Report: Wizards to retain Wittman as coach

The Washington Wizards plan to retain Randy Wittman as head coach in the 2012-2013 season, according to reports. Wittman was the lead assistant to Flip Saunders, who was fired after a 2-15 start to last season. The Wizards have Wittman and the other assistant coaches under contract for next season in any case, but now it appears Wittman will stay in place in the top job. Apparently, that might not have been the case had the NBA Draft Lottery gone differently.

Wittman previously coached the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2001 and the Sacramento Kings in 2008-2009. He compiled a 100-207 record as a head coach, which probably explains why he was fired in his two previous top jobs. However, the Wizards finished strong under Wittman, who got the team to play harder than Saunders, who was unable to connect with a roster filled with very young players. A midseason trade that brought smart and reliable big man Nene to Washington, while shipping out Nick Young and Javale McGee, seemed to help the team, as well. I think this is probably the best move and hardly surprising, since there haven't been any rumors about the Wizards entertaining other head coaching options.