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Wizards flip for Saunders as new coach
Source: Agencies |
April 23, 2009, Thursday
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FLIP Saunders was named head coach of the woeful Washington Wizards yesterday, taking over the team that finished bottom of the Eastern Conference last season.
"There were many factors that led to this being the right situation for me, but the most intriguing was the commitment of (Wizards chairman) Mr. Pollin and (president) Ernie (Grunfeld) to win a championship," Saunders said on the Wizards website (www.nba.com/wizards).
"I look forward to enjoying the great support and home court advantage from Wizards fans that I've always seen from the opposing sidelines and to making each game at Verizon Centre an exciting event."
Terms were not announced but according to media reports Saunders' deal is for four years and $18 million.
After guiding the Detroit Pistons to three consecutive Eastern Conference finals, Saunders was sacked last year.
Saunders spent 10 seasons as head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, compiling a record of 411-326 and guiding his team to eight consecutive playoff appearances, including a trip to the 2004 Western conference finals.
His career record of 587-396 with Minnesota and Detroit is among the NBA's best, ranking eighth among active coaches and 21st all-time in total wins.
Decimated by injuries last season, the Wizards finished with a record of 19-63, matching their worst ever for an 82-game season.
"There were many factors that led to this being the right situation for me, but the most intriguing was the commitment of (Wizards chairman) Mr. Pollin and (president) Ernie (Grunfeld) to win a championship," Saunders said on the Wizards website (www.nba.com/wizards).
"I look forward to enjoying the great support and home court advantage from Wizards fans that I've always seen from the opposing sidelines and to making each game at Verizon Centre an exciting event."
Terms were not announced but according to media reports Saunders' deal is for four years and $18 million.
After guiding the Detroit Pistons to three consecutive Eastern Conference finals, Saunders was sacked last year.
Saunders spent 10 seasons as head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, compiling a record of 411-326 and guiding his team to eight consecutive playoff appearances, including a trip to the 2004 Western conference finals.
His career record of 587-396 with Minnesota and Detroit is among the NBA's best, ranking eighth among active coaches and 21st all-time in total wins.
Decimated by injuries last season, the Wizards finished with a record of 19-63, matching their worst ever for an 82-game season.
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