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The Washington Wizards hired ex-Pistons general manager Troy Weaver to an advisory role in the organization. He will join Wizards president Michael Winger and GM Will Dawkins, his former colleagues from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Weaver’s tenure with the Pistons included bold moves like drafting Cade Cunningham, but he also faced criticism for the team’s lack of success.
He’ll assist Winger and Dawkins in improving the Wizards’ second-worst NBA record from last season. What does Weaver bring to the Wizards organization that could be a plus? Did the Wizards make a mistake hiring Weaver, considering his rough four-season stretch in Detroit? Let’s talk about it.
Washington Wizards Appoint Ex-Pistons GM To Official Position
Troy Weaver Hired For His Eye For Talent
With the NBA draft just around the corner, Weaver’s in-depth knowledge of the 2024 NBA draft class could prove to be a game-changer. As the Pistons GM, Weaver meticulously studied top draft prospects. He can now leverage this expertise to compare his evaluations with those of the Wizards front office, potentially selecting a player that will perfectly fit the roster. Weaver’s stellar draft record boosts excitement and intrigue, making him a valuable asset for the Wizards’.
In Utah, Weaver helped scout talents like Deron Williams and Paul Millsap, who were critical players for the Jazz. During his tenure in Oklahoma City, Weaver was instrumental in drafting Russell Westbrook and Steven Adams, pivotal figures in the Thunder’s success. As the general manager of the Pistons, Weaver drafted Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and Isaiah Stewart, who have become foundational pieces for the franchise. Cunningham, in particular, has shown promise as a future star, reinforcing Weaver’s reputation for identifying high-impact players. With the Wizards looking to rebound from a challenging season, Weaver’s knack for spotting talent could be crucial. His insights could help the team make a strategic pick that addresses their current needs and sets them on a path to improvement.
Troy Weaver Hired To Help Construct Wizards Roster
As Pistons GM, Weaver’s .233 winning percentage (74-244) marked the eighth-worst record for an NBA lead executive. However, Weaver’s role with the Wizards will be advisory rather than decision-making, which could play to his strengths. Ascending the ranks, Weaver excelled at offering insightful roster decisions, benefiting his organizations greatly.
Weaver’s insights could shape a strategic off-season, addressing needs and propelling the Wizards forward. In Detroit, Weaver tackled challenges like rebuilding, resource constraints, and team struggles and gained valuable experience.
In his new role with the Wizards, Weaver evaluates talent and offers strategic advice without final roster decision-making. This allows him to leverage his player evaluation and team-building expertise while collaborating with the Wizards to construct a more competitive roster.
D.C. Prodigy Returns Home
Being hired by the Wizards brings Weaver’s basketball career full circle. Weaver, from D.C., went to Archbishop Carroll High, then Prince George’s Community College and Bowie State. He would coach the AAU team, D.C. Assault, from 1993 to 1996, winning the AAU tournament of champions in 1996. It’s always a dream for anyone in a profession that requires relocation to return home and become part of the team they grew up watching. Now, Weaver will have this chance.
Weaver’s return to D.C. is a professional milestone and a personal homecoming. His deep roots in the community have laid a strong foundation for his basketball career. These years of developing local talent and leading a successful AAU program show his commitment to nurturing young athletes and teams.
The Last Word
Weaver brings talent evaluation, strategic insight, and D.C. passion to the Wizards. While his tenure in Detroit was challenging, his advisory role with the Wizards allows him to focus on his strengths without the pressures of being the primary decision-maker. Weaver’s insights could shape a strategic draft pick, addressing needs and propelling the Wizards forward. The Wizards’ choice to add Weaver reflects a balanced strategy, using his strengths to lift the team from adversity.
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Miami Heat Sign Summer League Standout To Two-Way Contract
One more spot on the Miami Heat's roster has been taken. The team announced Friday they have signed Myron Gardner to a two-way contract. The 24 year-old was a Summer League standout, averaging 13.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.7 steals in his four showings, converting on half of his overall shot attempts, 61 percent of his threes and 100 percent of his free throws. The Heat gave him a two-year two-way contract, granting both parties security and flexibility. Now, the Heat have two of their two-way spots filled, as they have already signed Vladislav Goldin to one, with guard Dru Smith a potential candidate for the final spot. For the past two seasons, Gardner has been playing for the G League's Osceola Magic. In 2024-2025, Gardner was a bigger part of the team's 22-12 season, good for the first seed in their conference, averaging 12.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 steals. He converted on 52.5 percent of his field goals, 38.2 percent of his threes and 78.4 percent of his free throws. Collegiately, Gardner played one season at Georgetown and two for Arkansas. In his final season in 2022-2023, he averaged 13.2 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.3 steals, converting on 42 percent of his shots, 35.6 percent of his threes and 75.5 percent of his 4.6 free throws per game. MORE MIAMI HEAT STORIES Miami Heat Front Office Member Applauds Kasparas Jakučionis' Performance Ex-Miami Heat Player Believes Pat Riley's "Not Done" In Free Agency NBA Executives And Scouts View Kasparas Jakučionis As Draft Steal Despite an up-and-down Summer League showing overall, the buzz around Miami Heat rookie Kasparas Jakučionis remains true. ESPN's Jeremy Woo recently surveyed various NBA scouts and executives, with two of them voting the Heat's first round pick as the rookie to come out as the biggest draft steal. Jakucionis surprisingly fell to the 20th pick in the draft in late June after being evaluated as a sure-fire lottery talent over the past year. His place on mock drafts gradually declined after midseason wrist and forearm injuries brought down his efficiency. He averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 33 games for the 22-13 Illinois Fighting Illini in the 2024-2025 season. At Vegas Summer League, the 19 year-old averaged 15.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.7 steals, converting on 45 percent of his field goals, 35 percent of his threes and 100 percent of his free throws. He struggled mightily on offense during the earlier California Classic portion of Summer League, where he only made one field goal despite flashing playmaking and defensive positives while playing more of a combo guard role.
Dustin Rhodes Assigns Blame After Hulk Hogan’s Death
Following the shocking news of Hulk Hogan’s passing, wrestling legend Dustin Rhodes, known to millions as Goldust in WWE, took to social media to share a deeply personal and provocative reaction: “Hospitals truly kill people. I really do mean that.” Rhodes’ blunt statement stunned many fans, but those who know his story saw the pain behind the words. His father, the iconic Dusty Rhodes, passed away in 2015, aged 69, after a fall at home led to hospitalization for kidney failure. After his father's passing, Dustin shared a contemplative response on WWE's YouTube channel to discuss the legacy his father left behind. The news of Hogan's death comes just a month after reports suggested he was on his "deathbed" after undergoing a neck procedure back in May. Hogan's reps denied that was the case. In June, US Weekly reported that Hogan had also undergone a "pretty serious heart surgery and was doing well afterward." Dustin’s connection to his brother Cody Rhodes, now a top WWE superstar and face of the company’s next generation, is unbreakable. The Rhodes family legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of pro wrestling history, and seeing another legend like Hogan pass has clearly hit close to home. While Goldust and Hulk Hogan never had a headline-grabbing rivalry, they did share the ring once. It occurred in WCW in 2000 when Dustin Rhodes matched up against Hogan. Although their paths didn’t often cross in the squared circle, Hogan and the Rhodes family were part of the same larger-than-life era that helped define pro wrestling for decades and catapult the sport into society's zeitgeist. Rhodes’ comment about hospitals might not sit well with everyone, but it speaks to a raw and honest pain felt by someone who has seen too many legends, both personal and professional, fade away in similar fashion. The sport of wrestling has endured more than its fair share of lives cut short. As tributes continue to pour in for Hogan, Rhodes’ reaction serves as a powerful, if somber, reminder of the real human emotions behind the wrestling personas.
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan leaves behind a complicated legacy
On Thursday, wrestling icon Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea died at the age of 71. "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away," the company said in a statement. "One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s... WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans." Hogan was the first true superstar to emerge in the wrestling industry, capturing a casual audience worldwide and bringing new eyes to the sport. He was an unbelievable draw, both as a baby face and as a heel. From his time as an All-American hero to leading the New World Order and teaming with Randy Savage as part of the "Mega Powers," he has been a staple of the scene for decades. Who can forget his WrestleMania III moment, where he defied the laws of physics to body-slam a 520-pound Andre the Giant? Or, more recently, his match with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at WrestleMania 18? His last appearance on WWE RAW on Jan. 6 saw him booed throughout, highlighting the rocky legacy Hogan leaves behind. Hogan's universal popularity has plummeted in recent years, primarily due to a racism scandal that led to his removal from the Wrestling Hall of Fame, only to be reinstated in 2018. Nevertheless, the damage had been done. Hogan's outdated and unwelcome outlook on specific aspects of life derailed the final stanza of a legendary career. Still, there's no denying that without Hogan, the wrestling we know and love today wouldn't exist. There wouldn't be WWE on the world's largest streaming platform, or All Elite Wrestling, which is developing into one of the most successful challenger brands. Instead, there would be smaller, more localized promotions, all competing for a sliver of television time. Hogan popularized the sport by bridging the gap between the wrestling ring and Hollywood. During his time in the spotlight, Hogan appeared in movies such as "Rocky III," "No Holds Barred" and "Suburban Commando," all of which helped bring his larger-than-life persona to a new audience. It's no surprise, then, that The Rock, John Cena and Dave Bautista have all made similar jumps in recent years. Hogan leaves behind an everlasting imprint on the wrestling world. Unfortunately, it comes with multiple asterisks; however, that doesn't change what he achieved as the first global wrestling star.
Yankees Should Do Anything for Diamondbacks Trade?
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