Brooks confirmed as Wizards coach

Former Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks has been confirmed as the Washington Wizards' head coach.

 

Brooks, 50, becomes the 24th head coach in franchise history, replacing Randy Wittman, who left in April.

He was coach of the Thunder for seven seasons, reaching the Western Conference Finals three times and the 2012 NBA Finals.

"I am beyond thrilled to return to coaching with a team that is filled with such potential and to be able to join an organisation that is committed to helping us reach our goals," Brooks said.

"I'm very grateful to [Wizards majority owner] Ted Leonsis and [president] Ernie Grunfeld for this opportunity and I can promise the great fans of Washington that we will work extremely hard both on and off the court to represent them in a manner fitting the most powerful city in the world. "

Grunfeld said Brooks, formerly a player with numerous NBA sides, was his team's top candidate, while Leonsis was similarly delighted.

"Scott's approach to the game, track record for player development and ability to communicate with his players made him the clear-cut choice to guide our team as we continue to rise as contenders in the Eastern Conference," Leonsis said.

"His accomplishments as a coach are matched only by his sterling reputation around the league and we're confident that our fans and players alike will embrace and support him as he leads the way."

The Wizards finished the 2015-16 season with a 41-41 win-loss record to end up 10th in the Eastern Conference.

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