Wes Unseld Jr Named Washington Wizards Head Coach
Washington prodigal son Wes Unseld Jr was officially announced as the new Wizards head coach on Saturday.
He is the son of late Hall of Famer Wes Unseld Sr, a 5 time All-Star and 1969 NBA MVP. Wes Unseld Jr was the Wizards assistant coach from 2005 – 2011. However, it was as an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets when he made his name.
Wes Unseld Jr was instrumental in the development of both Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray during his time in Denver.Â
The 49-year-old’s developmental pedigree was the defining factor in the choice to appoint him, according to GM Tommy Sheppard.Â
Want $250 to bet on the NBA Finals?
“Wes is one of the most highly-regarded assistant coaches in the NBA and clearly separated himself from the large and diverse group of candidates we considered,” Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard said.Â
“His strong record as an in-game tactician along with his attention to detail on both sides of the ball combined with his reputation for player development and outstanding character during his 20+ years of coaching left no doubt that he was the best choice to guide our team to the next level.”
Read: Houston Texans Won’t Go Winless, But They’ll Come Close
“I want to thank Tommy and Mr Leonsis for the opportunity to lead this talented team both on and off the court and to continue moving the franchise in a positive direction,” Unseld said.
“Becoming a head coach in the NBA is a goal that I have pursued my entire adult life and to have that dream realized by coming full circle back to Washington is truly special. I look forward to representing the DMV, connecting with our fans and establishing a new standard for Wizards basketball.”
