The Washington Wizards have fired their president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld on Tuesday, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times. Grunfeld was initially hired in 2003 and was one of the longest-serving basketball executives in the NBA.
Team owner Ted Leonsis wrote the following in a team-issued statement:
“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,” said Leonsis. “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.”
Leonsis was asked to evaluate the state of the franchise multiple times and Grunfeld's name had moved to the hot seat rather quickly this season, given the team's horrid start.
The owner was then peppered with questions about keeping his best players and the potential to rebuild, including doing so under new leadership, given Grunfeld's longtime stronghold in the front office.
The Wizards are in 11th place in the East, already eliminated from playoff contention with a 32-46 regular season record
Washington will soon set plans to interview candidates to replace Grunfeld, likely competing with the New Orleans Pelicans for potential names. As it is the Pels have interviews with Brooklyn Nets' Trajan Langdon, Golden State Warriors' Larry Harris and Houston Rockets' Gersson Rosas, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
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