Sources: Coach likely will remain for at least next season The Wizards already have Randy Wittman under contract. They appear nearly ready to commit to having him stay on as coach.
All signs point to the team announcing its intention this week to keep Wittman on the sideline for at least another season, according to multiple league sources.
There had been no word from the team on the future of Wittman and the rest of his staff since the end of the season in April. But apart from cursory calls to suggest that the Wizards might consider one of a number of recognizable and up-and-coming coaches available this offseason, the team did not interview any outside candidates.
Wittman, 52, took over for fired Flip Saunders in January after the Wizards started the year 2-15. Washington went 18-31 after he took over, including going 11-14 following the trade deadline acquisition of Nene. Wittman has a career record of 118-238 as a coach with Washington, Minnesota and Cleveland.
“I think Randy’s done a very nice job with this team,” Wizards president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld said during the final week of the season. “The players have responded to him.”
Wizards owner Ted Leonsis also expressed comfort with Wittman at the helm at last week’s NBA Draft Lottery, and several players voiced their support for him and his no-nonsense style after the season concluded with eight wins in the final 10 games.
“I think we respected him because when he was an assistant coach, we respected him then,” point guard John Wall said following his exit interview. “He’s an aggressive coach and always right there on us, making sure we’re doing the right thing. When he took over, he was being honest with us. He said, ‘I think you all can be a better team, which you all are.’?”
Wittman’s retention is also a practical financial move for the Wizards and a product of the current NBA landscape, in which coaches can be expendable, especially for teams that aren’t championship caliber.
Wittman and his staff were already under contract for next season, costs that would remain if the front office decided to go in another direction. In addition, the Wizards could have a heavy price to pay if they are forced to use a combination of buyout and amnesty to rid themselves of Andray Blatche, who has three more years on his contract, and Rashard Lewis, who is slated to be the second-highest paid player in the NBA next year.
The Wizards expect to improve on their 20-46 record next season and challenge for the playoffs but not much more, especially after landing the third pick in the June 28 draft instead of winning the lottery and the rights to Kentucky forward Anthony Davis. Florida guard Bradley Beal, Kentucky small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and North Carolina small forward Harrison Barnes are three leading candidates whom the Wizards will consider selecting.
Washington also has expressed a desire to land a significant free agent in the offseason.
