Ernie Grunfeld firing is latest saga in Wizards turbulent season

The Washington Wizards 2018-2019 season has been nothing short of ups and downs. Just when you think things have leveled out, the plot thickens. The Wizards came into the season with excitement and optimism as every team should when they have an opportunity to start with a clean slate. The main goal was to reach the playoffs in a “Lebron-less” Eastern Conference. However, as the season unfolded, so did the disappointments. 

On Tuesday afternoon, the unanticipated turbulence that has highlighted the Wizards season came to a head when Chairman and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment Ted Leonis announced that Ernie Grunfeld has been relieved of his duties as president of the Washington Wizards. Grunfeld served as the Wizards’ president, overseeing basketball operations, for the past 16 season. He reached the playoffs eight times with the franchise but the team never won 50 games or made it to the Eastern Conference Finals during his tenure. 

“We did not meet our stated goals of qualifying for the playoffs this season and, despite playing with injuries to several key players, we have a culture of accountability and a responsibility of managing to positive outcomes,” Leonis said. “I wish to thank Ernie for his service to the Washington Wizards. He and his family have been great leaders in our community and have worked tirelessly to make us a top NBA franchise.” 

Per an official press release, Monumental Sports CEO Ted Leonis just announced that they have relieved Ernie Grunfeld of his duties as president of the Washington Wizards. A losing season will bring on major changes. #Wizards

— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) April 2, 2019

Now that the Wizards are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, the front office is making bold moves. The fact that Leonis made a decision that fans never thought he would make is a sign that he finally became frustrated with Grunfeld’s 568-724 overall record and quite possibly some of his recent financial decisions.

This has been a particularly tough year for the Wizards who were riddled with season-ending injuries to include Dwight Howard and John Wall. Not to mention, Wall’s supermax deal is set to go into effect next season with a base salary of $37.8 million. 

The Wizards also orchestrated major trades during the year dealing Kelly Oubre, Jr., Otto Porter, Austin Rivers, and Markieff Morris to various teams mid-season. In the case of Oubre and Porter, the trades were most likely for financial relief and flexibility but many questioned why their contracts weren’t handled better in the first place. Oubre in particular had potential to be a long-standing piece of the Wizards core group. 

At this point, the Wizards have made it clear that they are starting a new chapter. Beginning immediately, Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations Tommy Sheppard will report to Leonis on all basketball matters. The team will begin a search for a new head of basketball operations upon conclusion of the season. 

The team has a lot of questions to answer as the offseason and NBA Draft approaches. One thing is guaranteed, the Wizards will keep things interesting.