Wizards’ Unseld relieved of head coaching duties

Washington Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. has been relieved of his head coaching duties and will transition into a front-office advisory position, Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger announced Thursday.

Unseld posted a 77-130 record in parts of three campaigns at the helm, including a 7-36 mark this season.

The Wizards will name an interim bench boss on Thursday and conduct a comprehensive search during the offseason.

“After several thoughtful conversations with Wes, we determined together that a change was needed for the benefit of the team,” Winger said in a statement. “Wes embodies the characteristics we value in our organization, and his vast basketball experience will be an asset to the front office as we progress toward our long-term goals.”

Unseld came over from the Denver Nuggets in July 2021 following six years as an assistant under Michael Malone. He was lauded for his work with the Nuggets’ defense but hasn’t experienced the same success in the nation’s capital.

Washington is on track for its third straight finish in the NBA’s bottom third for defensive efficiency. Only the Charlotte Hornets are allowing more points per 100 possessions this season.

“I am grateful to have served as head coach of the Washington Wizards,” Unseld said in a statement. “I look forward to this new opportunity to work toward our organization’s continued progress.”

His father, Wes Unseld Sr., led the Wizards to their first and only NBA championship in 1978.

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