Wizards part ways with GM Tommy Sheppard

Tommy Sheppard was the general manager of the Washington Wizards for 4 years.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Wizards are shaking up their organization after all — in the front office, at least.

Tommy Sheppard was dismissed from his position as general manager of the Wizards on Wednesday, following the team’s failure to make the postseason for the second year in a row. This comes less than two years after Sheppard received a contract extension in November 2021. The team recorded a 35-47 season in 2021-22 and replicated the same performance this season.

“Failure to make the playoffs the last two seasons was very disappointing to our organization and our fans. A search for new leadership will begin immediately for an executive from outside the organization,” owner Ted Leonsis said in a statement. “I would like to thank Tommy for his dedication to the Wizards organization and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Official: Tommy Sheppard relieved of his duties as General Manager and President.https://t.co/ljtLsF9Msx

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) April 19, 2023

Last offseason, the Wizards secured star guard Bradley Beal with a max-value contract, yet the team failed to show any significant progress. Sheppard held a press conference early last week to conclude the season. After answering questions for approximately thirty minutes, he was asked if he had officially met with Leonsis to verify his return. The question seemed to take him by surprise.

“Sheppard said, “Myself? That’s never been a topic of conversation.”

Sheppard expressed the team’s hope to re-sign Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma, both having player options, on that day. Despite the Wizards’ evident disappointment with the season’s outcome, no major adjustments appeared forthcoming. However, it’s now evident that a substantial new direction could be on the horizon.

Sheppard devoted 20 seasons to the organization, serving as the vice president of basketball operations from 2003 to 2013, and subsequently as the senior vice president of basketball operations from 2013 to 2019.

When Ernie Grunfeld was dismissed towards the end of the 2018-19 season, he stepped in as the interim general manager, eventually losing the interim title. His time as GM, a role held by Sheppard, was marked by significant moves. He orchestrated a trade that exchanged John Wall for Russell Westbrook, and later traded Westbrook, a move that brought Kuzma to Washington. Another notable acquisition was Porzingis, who joined the Wizards via trade.

Wes Unseld Jr. was also hired by Washington as its new coach, and he has just completed his second season.

However, despite all of that, Washington has been unable to move beyond being perceived as, at best, a borderline playoff team.

Sheppard did not promptly reply to a message requesting comment.