As Scott Brooks' future as the Wizards head coach hangs in the balance following the end of their 2020-21 season, it would be hard to find a stronger endorsement from a more prominent voice than the one he received on Wednesday night. After their Game 5 defeat to the Sixers, star point guard Russell Westbrook said in no uncertain terms he believes Brooks should be back.
Brooks just completed the final season of his five-year contract and will now discuss what's next with general manager Tommy Sheppard and team chairman Ted Leonsis. But if Westbrook had a say in it all, Brooks would be getting an extension.
"If it was up to me, Scotty wouldn’t be going anywhere. It’s not even a question or a conversation to even be brought up," Westbrook said. "If the conversation is brought to me, I will definitely voice my opinion like I’m voicing it now and see what happens."
Westbrook and Brooks, of course, go way back. They spent seven years together in Oklahoma City with the Thunder before reuniting in Washington in December when Westbrook was traded to the Wizards from the Rockets. They then helped lead the Wizards to their first playoff appearance in three years.
Westbrook has spoken out numerous times in recent months to make sure Brooks gets some of the praise, all while his future was being speculated among the media and fans. Westbrook said more on the subject Wednesday night.
"This year he did a hell of a job. He did a job that I’m pretty sure people didn’t think he was able to do. He kept us together, he kept us encouraged, he kept us fighting. He don’t get a lot of credit for it, but he deserves a lot of credit for putting us in position to be successful," Westbrook said.
Westbrook also made it clear that Brooks' future is not his decision. As he alluded to above, if the front office or members of ownership want to know his thoughts, he will share them.
NBA
But they may not need to ask him directly, as he just made his opinion known.