Wizards fire Grunfeld after 16 seasons as president

The Washington Wizards have dismissed president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld after 16 seasons together.

"We did not meet our stated goals of qualifying for the playoffs this season and, despite playing with injuries to several key players, we have a culture of accountability and a responsibility of managing to positive outcomes," Wizards owner Ted Leonsis said in a statement on Tuesday.

"I wish to thank Ernie for his service to the Washington Wizards. He and his family have been great leaders in our community and have worked tirelessly to make us a top NBA franchise."

Washington posted a 568-724 record under Grunfeld, making the playoffs eight times but never advancing past the Eastern Conference semifinals. The team also finished with fewer than 30 wins in six different campaigns.

This season, the Wizards are 32-46 and already eliminated from playoff contention.

Grunfeld oversaw several key transactions during his tenure. Those included the signing of free-agent guard Gilbert Arenas (and the subsequent contract extensions given to the injury-plagued star), and the draft selections of John Wall at No. 1 overall in 2010 and Bradley Beal at No. 3 in 2012.

Senior vice president Tommy Sheppard will report to Leonsis on an interim basis until a new head of basketball operations is named after this season.

Sheppard is also a candidate for the New Orleans Pelicans' full-time general manager role, sources told The New York Times' Marc Stein. That position has been occupied by Danny Ferry on an interim basis since Dell Demps' dismissal earlier this season.