Brooks returning to Wizards for 2020-21 season

Washington Wizards head coach Scott Brooks will return next season to serve the final year of his contract.

"He's a decorated coach. He's been in the league a long time as a player and as a coach. Very accomplished guy," Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard told reporters Wednesday, according to The Associated Press. "And I think we're in great hands next season."

Brooks inked a five-year deal with Washington in April 2016 after a successful tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder, during which he won Coach of the Year and guided the club to an NBA Finals appearance.

The Wizards won 49 games and advanced to the second round of the playoffs during Brooks' first year in charge, but their performances have progressively worsened.

However, Sheppard doesn't believe Brooks is solely at fault, attributing some of the club's drop-off to injuries; All-Star guard John Wall hasn't suited up since December 2018.

"Scotty's done a good job since he got here of adjusting," Sheppard said, according to NBC Sports' Chase Hughes. "Throughout it all, he has always maintained a very professional atmosphere, he does a great job of developing players and he's fantastic in the community. I think we really need to be blessed with a full season of full health."

Washington registered a 25-47 record this past season, including a 1-7 mark in the bubble.