The Washington Wizards are likely to retain head coach Scott Brooks following the endorsement of star point guard Russell Westbrook, according to Quinton Mayo. However, Brooks’ return will come with conditions that Brooks brings in a completely new coaching staff.
Following the Wizards’ first-round exit in the playoffs, Westbrook gave a strong endorsement to bring back Brooks.
“If it was up to me, Scotty wouldn’t be going anywhere,” Westbrook said to reporters. “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.”
Westbrook’s connections to Brooks goes back to their time together in Oklahoma City. Brooks was Westbrook’s head coach for seven seasons with the Thunder before he was ultimately fired in 2015.
The Wizards acquired Westbrook last December just days before training camp. Washington sent franchise cornerstone John Wall and a future protected first-round pick to the Houston Rockets for Westbrook. The switch in plans reunited Westbrook with Brooks.
In his first season with Washington, Westbrook averaged a triple-double with 22.2 points and career highs of 11.7 assists and 11.5 rebounds per game. Even with Bradley Beal as the leading scorer, Westbrook has seemingly grabbed the leadership role of the team.
Westbrook has two years and $91.3 million remaining on his contract. However, he holds a player option after next season. Thus, it appears the Wizards are looking to keep the 2017 NBA MVP happy.
Last week, Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard said no decision had been made on Brooks. Meanwhile, Brooks has stated how he would love to return as Washington’s head coach.
If, Mayo’s report is accurate, the team would make an official announcement before the end of the month. The fact, there has not been any grumblings of the Wizards search for a new coach hints to a return of Brooks.
His five-year, $35 million contract ended at season’s end. In that time, Brooks led the Wizards to three playoff appearances, losing in the first round twice.
