Wizards Remove Interim Tag, Name Tommy Sheppard New GM

The Wizards on Friday "removed the interim tag from Tommy Sheppard's title," making him the 12th GM in franchise history, according to a source. Sheppard had been the "interim president of the Wizards" since April 2, when former President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld was fired. Sources said that the Wizards "decided to move forward with Sheppard" after a "search that included at least four candidates from other organizations." A source said that Wizards Owner Ted Leonsis met with another GM candidate at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, but Leonsis "ultimately chose Sheppard for his performance this offseason and his global network within the sport" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 7/19).