Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard says coach Scott Brooks to return

Posted August 19, 2020 7:00 am

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - Washington Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard said coach Scott Brooks will be back in 2020-21, the last season in his five-year contract.

'œHe's a decorated coach. He's been in the league a long time as a player and as a coach. Very accomplished guy,'ť Sheppard said Wednesday on a video conference call with reporters. 'œAnd I think we're in great hands next season."

Washington went 25-47 this season -- going 1-7 in the NBA restart -- and missed the playoffs for the second time in a row, after getting there in each of Brooks' first two years.

The Wizards played all of this season without All-Star point guard John Wall, who tore his Achilles tendon, and were missing their other All-Star, shooting guard Bradley Beal, for the restart because of a shoulder issue.

Both should be fine for the start of next season, whenever that might be. The timing is uncertain because of the coronavirus pandemic and the delayed finish to the current season.

'œAssuming that the season were to start, even in October, both John and Bradley would be ready to go in a normal preseason,'ť Sheppard said. 'œI feel strongly when the first day of training camp starts, we will have -- knock on wood, barring anything between now and then -- John and Bradley ... at full health, ready to go.'ť

Looking ahead to offseason moves, Sheppard wants to bring back Davis Bertans, who will be a free agent.

'œHe's been a priority,'ť Sheppard said. 'œI told him that.'ť

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FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2020, file photo, Washington Wizards head coach Scott Brooks reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta. It is hard to know exactly what Washington is capable of becoming as it moves forward, and much will depend on how this offseason unfolds. "We have some decisions to make," Brooks said. (AP Photo/Todd Kirkland, File) The Associated Press

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