The Washington Wizards are bringing back a familiar face. According to the Wizards, they have named former All-Star Antawn Jamison their director of pro personnel.
Jamison returns to the Wizards
On Wednesday, the Wizards announced that their former player Jamison will take on the role. Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard also spoke on the decision and what Jamison brings to the table.
“We are absolutely thrilled to bring Antawn back to the Wizards organization,” general manager Tommy Sheppard said in a statement. “In addition to his strong feel for the game and basketball knowledge, he has always been a true professional and a dedicated worker. We look forward to him bringing those qualities to our front office.”
Before joining the Wizards’ front office, Jamison was a scout for the Los Angeles Lakers (a team he played for in 2012-13). Jamison retired in 2014 and started as a TV analyst for the Lakers. Then, he changed roles as time progressed. He was an analyst for three years, then became a scout afterward.
Jamison’s history with the Wizards
Jamison played five and a half seasons with the Wizards. The Wizards acquired Jamison through a trade with the Dallas Mavericks. The Wizards traded fellow Tar Heel Jerry Stackhouse, Christian Laettner and a first-round draft pick in exchange for Jamison. Washington made the playoffs from 2004 to 2008 while Jamison was on their roster. However, the Wizards traded him to a playoff rival after falling out of the playoffs. They traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Wizards made changes to their front office at the end of the season. They fired Ernie Grunfeld, who served as team president and general manager and hired Tommy Sheppard. Sheppard was the interim general manager but (officially) became general manager in July. The Wizards promoted Sheppard and added others to their front office. Now, they have one of their former players in Jamison.
The addition of Jamison is an excellent move for the Wizards. Jamison has a knowledge of the game, scouting experience, and history with the Wizards. So, both Jamison and the Wizards benefit from the hire.
Featured image courtesy of Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images
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