TAPSCOTT, HOPLA JOIN WIZARDS STAFF
 Tapscott  Hopla |
The Wizards announced today the hiring of Ed Tapscott as Director of Player Development/Programs and Dave Hopla as Assistant Coach/Player Development on Head Coach Eddie Jordan’s staff. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
“Ed and Dave have an extensive coaching background and have proven to be very successful in working with and developing players throughout their careers,†Jordan said. “Ed will be instrumental in implementing different programs, which will be beneficial to our players both on and off the court. Dave excels in working with players in developing their all-around game. They both enjoy teaching the game of basketball and are great additions to a very well-rounded staff.â€
Posted: August 22nd, 2007 under Wizards.
Comments
Comment from BruceO
Time August 22, 2007 at 5:33 PM
I honestly don’t know much about tapscott but I remember gil saying he worked with hopla in high school. from what i’ve heard he’s worked with kobe and ray allen and shoots at about 98 percent from the field. I’m glad we have him on full coaching staff doing more than he did in TO whre he improved team shooting efficiecny from 44-47 percent.
Comment from BruceO
Time August 22, 2007 at 5:36 PM
we do need a big man coach though. I don’t think they’ve developed well. Hope tapscott adds a different dimension to this. I’m happy with our coaching staff, now all we really need is improve our big men and not have more players than we need playing certain positions.
Comment from WizardsDotCom
Time August 22, 2007 at 8:13 PM
Bruce – Ed Tapscott has been around the NBA for decades, often as a front office exec, working with the Knicks, Bucks and most recently the Bobcats (in their business ops).
Comment from BruceO
Time August 23, 2007 at 3:00 AM
yeah I’ve seen he’s a front office guy for years. Saw the bobcats thing as well. What I meant was I’ve seen things that indicate EG’s expertise in player pickingfrom other teams and draft+ team organization largely the caron deal, michael redd, jamison and arenas + the knicks when he run it. The defensive coach I can see what he did in orlando in terms of better defense shown by the numbers and rank. I can see what hopla did in toronto in terms of players percentages and team percentage plus offensive rank. I don’t know what tapscott has done that shows he’s been successful. I do trust the decision though. It’s nice to get people who know what they are doing. We are on the right path.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time August 23, 2007 at 8:42 AM
Eric — is that you checking in? Or, Will, have you taken over Eric’s old moniker?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time August 23, 2007 at 8:43 AM
Wasn’t Tapscott doing color on the Wizards’ broadcasts last year? He looks, and his name sounds, familiar.
Comment from WizardsDotCom
Time August 23, 2007 at 9:00 AM
Until it’s ripped from my rotting hands, I will ALWAYS be WizardsDotCom! MUAH HA HA HA HA! 
Yup, Ed did some analysis for the postgame show on CSN last season following his departure from the Bobcats.
Comment from AUNDRA2007
Time August 29, 2007 at 8:24 PM
The boys are back in town and this time it ain’t no fooling around,was the first thing that came to my mind. This is some expert talent that has landed so graciously in the Wizards organization! If I could rate these two men they would be the best that the NBA has to offer and I really mean it! Eddie great with his layed back personality playoff\championship experience and Hopla has worked with Kobe so you know he is a perfectionist!I have a A++ on this move and this team will definitely reap the benefits!!!
Comment from neal
Time September 2, 2007 at 10:10 PM
Hi guys. I’ve been away for a while; good to be back.
These guys sound good. Glad to have them.
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Comment from BruceO
Time August 22, 2007 at 3:17 PM
sounds good. Could improve nick young, dominic, caron, blatche and pech’s shot. Also improves overall efficiency of the offense.