The Washington 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.”
Tapscott brings over 25 years of experience in a variety of basketball related roles. As the Wizards’ Director of Player Development/Programs, Tapscott will assist the coaching staff in game preparation and player development. He will also implement player programs that will focus on life skills training and development, counseling, assistance, education and career transition.
A native Washingtonian, Tapscott returns to DC after serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Charlotte Bobcats from 2003-2006. In this role, Tapscott directed the organization’s basketball and business operations. Tapscott’s career in basketball began in Washington, DC in 1978 as an assistant coach at American University. He was elevated to Head Coach in 1982 and he guided the Eagles to more victories than any other coach in the program’s history. Tapscott’s career also includes a tenure as Vice President of Player Personnel and Basketball Operations for the New York Knicks, including a stint as Interim President and General Manager of the Knicks during the 1990’s, when the team made two trips to the NBA Finals (1994 and 1999), and advanced to at least the second round of the playoffs every year. Last season, Tapscott served as an analyst for Wizards games on Comcast SportsNet.
Hopla, one of the top shooting instructors in the world, spent the 2006-07 season with the Toronto Raptors as a basketball development consultant. Prior to joining the Raptors staff on November 26, 2006, the Raptors ranked 24th in the NBA with a .439 field goal percentage through the first 13 games of the season. Under Hopla’s direction, the Raptors finished the season ranked 11th in the league with at .463 field goal percentage. Additionally, the Raptors recorded top 10 finishes in free throw percentage (2nd) and three-point field goal percentage (7th). Prior to joining the Raptors, Hopla worked with various players on both the professional and collegiate levels for over 18 years. He has instructed Wizards three-time All-Star guard Gilbert Arenas, nine-time All-Star guard Kobe Bryant, and seven-time All-Star guard Ray Allen, among others.