Three Changes Needed From Interim Coach Brian Keefe

What Are Three Changes Brian Keefe Should Make

Brian Keefe has finally got his very first win of the season with the Washington Wizards as they defeated the Detroit Pistons 118-104. It was a game where the Washington Wizards started strong and ended even stronger. That is the best way to win. That is the best way to play the game of basketball.

Got a dub in Detroit. ⚡️#ForTheDistrict | @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/x1XL1VNAHL

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 27, 2024

With Brian Keefe stepping in to lead this team as the Coach, here are three changes needed that would be beneficial for the Wizards.

1. Zone Defense 

The Wizards certainly could use some help defensively. They have been a team who is constantly taken advantage of on the perimeter. They simply have a hard time defending wings and guards. Daniel Gafford typically does well defensively in the middle down low on the block. The problem is on the perimeter. One thing that could be implemented to improve their perimeter defense is playing a zone defense. It could be a 2-3 zone, 3-2 zone, or even a box in one zone. That would help the team depend and rely on each other defensively as well. Good team defenses wins championships.

2. Better Substitutions

There is nothing like not providing enough minutes to players or even making a substitution at a time that is not needed for it. Those things can swing and shifts games towards your opponent when those mistakes happen. If Corey Kispert is hot, you have to keep riding that hot hand. Those small details can make or break you. 

3. Lineup Changes

One major knock with any Head Coach is when they are reluctant to make a lineup change. It could be a change for one particular game or even for the foreseeable future. The Wizards have had the same lineup all season long. That lineup hasn’t helped them this season. When that is the case, the best thing to do is experiment. At this point, you have nothing to lose. Marvin Bagley has been playing out of his mind thus far with the Wizards. It may be time to consider moving him into the starting five. Meanwhile, Jordan Poole is having a down season. Perhaps he could come off the bench and see what happens from there. Whatever the case, when you’re playing against a big team or a small team, it is wise for any Coach to take advantage of those opponents by going big, going small, or matching up size.