Kelly Oubre sat on the bench for most of his rookie season, patiently waiting for coach Randy Wittman to call his name.
Oubre watched as uninspired veterans got playing time ahead of him, including Alan Anderson, who missed most of the season due to injury.
Even when the Washington Wizards‘ playoff hopes were dead, Wittman had glued Oubre to his seat, opting not to use that time to develop him for the future.
Once Wittman was fired, it opened up the door for Oubre.
Scott Brooks, a known player developer, was hired by Washington for his commitment to defense, and most importantly, his commitment to the younger players.