Who should be the next GM for the Wizards?

[queridiculo]

I’m ready for Masai if we can get him. I’m now sincerely underwhelmed by Tommy’s methodology which seems to be the definition of “dialing in on our guy” and “we have wanted him for years” then overpaying and getting fleeced. Ish Smith, CJ Miles, Rui, all seem to have this narrative. So far It seems like we’ve only been excited about buying a second round pick and using a TPE to pick up some bruised fruit and Cvs coupons from LA. We traded a competent starter and multi position back up in Sato for 2nd round picks. Then squandered that money on lesser players. Neh. I’m over being excited about moves made by Not Quite Ernie. The “we have wanted this guy” story has been told again and again over the last 14 years. Usually about an over the hill retread who torched us in the past but didn’t really play well when they weren’t facing the hapless wizards.

I like the try hard young cats we’ve added. I like the concept of building a locker room of guys with heart and good attitude. But asset management is key. Not just keeping busy for the sake of looking like you’re working. Dunno.

The Ish Smith and CJ Miles signings have a definitive Grunfeld vibe to them.

Extremely questionable use of assets (cap and roster space).

Beyond hard work and hustle, what's the actual identity of this group supposed to be on the court?

What's the starting 5 going to look like come October?

(Smith)
Beal
???
???
Bryant

The Wizards are almost at the luxury tax threshold and you can argue that they've left 3 starting sports essentially unsettled.

[FAH1223]

WE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN DAVID GRIFFIN

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[TGW]

I’m ready for Masai if we can get him. I’m now sincerely underwhelmed by Tommy’s methodology which seems to be the definition of “dialing in on our guy” and “we have wanted him for years” then overpaying and getting fleeced. Ish Smith, CJ Miles, Rui, all seem to have this narrative. So far It seems like we’ve only been excited about buying a second round pick and using a TPE to pick up some bruised fruit and Cvs coupons from LA. We traded a competent starter and multi position back up in Sato for 2nd round picks. Then squandered that money on lesser players. Neh. I’m over being excited about moves made by Not Quite Ernie. The “we have wanted this guy” story has been told again and again over the last 14 years. Usually about an over the hill retread who torched us in the past but didn’t really play well when they weren’t facing the hapless wizards.


I like the try hard young cats we’ve added. I like the concept of building a locker room of guys with heart and good attitude. But asset management is key. Not just keeping busy for the sake of looking like you’re working. Dunno.

This is 100% accurate.

[FAH1223]

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LAS VEGAS -- As the Wizards move through their fourth month of searching for a long-term team president, Tommy Sheppard continues to operate the front office in the interim and, now that Summer League is nearing its end, the team's offseason is not far from being all wrapped up. Sure, there are over two months until training camp, but the draft is in the past, free agency has dwindled down and they do not seem to be entertaining any sort of trade market for Bradley Beal.

With Sheppard having already done so much, and by most accounts done fairly well, an assumption by many around the NBA has developed that he will ultimately be promoted to the full-time post. A common question was asked at the Las Vegas Summer League: after all he's done, why make the switch now?

NBC Sports Washington spoke to a collection of agents, executives and national media members for their take on the situation. Some are in the know, some were just speculating. But most believe Sheppard will and should get the job.

"He's a great guy and he's getting the opportunity now after being around a long time," ESPN analyst Mark Jackson said.

Jackson went on to explain how Sheppard can be differentiated from his predecessor, Ernie Grunfeld, whom he worked under for 16 years.

"You don't know until you really know. There are places where the assistant is empowered to make moves and then there are places where the head guy minimizes the work of the assistant. I don't know [the Wizards' situation]. But what I can speak on is that Tommy Sheppard is a veteran guy that has been around and has paid his dues," he said.

Most agents and executives polled for this story spoke highly of Sheppard, even those who advocated for others who are still in the mix for the job. One former executive said Sheppard's navigation of the salary cap long-term has been particularly impressive.

There were many who believe Thunder assistant general manager Troy Weaver should be the other favorite. One agent who represents a player on the Wizards theorized Weaver would be the biggest splash among fans. He is from D.C., a Redskins fan and has long wanted to run the Wizards.

Weaver at least until recently has been in limbo with the Thunder, as Sam Presti has rules against members of his organization continuing to work in the building while interviewing elsewhere. So, Weaver has had to sit out many major decisions. They just traded their two best players, Russell Westbrook and Paul George, for instance. It is unclear if he was involved in those.

That factor led to some comments in Las Vegas that the Wizards should get this thing over with. Perhaps the most widespread consensus is confusion over what the team is waiting for.

One agent revealed there was at least one mystery candidate early in the process that didn't get leaked to the media. That person then got another job elsewhere.

Even an agent who represents someone who interviewed for the Wizards' opening said they think the Wizards are going to promote Sheppard. Wizards managing partner Ted Leonsis, though, continues to keep things close to the vest.

As for what it would look like if the Wizards did decide to go in a different direction from Sheppard, one executive had an interesting take. They said that technically the least difficult part of the Wizards' reboot is over.

Tearing down a roster as they have, letting free agents go, those require tough decisions but the real skill will be shown in how they build the roster back up. Finding tangible pieces to help construct a winner with John Wall's injury and contract looming will be the true test of their new-look front office.

Whatever the Wizards decide, one would think it has to be settled relatively soon. Then again, we've been saying that for months.

[gambitx777]

I read somewhere maybe a tweet or a story. Idk, about Obama being considered for a front office job in the NBA. Certainly would not be opposed to giving him some kind of job. Maybe VP of basket ball operations or assistant GM or something while we keep Tommy and bring in another vet front office guy like Danny ferry or Troy Weaver or something like that form that council Ted wanted. ?

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[payitforward]

I really don't think Barack is likely to be looking for "a job" of any kind, gamby. But your post does make me think...

Spoiler:

I can't think of anyone more qualified to be GM of the Knicks than Donald Trump. He can keep their run of excellence going at its recent rate, & it'll get him back to his home town next year.

nate -- don't click on the spoiler. Or, if you do, don't get mad at me, ok????

[gambitx777]

Well , that's if he wants a job. He loves basketball , maybe he wants something to do other than lectures and with Timmy and someone else there it wouldn't be all that stressful .

I really don't think Barack is likely to be looking for "a job" of any kind, gamby. But your post does make me think...

Spoiler:

I can't think of anyone more qualified to be GM of the Knicks than Donald Trump. He can keep their run of excellence going at its recent rate, & it'll get him back to his home town next year.

nate -- don't click on the spoiler. Or, if you do, don't get mad at me, ok????

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