuggets before becoming a head coach with the Wizards.
The team has gone 69-92 in the two seasons with Unseld at the helm. They made the playoffs once in the past five seasons and have not won a postseason series since 2017.
Unseld Jr.’s father, Wes Unseld Sr., also spent 21 years with the Washington Wizards, including his time as a player and a coach. Regardless, Unseld Jr. will be looking to improve for next season. The team suffered despite having a strong roster which was led by Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma.
The Wizards could undergo significant changes in the offseason ahead.
Head coach will not be one of them.
Wes Unseld Jr. will remain their coach for the 2023-24 season, @JoshuaBRobbins has learned.
theathletic.com/4382672/?sourc… https://t.co/HxU2xtEq57
Both Beal and Kuzma had injury issues this season. A lack of depth also ended up costing the Washington Wizards. This was in addition to the early-season absence of Delon Wright, which led to a slow start to the season.
It will be interesting to see whether the front office is able to make considerable improvements so that the Wizards have a better chance of making the playoffs next year.