Scott Brooks wants to return as the head coach of the Washington Wizards, and his point guard wants him to as well. Speaking to reporters following the Wizards’ season-ending Game 5 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Russell Westbrook gave another roaring endorsement of Brooks.
“If it was up to me, Scotty wouldn’t be going anywhere,” Westbrook said per Chase Hughes of NBC Sports. “It’s not even a question or a conversation to even be brought up. If the conversation is brought to me, I will definitely voice my opinion like I’m voicing it now and see what happens.”
After five seasons as Wizards head coach, Brooks’ contract is expiring. In his time in Washington, Brooks has led the Wizards to the playoffs three times. However, two trips have ended in the first round, including this year’s improbable run.
Brooks entered this season, his final under contract, on the hot seat. Expectations were boosted when Washington acquired Westbrook in a trade for John Wall and a future first-round draft pick.
However, the Wizards stumbled out the gates and were 17-32 at one points. But they won 17 of their last 23 games after the team put injuries and a COVID outbreak behind them. Along with their play-in tournament win over the Indiana Pacers, the Wizards made the playoffs with as the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 34-38 record.
“This year he did a hell of a job. [Scott Brooks] did a job that I’m pretty sure people didn’t think he was able to do,” Westbrook said. “He kept us together, he kept us encouraged, he kept us fighting. He don’t get a lot of credit for it, but he deserves a lot of credit for putting us in position to be successful.”
Westbrook and Brooks have a storied history. The two were together seven seasons in Oklahoma City, Brooks first stop as an NBA head coach. The pair made an NBA Finals appearance alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden.
Reuniting with Brooks seemingly helped rejuvenate the 32-year old Westbrook. He finished his historic 13th season averaging 22.2 points and career highs of 11.7 assists and 11.5 rebounds. That’s on the strength of a league-leading 38 triple-doubles.
So it’s unsurprising to hear Westbrook once again endorse Brooks. Westbrook said he will give his input to keep Brooks if asked by GM Tommy Sheppard and owner Ted Leonsis. But he ultimately knows the decision is theirs.
Meanwhile, his backcourt mate Bradley Beal didn’t go as far as saying he will bang the gavel to campaign for Brooks. But, the three-time all-star applauded Brooks for his work through the years.
“I’ve been with Scott, what? Five years now. Every year’s been different,” Beal said per Fred Katz of The Athletic. “And he coaches his tail off. He goes out there and he’s all about his team. He supports us, defends us and wants us to do well. He’s a true players coach…I’ve been appreciative of him.”
The Wizards face tough decisions about the direction of the team moving forward. But, the first move should be settling their head coach situation. Whether that’s bringing back Brooks or finding a new head caoch.
