Eddie Tapscott: Why This Guy?

When general manager Ernie Grunfeld fired Eddie Jordan, people thought Jordan was put in a bad situation and was robbed by the Wizards organization.

When Grunfeld decide to name Eddie Tapscott interim head coach, people asked “Why?”

Tapscott, who was never a head coach before, said he would try to demand more from his players to play at the highest level possible. Tapscott stated he wanted to push the ball more and lock down defense, as the Wizards were lacking defense under Jordan’s reign.

He also wanted to give the younger players some time to play and see what they have, because experience on the basketball court is priceless.

In their first game under Tapscott’s leadership, the Wizards blew out the Golden State Warriors 124-100, providing a complete team effort as team headed in a good direction.

That was short-lived, however, as the Wizards have been playing selfish basketball ever since. In addition to bad shots on the offensive side of the game and a relaxed defense, the team seems that they are only playing for a contract instead of for a win.

Since then, Tapscott hasn’t let rookie center Javale McGee see much playing time on the court. McGee has impressed crowds at the Verizon Center with his spectacular dunks and the hustle he brings to every game. He is also very emotional and enthusiastic when it comes to the game he loves.

Instead, Tapscott has decided to split McGee’s minutes between Darius Songalia and Andray Blatche. Songalia and Blatche, both power forwards, have no business playing at the center position. I am not sure if Tapscott is jealous of the attention McGee is getting or what, but he needs to play his young star.

So far this season the Wizards have a disgraceful record of 7-27. They will be guaranteed a spot in the lottery if they continue down that path. All they need to do for the rest of the stretch is play the less-experienced guys and have them ready for next season.

Tapscott has shown his inexperience as a coach and needs to go back to his regular assignment next year. He has already proven that he has much to work on before he can become a head coach in the National Basketball Association.