{"id":62671,"date":"2024-01-31T22:02:39","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T03:02:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=62671"},"modified":"2024-01-31T22:02:39","modified_gmt":"2024-02-01T03:02:39","slug":"how-has-wizards-head-coach-brian-keefe-affected-washington","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/01\/31\/how-has-wizards-head-coach-brian-keefe-affected-washington\/","title":{"rendered":"How Has Wizards Head Coach Brian Keefe Affected Washington?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Washington Wizards (9-37) <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/01\/25\/washington-wizards-name-brian-keefe-interim-head-coach\/\" target=\"_self\">interim head coach Brian Keefe<\/a> is 2-1 since taking over the head coaching duties after the firing of Wes Unseld Jr. last week. Since Keefe took over, the Wizards have looked like a completely different team. Washington seems more energized and has displayed more effort as a unit. Keefe served as an assistant coach for nearly 20 seasons before coming to Washington as an assistant last summer. The former Wizards assistant has worked with star players such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/duranke01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kevin Durant<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/westbru01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Russell Westbrook<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hardeja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">James Harden<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gilgesh01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a> throughout his career. How has Keefe affected Washington?<\/p>\n<h2>How Has Wizards Head Coach Brian Keefe Affected Washington?<\/h2>\n<h3>\u00a0Keefe&#8217;s Affect on Daniel Gafford<\/h3>\n<p>Wizards big man <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gaffoda01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Daniel Gafford<\/a> is the starting center and has been with the organization since 2021. Before Keefe, Gafford averaged 10.5 points and only 7.5 rebounds. Since Keefe took over (the last three games), Gafford has averaged 14.6 points and 11.6 rebounds. In Washington&#8217;s previous game against the San Antonio Spurs, Gafford tallied a career-high eight offensive rebounds (most by a Wizards player since 2017). He has been a solid anchor in the paint defensively and has started to play to his size.<\/p>\n<p>The former Arkansas Razorback recorded a double-double in consecutive games (vs. Detroit and San Antonio) and averaged 1.6 blocks in the three games under Keefe.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">DANIEL GAFFORD WITH THE REJECTION ON LAURI MARKKANEN \ud83d\ude33<a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/gJC1Z5qf1K\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/gJC1Z5qf1K<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ClutchPoints\/status\/1750701136481243233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">January 26, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Gafford isn&#8217;t known as a big man who can put the ball on the floor and create a shot or even be effective in transition, but his hustle and rim protection make him a valuable piece in Washington. Under Keefe, Gafford is coming into his own and has arguably been the Wizards&#8217; most energetic player.<\/p>\n<h3>Keefe&#8217;s Affect on Tyus Jones<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jonesty01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyus Jones<\/a> arrived in D.C. via a trade from the Memphis Grizzlies during the offseason. Jones is coming off a 15-point and nine-assist outing against the Spurs and made clutch plays down the stretch to help Washington win their ninth game of the season.<\/p>\n<p>Since Keefe took over, Jones is averaging 13 points and 10.6 assists. Jones is his best during pick-and-roll plays, as he currently ranks in the 87th percentile. The former Duke Blue Devil gets his bread and butter inside the perimeter (floaters), and Keefe emphasizes his strengths.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"und\">.<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/1Tyus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@1Tyus<\/a> \u2197\ufe0f <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/kylekuzma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@kylekuzma<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/AhbTwnxIG4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/AhbTwnxIG4<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WashWizards\/status\/1752140395578789901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">January 30, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>In this clip, the Wizards were in a position where they do the most damage, in transition. Washington currently ranks fourth in the NBA in transition. They score an average of 25.8 points while in transition per game, which also takes into account the level of pace the team plays. As of the time of writing, Washington has the fastest pace in the association with a 103.22 pace. As the starting point guard, Jones is the catalyst of how the team operates, and he&#8217;s leaning fully into this role under Keefe.<\/p>\n<p>Unseld Jr. didn&#8217;t maximize Jones&#8217;s strengths to his absolute fullest. He averaged 4.9 assists in the Wizards&#8217; first 17 games. That average ballooned to 5.9 per game as the season progressed, but that number nearly doubled under Keefe.<\/p>\n<p>Jones has started 140\/589 (24%) games throughout his nine-year career and has been known as just a solid, low-turnover, reliable backup. Under Keefe, however, he looks like a formidable starting point guard who can dish and execute in the mid-range at a high level.<\/p>\n<h3>Keefe&#8217;s Affect On Wizards Center Marvin Bagley III<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/baglema01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Marvin Bagley III<\/a> arrived in Washington via a trade with the Detroit Pistons. Bagley has been supremely beneficial as a starter and backup for the Wizards. In seven games with Washington, Bagley averages 16.3 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting 59.4% from the floor.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Daily reminder the Wizards got draft picks for Marvin Bagley III<a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/FQfjrI5c5E\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/FQfjrI5c5E<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Hoop District (@Hoop_District) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Hoop_District\/status\/1752147197930402036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">January 30, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>In the first snippet of the clip, Bagley used his ability to put the ball on the floor and make something happen. Spurs rookie forward <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/barlodo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dominick Barlow<\/a> was at Bagley&#8217;s mercy as he was quick off his triple-threat stance and aggressively attacked the basket. In the second snippet, Bagley already set up shop down low against Barlow. He spun right and used his physicality to draw another foul and cash in for an and-1 against Barlow.<\/p>\n<p>When Gafford returned from<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/01\/17\/washington-wizards-center-daniel-gafford-in-concussion-protocol\/\" target=\"_self\"> concussion protocol,<\/a> Bagley was relegated to the bench, and his minutes were reduced. While on the court, Bagley contributes heavily to the scoring and rebounding department.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Since the trade for Marvin Bagley III, <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WashWizards?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@WashWizards<\/a> have gone from 28th in both offensive rebounds and 2nd chance points to Top 15 in both categories. Plus improved their rebound margin, rebounds per game and rebound percentage.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Chris Miller \ud83c\udfa5\ud83c\udf99\ud83c\udfc0 (@CMillsPXP) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CMillsPXP\/status\/1751993435710468114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">January 29, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Keefe sees Bagley&#8217;s abilities as an effective transitional scorer, rim finisher, and a solid help defender who helps lead the second unit. In the victory against San Antonio, Bagley contributed 15 points and shot \u00a05\/6 (83.3%) from the field. Bagley&#8217;s arrival was a shot in the arm for Washington, as the former No. 2 overall pick continues to try and live up to his draft status.<\/p>\n<h3>Keefe&#8217;s Affect on Bilal Coulibaly<\/h3>\n<p>Rookie forward <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/coulibi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bilal Coulibaly<\/a> has had a promising freshman season in the NBA. Coulibaly was selected seventh overall in the 2023 NBA draft. He has established himself as one of the association&#8217;s premier rookies.<\/p>\n<p>The NBA announced on Tuesday that Coulibaly was selected to be a part of the 2024 Rising Stars roster.<\/p>\n<p>The 19-year-old currently averages 8.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting 46.4% from the field and 39% from three-point range. Amongst his rookie peers, Coulibaly ranks in the top five in total minutes played (1,190), steals (40), and blocks (36).<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">No question, Bilal Coulibaly is a Rising Star.<\/p>\n<p>\ud83c\udf1f \ud835\udc13\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc29 \ud835\udfd3 among rookies in total steals &amp; blocks.<br \/>\n\ud83c\udf1f \ud835\udc13\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc29 \ud835\udfcf\ud835\udfce among rookies in points, rebounds, &amp; threes.<br \/>\n\ud83c\udf1f \ud835\udfcf \ud835\udc28\ud835\udc1f \ud835\udfd1 rookies with at least 40+ steals &amp; 30+ blocks. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/HzuT5bVcHE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/HzuT5bVcHE<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WashWizards\/status\/1752444176677929096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">January 30, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Under Keefe, Coulibaly averages 30.3 minutes per game coming off the bench. Against San Antonio, Coulibaly tallied 13 points and shot 5\/6 from the field and 2\/2 from the three-point line. The first-round draft pick has provided a much-needed spark in the second unit with his tenacity and defensive ability.<\/p>\n<p>As mentioned, Keefe has a track record of developing young talent and with that comes a level of trust, as seen in the following clip.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Bilal Coulibaly tough bucket <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/E9LKn7HO9L\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/E9LKn7HO9L<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/UsherNBA\/status\/1752147223167521032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">January 30, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>In the clip, Keefe allowed Coulibaly to bring the ball up the floor and control the entire offensive possession. Coulibaly had <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcderdo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Doug McDermott<\/a> guard him at the top of the key and decided to attack the basket aggressively and fearlessly. The rookie knew McDermott didn&#8217;t stand a chance at stopping him from getting to the rim, and it led to an and-1.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"tl\">Look at Bilal Coulibaly!!! <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/1jh9vGBLak\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/1jh9vGBLak<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/UsherNBA\/status\/1750679230361272377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">January 26, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>This next play shows just how grimy and relentless the French rookie can be on the defensive side of the floor. Coulibaly is guarding Jazz guard <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/clarkjo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jordan Clarkson<\/a>, but then forward <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/f\/fontesi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Simone Fontecchio<\/a> sets a pick to free Clarkson, but to no avail. Coulibaly fights through the pick and still steals the ball from Clarkson.<\/p>\n<h3>The Last Word<\/h3>\n<p>Keefe is doing a solid job at the helm in Washington. His nearly two-decade tenure as an assistant coach, which included working with future hall-of-fame players, is showing. The &#8220;little things&#8221; matter with Keefe, and the players are buying into his approach.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Washington Wizards (9-37) interim head coach Brian Keefe is 2-1 since taking over the head coaching duties after the firing of Wes Unseld Jr. last week. Since Keefe took over, the Wizards have looked like a completely different team. Washington seems more energized and has displayed more effort as a unit. Keefe served as an [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5017,"featured_media":62837,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,62,18],"tags":[4769,1453,1418,569],"class_list":["post-62671","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-nba","category-wizards","tag-bilal-coulibaly","tag-daniel-gafford","tag-marvin-bagley-iii","tag-tyus-jones"],"modified_by":"Kayla Fonte","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62671","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5017"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62671"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62671\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62837"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62671"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62671"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62671"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}