In DC, Candace Buckner cited sources as saying that the Wizards are working with Sportsology CEO and former Chelsea FC Dir of Football Operations Mike Forde, as the team "attempts to reset its culture ahead of hiring" a replacement for longtime President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld. Wizards Owner Ted Leonsis said that he "planned on taking three weeks to speak with members of the basketball operations staff to listen to their feedback." He added that he would "use an independent consultant for advice." Although Forde's career began in the U.K, he has "become popular in American sports," and reportedly has advised the Rams and Falcons. Leonsis said that as the Wizards move forward with their next hire, he wants to "create a more collaborative culture" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 4/8).
DECISIONS, DECISIONS: Sabres GM Jason Botterill said that team co-Owners Terry and Kim Pegula "were not involved" in dismissing coach Phil Housley on Sunday. THE ATHLETIC's Ryan Stimson wrote, "What decisions should (and shouldn't) the owners have a say in when it comes to running the team?" It would be "beneficial for the owners to invest money into a proper analytics staff and coaching support." When ownership "gets involved in decisions it can have incredibly negative results." Stimson: "If Pegula is heavily influencing decisions that end up having negative results, who is feeling the consequences of that?" (THEATHLETIC.com, 4/8).
