This time last year, the Washington Wizards were coming off a second straight run to the second round of the playoffs and believing that, if not for an ill-timed injury to star point guard John Wall, they could’ve given the Cleveland Cavaliers a run for their money. But after a disappointing 2015-16 season that ended with a 41-41 record, no playoff berth and no NBA draft picks — a first for the Washington franchise — the Wizards find themselves searching for the blueprint that will get them back on track.
Owner Ted Leonsis and general manager Ernie Grunfeld started with the decision to move on from head coach Randy Wittman, whose four-year tenure in Washington featured some regular-season acrimony, some postseason success, plenty of long 2-point jumpers, and even more fun faces.