Ernie Grunfeld sacked as president of the Washington Wizards
Wednesday 3 April 2019 10:17, UK
Ernie Grunfeld has been sacked as president of the Washington Wizards on Tuesday after 16 seasons in charge of the team.
Wizards chairman Ted Leonsis announced Grunfeld's dismissal with four games left in a disappointing season where they failed to make the play-off's
The 63-year-old, hired prior to the 2003-04 season, leaves with the team struggling with a disappointing 32-46 record.
Leonsis issued a statement that read: "We did not meet our stated goals of qualifying for the playoffs this season and, despite playing with injuries to several key players, we have a culture of accountability and a responsibility of managing to positive outcomes,"
"I wish to thank Ernie for his service to the Washington Wizards. He and his family have been great leaders in our community and have worked tirelessly to make us a top NBA franchise."
The biggest blow to the Wizards was a season-ending heel injury to five-time All-Star John Wall with the point guard limited to playing 32 games.
The Wizards had a 568-724 record during Grunfeld's tenure with eight playoff appearances.
Senior vice president of basketball operations Tommy Sheppard, will be a candidate for the permanent post., will run the team until a replacement is found for.
Grunfeld averaged 7.4 points and 2.6 rebounds in 693 NBA games from 1977-86 with the Milwaukee Bucks, Kansas City Kings and New York Knicks. He was the
He was 11th overall pick of the 1977 draft by Milwaukee after being a college star at Tennessee, where he teamed with future Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame member Bernard King.
