The Washington Wizards search for a new Executive of Basketball Operation

The Go-Go front office must wait

It’s been a week since Tommy Sheppard was relieved of his duties as General Manager and President of the Washington Wizards. Mr. Sheppard had been employed with the franchise since 2003. In my opinion, Mr. Sheppard’s tenure should be defined as mediocre. Medicore does not mean he did not try to do his best for a franchise that has missed the playoffs and play in tournaments for the past two years.

The good under Sheppard’s leadership: trades. His trades did not have the wow factor but were subtle like acquiring sharp shooting 3-point specialist Davis Bertans or unloading the exorbitant contract of John Wall.

The bad for Sheppard involves the mediocre NBA draft selections during his tenure. Since July 19, 2019, the Wizards have selected Rui Hachimura (2019), Deni Avdija (2020), Corey Kispert (2020), Isiah Todd (2020), Cassius Winston (2021) and finally Johnny Davis (2021). Hachimura, Avdija, Kispert and Davis were mid-lottery picks that have not made a significant impact as of yet with the Wizards.

In fact, Hachimura made a more of an impact with the Lakers playoff game against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 18, 2020, with 29 points and 8 rebounds.

Second round acquisitions Todd and Winston have spent more time with the G League Go-Go team while making limited appearances with the parent team. Winston is no longer associated the Wizards organization. Todd is entering the final year of his contract. The Wizards have a team option for the 2024-2025 and with a new President of Basketball Operations incoming, Todd must impress the new management in order to have the club pick up the team option. The 2022-2023 season has concluded and Todd has not yet made the case that the Wizards should continue to retain his contract rights.

Johnny Davis, a combo guard, and first round lottery pick has spent most of the year honing his skills in the G League. Davis has presented a great attitude and embraced spending his NBA rookie season in the G League. Unfortunately, the jury is still out if Davis will be a solid rotation player.

Now we will discuss the ugly. The Bradley Beal dilemma. Beal’s highest trade value was about three years ago when franchises like Boston, Los Angeles and Miami wanted to trade for Beal. Wizards’ management and Beal agreed to continue their partnership and build a competitive team around Beal. Ultimately, Beal resigned with the Wizards for 5 years for $251,019,650 (max contract). The amount of the contract will hamper the Wizards salary cap for the foreseeable future effecting potential trades. However, the blunder was including a no trade clause!? Why? An unforced error making it difficult to trade Beal’s contract when it becomes necessary, and moving the contract will happen sooner rather than later. In addition at the time of his signing Beal

was slightly pass his athletic prime and another obstacle in potential trade negiotations.

Mr. Sheppard had been employed with the franchise since 2003. Under Sheppard’s leadership, the Capital City Go-Go G League team was established.

The past two seasons under the leadership of General Manger (GM) Amber Nichols. Nichols officially became GM January 21, 2021, and current coach Mike Williams was selected August 2021. Both individuals were hired by Tommy Sheppard. So far, the results have been promising. Nichols and Williams paring have produced back-to-back playoff appearances (2021-2023).

As with any business, new management wants to put their own stamp on an organization. The Go-Go is successful team but at this point it is difficult to make any predictions about the Go-Go future until the Wizards hire a new President of Basketball Operations. However, Sheppard’s decision to create the tandem of Nichols and Williams to operate Capital City is a subtle and underrated move but maybe his most important contribution as former General Manager and President of the Washington Wizards.