After matching the franchise record for losses (63), the Wizards not only want to return to the playoffs, “but make some noise” there according to President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld, who introduced Saunders Thursday at Verizon Center with the words, “This is the man to lead us there.”

Saunders, former coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons, comes to Washington with impressive credentials, including four trips to the conference finals in his final five years.

“This is a very unique situation. We went through a rough year last year, with a lot of injuries,” said Saunders. “But I look at the opportunity to coach that team and I get excited. It’s a unique situation because of the energy of the city.”

Saunders arrives with a sometimes-criticized reputation as an offensive-minded, player-friendly coach.

“If nice guys can win 59 games a year, we’ll be okay,” said Saunders. “I live by the Golden Rule. I treat people the way I want to be treated.”

Saunders actually has a 64-win season on his resume, his first year with the Pistons (2005-06). When he arrived in Detroit, the Pistons were a cohesive, veteran unit, coming off consecutive trips to the Finals under Larry Brown. When Detroit failed to get that far under Saunders, his differences with the defensive-minded Brown were examined. 

“You have to be able to defend,” said Saunders. “A lot is talked about my huge playbook. About 60 percent of that is defense, 40 percent is offense. Players will know when we walk in that gym, that defense is the priority.”

Getting a Wizards team — led by offensive-oriented All-Stars Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, and Caron Butler, and including six players age 23 and younger — to heed that message will be the challenge.

“Any time you win 19 games, even if you’re a coach coming back, you’re going to have a culture change. You have to,” said Saunders. “You have to put that in your rearview mirror. You learn from it. You move forward. You know things will be different.”

The Flip File

Age » 54

Personal » Married, Debbie with four kids

Career record » 589-396, 47-51 (playoffs)

Playing career

High school » Ohio Class A Player of the Year at Cuyahoga Heights, where he averaged 32 points per game in his senior year.

College » Played at Minnesota with Mychal Thompson, Kevin McHale, and Ray Williams.

Coaching career

College » Spent four years as head coach at Golden Valley Lutheran (92-13), followed by five years as an assistant at Minnesota.

Continental Basketball Association » In seven seasons, coached three teams, including the LaCrosse Catbirds, who he led to two CBA titles.

National Basketball Association » Coached Minnesota for 10 years and Detroit for three.