The Washington Wizards have appointed Brian Keefe as their new head coach, officially removing his “interim” status.
Keefe, 48, assumed the role mid-season, posting an 8-31 record after replacing Wes Unseld Jr. in January. Unseld has since joined the Chicago Bulls as the lead assistant.
The Wizards players quickly warmed to Keefe’s leadership.
“He really brought our group together,” forward Kyle Kuzma shared in April, as reported by Ava Wallace of the Washington Post. “In the first half of the season, many games were essentially over by halftime or early in the second half. But we started to compete.“
Following recent changes to the coaching staff, Keefe and assistant David Vanterpool were the only remaining coaches.
The Wizards are in a rebuilding phase, having finished the last season with a 15-67 record. They haven’t achieved a 50-win season since 1979, which was also their last NBA Finals appearance.
“He’s been great for our young team, bringing a detail-oriented approach and structure,” guard Jordan Poole noted, according to Wallace. “His love for the game is evident and it resonates, especially at this level. He’s genuine about positioning players for success and unlocking their potential because he cares about them individually. He’s done an excellent job.“
Keefe expressed his enthusiasm in a statement, saying he looks forward “to continuing to work with our players and aiding in their growth and development. Our team is dedicated to a collaborative approach that fosters accountability and hard work, allowing us to improve daily.”
The Wizards hold the Nos. 2, 26, and 51 picks in the 2024 NBA Draft.
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