Operations Moves: Sheppard and Newton Receive Promotions

September 12, 2006
“Tommy and Milt are accomplished basketball executives who are extremely hard-working and dedicated,” said Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld. “During their tenure with the Wizards, they have helped us achieve our goals of becoming a respected playoff contender.”

Sheppard
Entering his fourth season with the Wizards, Sheppard has logged 14 years of service to the NBA. Previously a member of the Denver Nuggets organization, Sheppard served as the Nuggets’ Senior Director of Team Services and Player Relations before his arrival in Washington.

Sheppard’s NBA experience includes key roles served in salary cap management, negotiations, draft preparation and talent evaluation; both in the professional ranks and collegiately, as well as internationally and in high school tournaments nationwide. He currently is responsible for organizing the Wizards’ training camp and preseason schedules. In addition, he assists with the Wizards’ efforts in the NBA’s Player Programs and oversees the athletic training, strength training and equipment areas for the team.

Newton
Milt Newton is entering his fourth season with the Wizards organization. He oversees the team’s scouting operations both domestically and internationally. Prior to his hire with the Wizards, Newton was a key contributor to the creation of the National Basketball Development League, where he assisted in the development of league policies as the Director of Player Personnel for three years.

Newton’s career also includes a two-year stint as a scout with the Philadelphia 76ers, and a four-year tenure as the Assistant Director for the USA Men’s Basketball program from 1995-99. Raised in the Nation’s Capital, Newton was a member of the 1988 University of Kansas National Championship team, and he was recently inducted into the District’s Calvin Coolidge High School Alumni Association.

In the three seasons since Sheppard’s and Newton’s hire in DC, the Wizards have advanced to the NBA Playoffs twice; winning a playoff series for the first time in 23 years in 2004-05, and making back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in 18 years in 2004-05 and 2005-06.