Wizards part ways with GM Tommy Sheppard

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

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

On Wednesday, Tommy Sheppard, the general manager of The Wizards, was dismissed after the team failed to reach the postseason for the second year in a row. This comes less than two years after Sheppard was granted a contract extension in November 2021. The team recorded a 35-47 score both in the 2021-22 season and the current 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

The Wizards secured a max-value contract with star guard Bradley Beal last offseason, however, there was no noticeable improvement in the team. Sheppard held a meeting with reporters to conclude the season early last week. After approximately thirty minutes of answering questions, he was questioned whether he had officially met with Leonsis to confirm his return. The question seemed to take him by surprise.

“Me?” Sheppard asked. “That’s never been a topic of discussion.”

Sheppard stated that day that there were hopes within the team to re-sign Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma, both of whom possess player options. Despite the evident dissatisfaction from the Wizards regarding the season’s outcome, there didn’t appear to be any major changes on the horizon. However, it’s now evident that a substantial new direction could be imminent.

Sheppard was with the organization for 20 seasons, serving as the vice president of basketball operations from 2003 to 2013 and then 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 acting general manager and eventually had the provisional label taken off. His time as GM, during which he swapped John Wall for Russell Westbrook and later traded Westbrook for Kuzma, was quite eventful. Porzingis also joined the Wizards as a result of a 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 this, Washington has still been unable to surpass its position as a borderline playoff team at best.

Sheppard did not respond right away to a message requesting comment.