The Wizards gave Tommy Sheppard a “trial run” through the draft and free agency before deciding to promote him to general manager, a source tells Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington. The Wizards have reportedly settled on Sheppard to run the team, more than three months after Ernie Grunfeld was dismissed in early April. That came after a failed attempt to pry Tim Connelly away from the Nuggets and a reported effort to entice the Raptors‘ Masai Ujiri.
Sheppard took steps this summer to clear up a disastrous cap situation. He allowed Tomas Satoransky, Bobby Portis and Jabari Parker to leave in free agency, even though he was instrumental in bringing all three to Washington. He also traded Dwight Howard to the Grizzlies.
Sheppard prepared written proposals for the ownership group, outlining his plans for a younger, cheaper and more energetic roster. He spearheaded an organizational effort to expand the team’s international presence by drafting Rui Hachimura and making trades that brought in Davis Bertans, Moritz Wagner and Isaac Bonga. Owner Ted Leonsis was reportedly impressed with how easily the team was able to re-sign Thomas Bryant, one of his favorite players.
There’s more tonight from Washington, D.C.:
- Sheppard’s official move to GM is expected to be announced this week, along with significant changes in how the organization operates, Hughes adds in the same story. The Wizards plan to triple their investment in their analytics department and will expand scouting with a fresh emphasis on African and Latin American nations.
- There are “a long list of clues” that Bradley Beal will turn down a three-year, $111MM extension when he becomes eligible on July 26, Hughes continues. Beal’s reasons may be as simple as holding out for a better deal, and he could put himself in position for a super-max offer by earning All-NBA honors during the upcoming season. Regardless, it appears to be the first major test for Sheppard once he’s officially in his new position.
- The Wizards added to their coaching staff by hiring Michael Longabardi away from the Cavaliers, Hughes tweets. A defensive specialist, the 46-year-old has been part of two title-winning teams.
The team with John Wall on the shelf is going to offer Beal a super max? No he only declines bc hed get a 4yr deal in 2 yrs vs the 3yr deal. Or if he plans on leaving.
That super max is going to be used very little unless you’re talking about a young top-10 player.
Only way he stays, if the Wizards present a 5 year Max deal for next year. This will also require moving Wall to make Beal the face of the franchise for the future.
Beal is young, in his prime and more than worth a Max.
Moving Wall will be expensive. Plus only 1 team has shown any interest in him, Miami.
A deal with Wall, Hachimura, Wagner, 2021 1st might work.
Could just chalk up this year as a development season and hope for the best when Wall returns.
They should axe the extension offer and announce a 5 year Max offer for next year instead.
Then again there’s always a complete tear down and rebuild.
Lots of options available.