Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard Not Ready To Make Call On Scott Brooks

Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard wasn’t ready to commit to coach Scott Brooks during a season-ending press conference on Thursday.

Brooks’ contract is expiring this offseason.

“We’re not doing anything about that today. We’re obviously going to do a thorough evaluation top-to-bottom of our whole organization and ways we can get better,” Sheppard told reporters.

“Any question about that stuff, that’s not for today, that’s not for this time. I will say this, Scotty did a hell of a job keeping this team together through some of the most difficult and dark moments probably in franchise history, to be honest with you.”

Sheppard did offer praise to Brooks for guiding the Wizards to the playoffs and managing a roster that was in its first season with star guard Russell Westbrook.

“Now the question is, do we have enough talent here, do we have enough strength in the coaching staff to move forward? That’s what we’re going to evaluate and I think we do. I think Scotty has done a heck of a job given the circumstances,” Sheppard said.

Brooks also addressed his contract situation, making it clear the goal is to return. Mostly, he said he understands this is how things work in the big leagues.

“It doesn’t bother me one bit. That’s just part of being in this business. It’s obviously well-documented that my contract’s up,” Brooks said.