The Washington Wizards are making a change. Earlier today, it was announced that the Wizards have fired their team president Ernie Grunfeld.
Grunfeld was the President of the Wizards for 16 seasons. The team went 568-724 with Grunfeld as president and also made eight playoff appearances. The Wizards did not make it past the second round of the playoffs under Grunfeld and have not won 50 games in a season with Grunfeld.
The Wizards made the playoffs last year, but lost to the Raptors in the first round. This season, the Wizards are 32-46, which is 11th in the Eastern Conference. With four games left in the season, their playoff chances are slim.
Wizards owner Ted Leonsis said the team’s performance was one of the reasons Grunfeld was fired.
“We did not meet our stated goals of qualifying for the playoffs this season and, despite playing with injuries to several key players, we have a culture of accountability and a responsibility of managing to positive outcomes,” Leonsis said. “I wish to thank Ernie for his service to the Washington Wizards. He and his family have been great leaders in our community and have worked tirelessly to make us a top NBA franchise.”
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN tweeted that the Wizards ownership is active in pursuing search firms to help with process for a new GM. He says that the Wizards are an attractive job for potential candidates, largely because of resources and geography. The job has appeal to current GMs under contract elsewhere but there is a concern. The biggest concern is determining how the Wizards will rebuild with John Wall’s massive long-term contract and injury. It is an issue that plagues the Wizards.
Grunfeld remained with the team for years, but it was time for a change. Now, the Wizards have an opportunity to hire another president and start fresh. The search begins.
Featured image courtesy of Associated Press
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