Wizards news: Tommy Sheppard a strong candidate to get Washington's permanent GM role

The Washington Wizards made a significant dismissal when they officially fired team president Ernie Grunfield, and Tommy Sheppard may replace him.

On Tuesday, the Washington Wizards made a significant dismissal when they officially fired team president Ernie Grunfield. With the team mathematically eliminated from postseason contention last Thursday, owner Ted Leonsis decided it was time to shake things up.

Following Grunfield's departure, senior vice president of basketball operations Tommy Sheppard will step up as the interim general manager. But according to Leonsis, the permanent role could be Shappard's for the taking.

Via Candace Buckner of The Washington Post Sports:

While Leonsis believes the #Wizards will not have a problem attracting top GM candidates, he says interim GM Tommy Sheppard is a strong candidate.

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) April 2, 2019

Sheppard and Grunfield both joined the Wizards nearly 16 years ago. The former is certainly familiar with how the organization is run, and appears to be a safe candidate for the position.

However, Sheppard is far from the only possible candidate. Others, including high-ranking officials within the Nets, Warriors and Rockets organizations are under consideration as well. Via Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:

Washington job has appeal to current GM’s under contract elsewhere too. Pelicans search has been underway, with Brooklyn’s Trajan Langdon, Golden State’s Larry Harris and Houston’s Gersson Rosas set to interview this week, per sources.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 2, 2019

Langdon starred at Duke University before being drafted 11th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He spent three years in the NBA before heading to Europe to continue his career. He retired from playing in 2011, but served as a scout for the San Antonio Spurs from 2012-15. He has been the Nets' assistant general manager since March 2016.

Harris served as the general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks from 2003-08, succeeding Grunfield. He joined the Warriors as an assistant coach the next season and worked his way up the organizational ladder. Since 2016, he has served as the team's assistant general manager and director of player personnel.

Rosas currently serves as the Rockets' executive vice president of basketball operations. He has been with the organization since 2004.

In 2013, he briefly served as the Dallas Mavericks' general manager before returning to Houston.