Randy Wittman to be terminated after Wizards season finale according to ESPN (Brian Windhorst)

[Wizzz_Kidd21]

perfect sign at tonight's game

http://imgur.com/2tNyZ7M

[Indy2LA]

Bummed to see Randy get fired! Hoosier coaches are dropping like flies.

[keynote]

I know J. Michael has a rep for being in the FO's pocket, but this is a pretty rough hit piece on Wittman, even for him. If J. Michael had access to all of this insight during the actual season, he sure wasn't writing about it.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/morning-tip-wizards-checked-out-wittman-long-ago

After the 117-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 28, Dudley called a players-only meeting that set the tone for the breakup. The gist of what was said in that meeting? "We can't rely on the coaches." A dividing line was drawn and the relationship between the sides officially was past the point of no return.

After Dudley had seen more than enough, following an embarrassing 114-93 loss at the Utah Jazz on March 11, he called into question their lack of adjustments. Dudley's role decreased significantly (he went to the bench because of Markieff Morris being acquired) and despite being a top five shooter from three-point range for much of the season he wasn't utilized the same. Was it the price for speaking out? The general feeling is yes, or the other explanation of aloofness is probably worse. Dudley flourished when the Wizards ran pick-and-rolls and with the second unit he had no place in the offense. They tend to play through Nene in the low post and by allowing Ramon Sessions to attack. No adjustments were made to incorporate Dudley, get him more time with Wall and take advantage of his skill set. Since Feb. 28, Dudley had 15 games with zero made three-point shots. He was 12 of 46 from that point until the end of the season, or 26%. He still was 42% overall from three for the season.

The Wizards missed Pierce, but not for the reason most think. The players didn't need him. Wittman, who respected Pierce's forceful personality and championship pedigree, needed Pierce to save Wittman from himself. Wall and Beal, though both were expected to be leaders, couldn't command Wittman's ear as well as Pierce which made leading not truly possible.

[fishercob]

That piece is amazingly poorly written.

[dckingsfan]

And Wittman leaves on a very classy note.

[Wizardspride]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/status/720601283187486722[/tweet]

[dandridge 10]

I know J. Michael has a rep for being in the FO's pocket, but this is a pretty rough hit piece on Wittman, even for him. If J. Michael had access to all of this insight during the actual season, he sure wasn't writing about it.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/morning-tip-wizards-checked-out-wittman-long-ago

After the 117-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 28, Dudley called a players-only meeting that set the tone for the breakup. The gist of what was said in that meeting? "We can't rely on the coaches." A dividing line was drawn and the relationship between the sides officially was past the point of no return.

After Dudley had seen more than enough, following an embarrassing 114-93 loss at the Utah Jazz on March 11, he called into question their lack of adjustments. Dudley's role decreased significantly (he went to the bench because of Markieff Morris being acquired) and despite being a top five shooter from three-point range for much of the season he wasn't utilized the same. Was it the price for speaking out? The general feeling is yes, or the other explanation of aloofness is probably worse. Dudley flourished when the Wizards ran pick-and-rolls and with the second unit he had no place in the offense. They tend to play through Nene in the low post and by allowing Ramon Sessions to attack. No adjustments were made to incorporate Dudley, get him more time with Wall and take advantage of his skill set. Since Feb. 28, Dudley had 15 games with zero made three-point shots. He was 12 of 46 from that point until the end of the season, or 26%. He still was 42% overall from three for the season.

The Wizards missed Pierce, but not for the reason most think. The players didn't need him. Wittman, who respected Pierce's forceful personality and championship pedigree, needed Pierce to save Wittman from himself. Wall and Beal, though both were expected to be leaders, couldn't command Wittman's ear as well as Pierce which made leading not truly possible.

If all of this was happening, why wasn't the boss (Ernie) aware. And, if he was aware and did nothing until now, why? If Randy lost the team months ago, why not make a change to salvage the season.

[Ruzious]

I know J. Michael has a rep for being in the FO's pocket, but this is a pretty rough hit piece on Wittman, even for him. If J. Michael had access to all of this insight during the actual season, he sure wasn't writing about it.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/morning-tip-wizards-checked-out-wittman-long-ago

After the 117-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 28, Dudley called a players-only meeting that set the tone for the breakup. The gist of what was said in that meeting? "We can't rely on the coaches." A dividing line was drawn and the relationship between the sides officially was past the point of no return.

After Dudley had seen more than enough, following an embarrassing 114-93 loss at the Utah Jazz on March 11, he called into question their lack of adjustments. Dudley's role decreased significantly (he went to the bench because of Markieff Morris being acquired) and despite being a top five shooter from three-point range for much of the season he wasn't utilized the same. Was it the price for speaking out? The general feeling is yes, or the other explanation of aloofness is probably worse. Dudley flourished when the Wizards ran pick-and-rolls and with the second unit he had no place in the offense. They tend to play through Nene in the low post and by allowing Ramon Sessions to attack. No adjustments were made to incorporate Dudley, get him more time with Wall and take advantage of his skill set. Since Feb. 28, Dudley had 15 games with zero made three-point shots. He was 12 of 46 from that point until the end of the season, or 26%. He still was 42% overall from three for the season.

The Wizards missed Pierce, but not for the reason most think. The players didn't need him. Wittman, who respected Pierce's forceful personality and championship pedigree, needed Pierce to save Wittman from himself. Wall and Beal, though both were expected to be leaders, couldn't command Wittman's ear as well as Pierce which made leading not truly possible.

Quite frankly, the team being dependent on Dud playing PF was the biggest reason they didn't make the playoffs and therefore the biggest reason Wittman doesn't have a job. That's not Dud's fault, because he wasn't the one who put together a roster that required Dud to be the starting PF. That honor goes to a Mr E Grunfeld. And yes, it is a Mr E why he still has a job.

[LyricalRico]

If all of this was happening, why wasn't the boss (Ernie) aware. And, if he was aware and did nothing until now, why? If Randy lost the team months ago, why not make a change to salvage the season.

This. For all the Ernie moves I've defended, I have to say he blew this one and it's another reason why I've withdrawn my support. They should have tried a coaching change before spending assets at the deadline.

[TheSecretWeapon]

J.Michael didn't have this "insight" until very recently. That's when Dudley started opening up about frustrations with his role.

[Ruzious]

If all of this was happening, why wasn't the boss (Ernie) aware. And, if he was aware and did nothing until now, why? If Randy lost the team months ago, why not make a change to salvage the season.

This. For all the Ernie moves I've defended, I have to say he blew this one and it's another reason why I've withdrawn my support. They should have tried a coaching change before spending assets at the deadline.

I don't think your change in view is for the right reasons. The biggest problem with the team was lack of talent - not some perceived problems with the coach. You can be pretty sure that if you're agreeing with J Michael, you ought to re-think your position.

[Wizardspride]

J.Michael didn't have this "insight" until very recently. That's when Dudley started opening up about frustrations with his role.

Yep.

If you read the comments section J. Michael basically alluded to this.

[Upper Decker]

That piece by J. Michael is embarrassing and makes this unlikeable team even less likeable. “We can’t rely on the coaches.” Give me a break, when did Jared Dudley do **** in the NBA? Awesome, he shot the 3-ball well for a while…well he’d better shoot a good percentage from 3 b/c he sucked everywhere else. Terrible defender, terrible rebounder, can he even dribble? I digress…

Firing Wittman fails to get even close to the heart of the matter. I my mind there are 4 layers to a successful organization 1) Ownership, 2) management, 3) coaching, 4) players. Of all those areas, the least effed up is coaching. Teds a pompous, dig in your heels, prove the world wrong numbskull; EG is a roach who leaks salacious rumors to his buddies in NY to deflect blame, and who’s incapable of drafting an NBA roster worthy player outside of the obvious top-3 pick; and the players clearly have an over inflated sense of self-worth (at least based on J. Michaels article). Do they really believe they’re that good that coaching held them back from being an elite team? Come on!

Firing Wittman is a move that makes it seem like they’re doing something, when in fact they’re actually doing nothing at all. Ted and Abe (God rest his soul), have been such terrible owners for so long NO ONE CARES ABOUT THE PRODUCT. Seriously, sports talk radio in DC could go weeks without mentioning the Wizards, yet they’ll carry on for hours about an emoji on Bryce Harpers bat! But hey, let's blame the bad year on Wittman b/c it's the easiest path towards mediocrity. I’ll conclude my rant with a quote from the great Jay Glassie…

This is a franchise that is more terrified of winning because of the effort it entails, than it is of losing because they have become masters of blame and excuses.

[payitforward]

If all of this was happening, why wasn't the boss (Ernie) aware. And, if he was aware and did nothing until now, why? If Randy lost the team months ago, why not make a change to salvage the season.

This. For all the Ernie moves I've defended, I have to say he blew this one and it's another reason why I've withdrawn my support. They should have tried a coaching change before spending assets at the deadline.

I guess I can understand their fear that a wholesale coaching change would bring problems of learning new stuff mid-season, and that might lead to the one or two more losses that they couldn't afford if the overwhelming goal was to make the playoffs, as it was.

I'm glad to read that you've finally "withdrawn (your) support" for Ernie Grunfeld. I wonder whether there's anyone left here (anywhere?) who can find a way to support him?

The problems with this team -- with any NBA team -- are mainly and always mainly with the roster. Just as the advantages of a great NBA team are mainly to be found by looking at the roster. Our roster has been in the hands of Ernie Grunfeld, not Randy Wittman.

[payitforward]

The coach is always fired because he "lost the team." In this as in most cases, it's just a way to justify blaming someone else for your own mistakes.

Who's the last coach of the Wizards/Bulls who took a team to R2 of the playoffs I wonder....

[dobrojim]

I know J. Michael has a rep for being in the FO's pocket, but this is a pretty rough hit piece on Wittman, even for him. If J. Michael had access to all of this insight during the actual season, he sure wasn't writing about it.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/morning-tip-wizards-checked-out-wittman-long-ago

After the 117-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 28, Dudley called a players-only meeting that set the tone for the breakup. The gist of what was said in that meeting? "We can't rely on the coaches." A dividing line was drawn and the relationship between the sides officially was past the point of no return.

After Dudley had seen more than enough, following an embarrassing 114-93 loss at the Utah Jazz on March 11, he called into question their lack of adjustments. Dudley's role decreased significantly (he went to the bench because of Markieff Morris being acquired) and despite being a top five shooter from three-point range for much of the season he wasn't utilized the same. Was it the price for speaking out? The general feeling is yes, or the other explanation of aloofness is probably worse. Dudley flourished when the Wizards ran pick-and-rolls and with the second unit he had no place in the offense. They tend to play through Nene in the low post and by allowing Ramon Sessions to attack. No adjustments were made to incorporate Dudley, get him more time with Wall and take advantage of his skill set. Since Feb. 28, Dudley had 15 games with zero made three-point shots. He was 12 of 46 from that point until the end of the season, or 26%. He still was 42% overall from three for the season.

The Wizards missed Pierce, but not for the reason most think. The players didn't need him. Wittman, who respected Pierce's forceful personality and championship pedigree, needed Pierce to save Wittman from himself. Wall and Beal, though both were expected to be leaders, couldn't command Wittman's ear as well as Pierce which made leading not truly possible.

purely anecdotal note from last night

During my travels around the concourse with my anti-EG poster (at the season finale), I spoke briefly with one
woman who claimed to have been at a restaurant seated next to Wall when Wittman came
in and tried to interact with Wall (and possibly other players?). She said it was clear from
the interaction that the players had no use for Wittman any longer. For better or for worse,
a coach really can't survive that. Coaches like Pop never get to that point.

[nate33]

I know J. Michael has a rep for being in the FO's pocket, but this is a pretty rough hit piece on Wittman, even for him. If J. Michael had access to all of this insight during the actual season, he sure wasn't writing about it.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/morning-tip-wizards-checked-out-wittman-long-ago

After the 117-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 28, Dudley called a players-only meeting that set the tone for the breakup. The gist of what was said in that meeting? "We can't rely on the coaches." A dividing line was drawn and the relationship between the sides officially was past the point of no return.

After Dudley had seen more than enough, following an embarrassing 114-93 loss at the Utah Jazz on March 11, he called into question their lack of adjustments. Dudley's role decreased significantly (he went to the bench because of Markieff Morris being acquired) and despite being a top five shooter from three-point range for much of the season he wasn't utilized the same. Was it the price for speaking out? The general feeling is yes, or the other explanation of aloofness is probably worse. Dudley flourished when the Wizards ran pick-and-rolls and with the second unit he had no place in the offense. They tend to play through Nene in the low post and by allowing Ramon Sessions to attack. No adjustments were made to incorporate Dudley, get him more time with Wall and take advantage of his skill set. Since Feb. 28, Dudley had 15 games with zero made three-point shots. He was 12 of 46 from that point until the end of the season, or 26%. He still was 42% overall from three for the season.

The Wizards missed Pierce, but not for the reason most think. The players didn't need him. Wittman, who respected Pierce's forceful personality and championship pedigree, needed Pierce to save Wittman from himself. Wall and Beal, though both were expected to be leaders, couldn't command Wittman's ear as well as Pierce which made leading not truly possible.

If all of this was happening, why wasn't the boss (Ernie) aware. And, if he was aware and did nothing until now, why? If Randy lost the team months ago, why not make a change to salvage the season.

I'm hoping the answer to this question is that Ted didn't want to have Ernie hire another coach. He'd rather just stick it out with Wittman and Ernie for the remainder of the season and then fire them both in the offseason.

[LyricalRico]

If all of this was happening, why wasn't the boss (Ernie) aware. And, if he was aware and did nothing until now, why? If Randy lost the team months ago, why not make a change to salvage the season.

This. For all the Ernie moves I've defended, I have to say he blew this one and it's another reason why I've withdrawn my support. They should have tried a coaching change before spending assets at the deadline.

I don't think your change in view is for the right reasons. The biggest problem with the team was lack of talent - not some perceived problems with the coach. You can be pretty sure that if you're agreeing with J Michael, you ought to re-think your position.

Well, it's not the only reason. But I actually liked the roster going into the season, from the standpoint of having a decent shot in the East while staying the course with KD2DC. Were they a title contender? No, but there's NO REASON for this team to have missed the playoffs with the talent they had. And that's even WITH the injuries, they still should have made the playoffs without needing to spend a pick at the deadline IMO.

I understand that we'll probably never agree on that, but we do agree that J Michael is a fool.

[LyricalRico]

If all of this was happening, why wasn't the boss (Ernie) aware. And, if he was aware and did nothing until now, why? If Randy lost the team months ago, why not make a change to salvage the season.

This. For all the Ernie moves I've defended, I have to say he blew this one and it's another reason why I've withdrawn my support. They should have tried a coaching change before spending assets at the deadline.

I guess I can understand their fear that a wholesale coaching change would bring problems of learning new stuff mid-season, and that might lead to the one or two more losses that they couldn't afford if the overwhelming goal was to make the playoffs, as it was.

I don't even know that it had to be "new stuff". Some of the old stuff worked fine, they just didn't always consistently execute it this year. To me, Ernie was right - they needed a "jolt", he just picked the wrong one. If they let Don Newman take over and sign a big off the street instead of making the Morris deal, I bet they make the playoffs and keep their pick. Of course, we'll never know.

[Kanyewest]

J.Michael didn't have this "insight" until very recently. That's when Dudley started opening up about frustrations with his role.

These stories typically come out whenever a coach gets fired.