Washington sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a record of 2-8, surely not the desired outcome for a season filled with expectations after acquiring Russell Westbrook.
According to a recent report by The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, coach Scott Brooks is “sitting firmly” on the hot seat. Sources confirm to FortyEightMinutes that there is discontent with Washington’s poor start and Brooks’ lineup decisions early on.
If Brooks is let go, assistant coach Robert Pack is the leading candidate to take over the position, per a source. The organization is high on Pack, who played for the franchise during the 1995-96 season, and the former Thunder assistant has previous ties to Westbrook, coaching the All-Star for two seasons from 2013-2015.
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However, it should be noted that some within the Wizards’ front office still have faith in Brooks and his ability to turn the season around and no firing is imminent. There’s an understanding that the wins and losses don’t fall solely on Brooks.
The Wizards were without Rui Hachimura for the first four games of the season and Davis Bertans was on a minutes restriction early on. Russell Westbrook has missed several contests as a result as the franchise continues to be selective in resting him and Bradley Beal missed Saturday’s contest as part of the league’s health and safety protocols.
Thomas Bryant‘s season-ending injury adds another layer of complexity to getting this team to gel (Bryant is in the second season of his three-year deal and the Wizards view him as a major part of their long-term plans, per a source). Robin Lopez, who is on a one-year contract, and Moritz Wagner are expected to see an increased role with Bryant out and the play of the two bigs will go along way toward getting Washington back into contention.
Read More | Wizards Team Page at FortyEightMinutes.com
