Wizards name Unseld Jr. as new head coach
The Washington Wizards have reached an agreement with former Denver Nuggets assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr. to replace Scott Brooks as coach, the team announced Saturday. Unseld Jr. is the son of former Washington Bullets legend Wes Unseld Sr. The agreement is a four-year deal, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
Brooks and the Wizards parted ways in June after five seasons and three playoff appearances.
“Becoming a head coach in the NBA is a goal that I have pursued my entire adult life,” Unseld Jr. said in a statement, “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.”
Unseld Jr. has been with the Nuggets since 2015 and was promoted to associate head coach last season. The Maryland native spent 14 years with the Wizards organization starting in 1997 and moved from scout to assistant coach. He spent a season on the Golden State Warriors staff in 2011 before joining the Orlando Magic staff for three seasons.
Unseld Jr. is credited for his role in helping the development of MVP Nikola Jokic and rising star Jamal Murray in Denver. He clearly comes in with an emotional tie to the organization and fans due to his father, but he’s also known for his player development and talent evaluation from his scouting days.
VIRUS CONCERNS HOVER OVER FINALS
The Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks continue to make tweaks, hoping to gain an advantage in the NBA Finals that’s locked at two wins each.
Game 5 was Saturday night in Phoenix. For the late results, go to miami herald.com.
There have recently been reminders that another problem still lurking has the potential to alter the final round of these playoffs — COVID-19.
Coronavirus cases are on the rise around the country and much of the world. Team USA basketball has already had problems while training in Las Vegas; Wizards guard Bradley Beal is out of the Olympics after being placed into health and safety protocols. The Yankees-Red Sox baseball game in New York on Thursday was postponed after multiple Yankees tested positive.
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said the virus is on his mind as he prepared for Saturday’s game.
“There’s a real push to stay safe, to stay healthy, to be vigilant,” Budenholzer said. “Both teams, we’re very, very close to the finish. We’re excited about finishing this strong.”
Suns point guard Chris Paul knows firsthand how COVID-19 can alter the playoffs’ trajectory. Paul missed the first two games of the Western Conference finals against the LA Clippers because he was in the league’s health and safety protocol.
“I pay attention to it just like everybody else,” Paul said. “Try to control what I can control. Stay in the moment with the Finals, but health is a huge concern not just for my family but for everybody.”