Alexis Ajinca takes another step forward in his reconversion as a coach. Member of the staff of the Capital City Go-Go, the Wizards' G-League team, the former pivot had been named Wednesday in Brian Keefe's staff. Alexis Ajinça therefore returns to the NBA, possibly the same year as his cousin Melvin, drafted by the Mavericks.
Former player of the Charlotte Bobcats, the Mavericks, the Raptors, before an interlude in France and a more convincing return across the Atlantic with the Pelicans, Alexis Ajinça officially ended his career in 2021. The French international turned to coaching, with a first experience last season.
” I wanted to be either an agent, a commentator or a coach.” he explained to the Step Back podcast from L'Equipe. ” I did the different trainings during Covid. Then, I called my old agent, I told him I was interested in becoming a player agent. While talking to the team, one of the agents heard me and sent me a message. He said to me: 'I know someone who had a coaching job at Capital City Go-Go, would you be interested in applying?'. I went through the interview process to be a coach. Apparently I excelled. They liked my philosophy of thought. »
Goal? To be the “first French coach in the NBA”
Alexis Ajinça has also clearly done well on the bench, since he was named to Brian Keefe's staff, who was kept on the Washington bench. He will have the opportunity to contribute to his compatriot's development Alexandre Sarrsecond choice of the last Draft. Enough to give a strong French accent to a franchise where Bilal Coulibaly will have a major role from next season.
Last April, the Stéphanois was still thinking about staying at the Go-Go, ” even though the Wizards love my work ” he assured L'Equipe, not without displaying his ambition. ” My goal is to be an NBA coach, to be the first Frenchman. It could be very interesting. In any case, it's going to be a lot of work. »
The Wizards also announced that David Vanterpool was reappointed as Brian Keefe's first assistant, the only return to the staff after a complicated season in DC (15 wins for 67 losses). In addition to Alexis Ajinça, the Washington franchise completed its staff with Adam Capornformer assistant in Brooklyn, JJ Outlawformer assistant to JB Bickerstaff in Cleveland and former NFL player, Brian Randlespent time on the bench of the Wolves, the Suns and the Pistons and TJ Sorrentinewho complete the team built around Brian Keefe.
