fbpx
Wikipedia

Washington Wizards

April 20, 2023

"Washington Bullets" redirects here. For the song by The Clash, see Washington Bullets (song).
This article is about the NBA team that was named the Baltimore Bullets from 1963 to 1973. For the original 1944–1954 Baltimore Bullets ABL/BAA/NBA team, see Baltimore Bullets (1944–1954).

The Washington Wizards are an American professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C. The Wizards compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league's Eastern Conference Southeast Division. The team plays its home games at the Capital One Arena, in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. an arena they share with the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Georgetown University men's basketball team.

Washington Wizards
2022–23 Washington Wizards season
ConferenceEastern
DivisionSoutheast
Founded1961
HistoryChicago Packers
1961–1962
Chicago Zephyrs
1962–1963
Baltimore Bullets
1963–1973
Capital Bullets
1973–1974
Washington Bullets
1974–1997
Washington Wizards
1997–present[1][2][3]
ArenaCapital One Arena
LocationWashington, D.C.
Team colorsNavy blue, red, silver, white[4][5]
       
Main sponsorGEICO[6]
General managerVacant
Head coachWes Unseld Jr.
OwnershipMonumental Sports & Entertainment (Ted Leonsis, Chairman/CEO)[7][8]
Affiliation(s)Capital City Go-Go
Championships1 (1978)
Conference titles4 (1971, 1975, 1978, 1979)
Division titles8 (1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1979, 2017)
Retired numbers5 (10, 11, 25, 41, 45)
Websitewww.nba.com/wizards
Association
Icon
Statement

The franchise was established in 1961 as the Chicago Packers in Chicago, Illinois; they were renamed the Chicago Zephyrs in the following season. In 1963, they moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and became the Baltimore Bullets, taking the name from a previous team of the same name. In 1973, the team moved to the Washington metropolitan area and changed its name first to the Capital Bullets, then the following season to Washington Bullets. In 1997, they rebranded themselves as the Wizards.

The Wizards have played in four NBA Finals; they won in 1978. They have appeared in 28 playoffs, won four conference titles (1971, 1975, 1978, 1979), and won eight division titles (1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1979, 2017). Their best season record, in 1975, was 60–22. Wes Unseld is the only player in franchise history to become the MVP (1969) and win the Finals MVP award (1978). Four players (Walt Bellamy, Terry Dischinger, Earl Monroe, and Unseld) have won the Rookie of the Year award.

Franchise history

Team creation

 
Bellamy (#8) averaged 31.6 points per game and 19.0 rebounds per game during his rookie season.

The team now known as the Wizards began playing as the Chicago Packers in 1961, as the NBA's first expansion team, an expansion prompted by Abe Saperstein's American Basketball League. Rookie Walt Bellamy was the team's star, averaging 31.6 points per game, 19.0 rebounds per game, and leading the NBA in field goal percentage. During the All-Star game, Bellamy represented the team while scoring 23 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. Bellamy was named the league Rookie of the Year,[9] but the team finished with the NBA's worst record at 18–62.[10]

The team's original nickname was a nod to Chicago's meatpacking industry; their home arena, the International Amphitheater, was next door to the Union Stock Yards. However, it was extremely unpopular since it was the same nickname used by the NFL's Green Bay Packers, bitter rivals of the Chicago Bears. After only one year, the organization changed its name to the Chicago Zephyrs and played its home games at the Chicago Coliseum (Saperstein's ABL Majors prevented the team from playing in the larger Chicago Stadium). Their only season as the Zephyrs boasted former Purdue star Terry Dischinger, who went on to win Rookie of the Year honors.[11] In 1963 the franchise moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and became the Baltimore Bullets, taking their name from a 1940s–'50s Baltimore Bullets BAA/NBA franchise and playing home games at the Baltimore Civic Center. The NBA would return to Chicago in 1966 when the Chicago Bulls began play. In their first year in Baltimore, the Bullets finished fourth in a five–team Western Division.[12]

Prior to the 1964–65 season the Bullets pulled off a blockbuster trade, sending Dischinger, Rod Thorn and Don Kojis to the Detroit Pistons for Bailey Howell, Don Ohl, Bob Ferry and Wali Jones.[13] The trade worked out well; Howell proved to be a hustler and a fundamentally sound player. He helped the Bullets reach the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. In the 1965 NBA playoffs, the Bullets stunned the St. Louis Hawks 3–1, and advanced to the Western Conference finals.[14] In the finals, Baltimore managed to split the first four games with the Los Angeles Lakers before losing the series 4–2.[15]

Within the first two months of that season, the Bullets were purchased from original franchise managing partner Dave Trager by Abe Pollin, Earl Foreman and real estate investor/former NBA referee Arnold Heft for $1.1 million on November 23, 1964.[16][17]

1967–1981: The Wes Unseld era

 
Wes Unseld, who won the NBA Rookie of the Year, NBA Regular Season MVP, and NBA Finals MVP awards, played all 13 seasons of his career with the Bullets.

In the late 1960s, the Bullets drafted two future Hall of Fame members: Earl Monroe, in the 1967 draft, number two overall, and Wes Unseld, in the following year's draft, also number two overall.[18][19] The team improved dramatically, from 36 wins the previous season to 57 in the 1968–69 season, and Unseld received both the rookie of the year and MVP awards.[20] The Bullets hosted the 1969 NBA All-Star Game and reached the playoffs with high expectations, but they were eliminated by the New York Knicks in the first round.[21] The next season the two teams met again in the first round, and although this one went to seven games, the Knicks emerged victorious again.[22]

In the 1970–71 season, the 42–40 Bullets again met the Knicks, this time though in the Eastern Conference finals. With the Knicks team captain Willis Reed injured in the finals, the injury-free Bullets took advantage of his absence, and in game seven, at New York's Madison Square Garden, the Bullets' Gus Johnson made a critical basket late in the game to lift the Bullets over the Knicks 93–91 and advance to their first NBA Finals.[23] They were swept in four games by the powerful Milwaukee Bucks led by future Hall of Fame members Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (known in 1971 as Lew Alcindor) and Oscar Robertson.[24]

Even after the trades of Earl Monroe (to the Knicks) and Gus Johnson (to the Suns), the Bullets remained a playoff contender throughout the 1970s. Following a less than spectacular 1971–72 season, Baltimore acquired Elvin Hayes from the Houston Rockets and drafted Kevin Porter in the third round, out of St. Francis in Pennsylvania.[25][26]

After a slow start in 1972–73, Baltimore made their charge in December, posting a 10–4 record on the way to capturing the Central Division title for the third straight year. The Bullets again faced the Knicks in the 1973 NBA playoffs, losing for the fourth time in five series against New York.[27]

In February 1973, the team announced its pending move 30 miles (50 km) southwest to the Capital Centre in Landover, a Washington, D.C. suburb, and became the Capital Bullets.[28] After that 1973–74 season, they changed their geographic identifier name to the Washington Bullets.[29][30] The Bullets would return to Baltimore to play a few home games per season during the late 1980s and 1990s.[31]

During November 1973, while waiting for the completion of their new arena in Landover, the Bullets played their home games at Cole Field House on the campus of the University of Maryland in College Park. The Capital Centre (later known as the US Airways Arena) opened on December 2, 1973, with the Bullets defeating the SuperSonics.[32]

 
During his nine seasons with the Bullets, Elvin Hayes averaged 21.3 points per game and 12.7 rebounds per game. He led the NBA in rebounding in the 1973–74 season with an average of 18.1 rebounds per game.

The 60–22 Bullets made it back to the 1975 NBA playoffs. That year, Washington posted a 36–5 home record at the Capital Centre.[33] In the first round of the playoffs, they survived a seven-game series against the Buffalo Braves as both teams won all of their games at home.[34] In the Eastern Conference finals, they beat the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics in six games to advance to the NBA Finals.[35] The Bullets were favorites to win the NBA Championship, but were swept by the Al Attles-led Golden State Warriors in four games, losing games one and four at the Capital Centre.[36]

The loss at the NBA Finals lingered into the 1975–76 season, as they won 12 fewer games than last year, and in the playoffs they were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games.[37] After the season, the Bullets fired head coach K.C. Jones, despite having a career 62 percent winning percentage as the Bullets head coach.[38]

In 1976–77, under new head coach Dick Motta, the Bullets again fell short of the Central Division title for the second straight year. Elvin Hayes finished sixth in the league in rebounds with 12.5 rebounds per game. After opening the 1977 NBA playoffs with a three-game series victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Bullets took a 2–1 series lead in the second round against the Houston Rockets. With a chance to take a 3–1 series lead at home, the Bullets lost 107–103, and the Rockets took the series in six games.[39]

1977–78: NBA Championship season

Although they had future hall of famers Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld on the team, the Bullets finished the 1977–78 season 44–38 and were a longshot to win the NBA Finals, but San Antonio journalist Dan Cook used the famed phrase "The opera ain't over 'til the fat lady sings".[40] This became the rallying cry for the Bullets as they finished a playoff run that led to the NBA Finals, defeating the Seattle SuperSonics in seven games to bring a professional sports championship to Washington, D.C. for the first time in 36 years.[41] It remains the only NBA title won by the team as of 2023.

1978–79: Finalists

In the 1978–79 season the Bullets moved to the Atlantic Division, capturing the title in their first season there.[42] They entered the 1979 NBA playoffs having lost eight of the final 11 games to finish the regular season at 54–28. In the playoffs the Bullets nearly blew a 3–1 series lead against the Atlanta Hawks, but managed to hold off the Hawks in seven games.[43]

In the Eastern Conference finals, they trailed the San Antonio Spurs 3–1, but they mounted a comeback by winning two straight games to force a game seven at the Capital Centre. The Bullets rallied again, overcoming a fourth–quarter deficit to beat George Gervin and the Spurs 107–105 in one of the NBA's all-time greatest games and advance to the NBA Finals and a rematch with the Seattle SuperSonics.[44]

In Game 1 of the finals, the Bullets defeated the SuperSonics, 99–97, on two game-winning free throws. They lost the next four games, and the series, to Seattle. The Bullets were the only team to play in the NBA Finals four times during the 1970s.[45]

1979–1988: Playoff disappointments

Age and injuries finally caught up with the Bullets. In the 1979–80 season, they barely made the playoffs as they captured the sixth and final playoff spot via a tiebreaker despite posting a 39–43 record. In the playoffs, they were swept by the Philadelphia 76ers in a two-game playoff series.[46] The following year the Bullets failed to make the playoffs for the first time in 13 years.[47] Wes Unseld retired[48] and Elvin Hayes was traded to the Houston Rockets the following season.[49]

 
A ticket for a 1988–89 game between the Bullets and the Hornets.

In 1981–82, Washington played strong under the coaching of Gene Shue and Don Moran, finishing the regular season with a 43–39 record, and although they advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals in the playoffs, they had clearly lost the power of the late 1970s.[50] The 1983 Bullets continued to play with the same talent they had in the previous year. They finished with a winning record, but in a highly competitive Atlantic Division they finished last and missed the playoffs.[51]

The next two years saw the Bullets continue to play mediocre basketball as they finished with losing records but they made the playoffs in the new expanded NBA Playoffs format that involved the 16 best teams to make the playoffs; the Bullets were eliminated in both years in the first round.[52][53]

In 1985, the Bullets acquired Manute Bol in the 1985 NBA Draft, whose specialty was blocking shots.[54] That year, he blocked 397 shots (a Bullets record), part of a team that blocked 716 shots (a Bullets team record).[55] However, the Bullets finished with a disappointing 39–43 record, and were eliminated by the 76ers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.[56] The Bullets acquired center Moses Malone from the Philadelphia 76ers for center Jeff Ruland the following season for hope of improvement.[57] Malone would lead the team in scoring with a 24.1 points per game as he would be joined by Jeff Malone who averaged 22.0 points per game.[58] The Bullets' 42–40 record would be their last winning season until 1996–97. Washington was eliminated by the Detroit Pistons in three games in the playoffs.[59]

Twelfth overall in the 1987 NBA Draft, the Bullets selected Muggsy Bogues, who at 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) is the shortest player in NBA history.[60] The Bullets would get off to a slow start as coach Kevin Loughery was fired 27 games into the season with the Bullets holding an 8–19 record. To replace Loughery, the Bullets hired former MVP Wes Unseld.[61] Under Unseld, the Bullets improved as they were able to reach the playoffs again with a record of 38–44. After losing the first two games on the road in the first round of the 1988 NBA playoffs to the Detroit Pistons, the Bullets fought back and forced a fifth game with two home wins. They would lose game 5 by 21 points.[62] It would be nine seasons before Washington would return to the NBA Playoffs.

1989–1997: End of the Bullets

The Bullets got off to a 5–1 start in 1988–89, but they lost 16 of 18 games from mid-December to mid-January. On January 6, 1989,[63] the Bullets franchise played its first regular season game in Baltimore since 1973; this would be the first of 35 regular season "home" games the Bullets played in Baltimore from 1989 to 1997.[31] They finished with a 31–51 record despite stellar seasons by Jeff Malone and Bernard King, who averaged 24.3 and 22.3 points per game respectively to lead the team.[64]

The lone highlight of the Bullets’ 30-win 1990–91 season was the successful comeback effort by Bernard King as he recovered from knee surgery he suffered while playing for the Knicks in the 1984–85 season to finish third in the NBA in scoring with a 28.4 points per game.[65] In 1990, the team named Susan O'Malley as its president, the first female president of a franchise in the history of the NBA, who is the daughter of Peter O'Malley, the prominent lawyer from Maryland and former president of the Washington Capitals.[66]

The Bullets continued to struggle due to injuries and inconsistent play. They posted a 25–57 record in the 1991–92 season.[67] Pervis Ellison was named 1992 Most Improved Player of The Year, averaging 20.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. Undrafted rookie Larry Stewart became the first undrafted player in NBA history to make an All-Rookie Team, being selected to the All-Rookie Second Team.[68] The Bullets drafted Tom Gugliotta with their sixth overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft.[69] They finished the 1992–93 season with a 22–60 record.[70] Following the season, the Bullets traded Harvey Grant to the Portland Trail Blazers for former All-Star center Kevin Duckworth.[71] In 1993, the Bullets did a rap music video of their version of Naughty by Nature's rap single "Hip Hop Hooray", featuring the rap trio themselves.[72]

Injuries continued to bite the Bullets as key players Rex Chapman and Calbert Cheaney (the club's first-round draft pick) missed significant stretches, and Ellison missed almost the entire season. The result was a 24–58 record for the 1993–94 season.[73] Don MacLean was named 1994 Most Improved Player of the season, leading the Bullets with 18.2 points per game (tied with Chapman).[74]

The Bullets selected Juwan Howard in the 1994 NBA draft[75] and traded Gugliotta along with three first-round draft picks to the Golden State Warriors for the rights to Chris Webber.[76] While the season started out with promise, a shoulder injury to Chris Webber (ironically against the Warriors) caused him to miss 19 games,[77] and the Bullets struggled through the rest of the season finishing a then franchise-worst (percentage-wise) 21–61.[78] Webber averaged 20.1 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, but declined surgery for his dislocated shoulder.[79] This would prove costly for the next season. The Bullets released a holiday video, "You da Man, You da Man, that's the reason I'm a Bullets Fan!" in 1994, which featured all 12 Bullets dancing in front of the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C.[80][81][82]

In the Bullets' 1995–96 season Webber suffered a dislocated left shoulder in a preseason game against the Indiana Pacers on October 21, and opened the season on the injured list. He was activated on November 27, but strained his shoulder against the New York Knicks on December 29. After hoping the injury would get better with rest, Webber finally underwent surgery on Feb 1 which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.[83] The Bullets were 9–6 with Webber in the lineup as he averaged a team-high 23.7 points plus 7.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.80 steals in 37.2 minutes per game when he was able to play. Other players injured included Mark Price (who only played in seven games) and Robert Pack (31 games played out of 82). Bright spots of the season included the selection of Rasheed Wallace in the 1995 NBA draft and the All-Star play of Howard. Howard averaged a career-best 22.1 ppg and 8.1 rpg and kept the Bullets slim playoff hopes alive until the end of the season. Center Gheorghe Mureșan was named Most Improved Player of The Year, averaging 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks.[84] The Bullets improved to 39–43 but just missed the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season.[85]

Washington, boasting the league's tallest player (Mureșan, whose height is 7 feet 7 inches or 231 centimetres), two very athletic forwards (Howard and Webber) and one of the league's top point guards (Rod Strickland), started the 1996–97 season at 22–24. That led to the dismissal of head coach Jim Lynam.[86] Bernie Bickerstaff, an assistant coach with the Bullets when they won their only NBA Championship in 1978, was called upon to resurrect his former team.[87] The Bullets responded, winning 16 of their final 21 games to finish 44–38, their best record since 1978–79. The late surge enabled the Bullets to climb within reach of the Cleveland Cavaliers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. In a win-or-go-home game with the Cavaliers on the season's final day, the Bullets squeezed past Cleveland 85–81 to end the franchise's longest playoff drought.[88] Whilst the Bullets were swept by the Bulls in the first round, they lost the three games by a total of 18 points.[89]

Webber led the way in scoring (20.1 ppg), rebounding (10.3) and blocks (1.9) and shot 51.8 percent from the floor to make his first All-Star team. Howard averaged 19.1 ppg and 8.0 rpg, while Strickland averaged 17.2 ppg and 1.74 spg and finished fifth in the league in assists with 8.9 per game. Mureşan dominated the middle and led the NBA in field goal percentage (.599). Washington received contributions from Calbert Cheaney (10.6 ppg) and Tracy Murray (10.0 ppg).[90]

Becoming the Wizards

 
The Wizards moved to the MCI Center (later named Verizon Center and now Capital One Arena) in 1997.

In November 1995, owner Abe Pollin announced he was changing the team's nickname,[91] because Bullets had acquired violent overtones that had made him increasingly uncomfortable over the years, particularly given the high homicide and crime rate in the early 1990s in Washington, D.C. The name change was widely and incorrectly believed to be related to the assassination of Pollin's longtime friend, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.[92]

A contest was held to choose a new name and the choices were narrowed to the Dragons, Express, Stallions, Sea Dogs, and the Wizards.[93] On May 15, 1997, the Bullets officially became the Wizards. The new name generated some controversy because "Wizard" is a rank in the Ku Klux Klan, and Washington has a large African American population.[93] A new logo was unveiled and the team colors were changed from the traditional red, white and blue to a lighter shade of blue, black and bronze, the same colors as the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL), also owned by Pollin and changed from red, white and blue before the 1995–96 season. Washington forward Juwan Howard sat on the committee that decided on the logo design.[94] That same year the Wizards moved to the then MCI Center, now called Capital One Arena, which is home to the Capitals and the Georgetown Hoyas men's college basketball team.[95]

In 1998, they became the brother team to the Washington Mystics of the Women's National Basketball Association, and remained officially thus until 2005 when the Mystics were sold to Lincoln Holdings (headed by Ted Leonsis), parent company of the Capitals.[96] However, upon the purchase of the Wizards by Leonsis in 2010, the Wizards and Mystics again became sibling teams.[97]

1997–2001: Rebranded as the Wizards

The newly named Wizards began the 1997–98 season playing 5 home games at the Capital Centre before moving to the new MCI Center on December 2, 1997.[98] The Wizards finished the season with a 42–40 record including 4 straight victories to end the season but just missed the playoffs.[99] Highlights of the season included Chris Webber leading the team in scoring (21.9 ppg) and rebounding (9.5 rpg). Strickland led the league in assists (10.5 apg) before suffering an injury near the end of the season. He was also named on the All-NBA Second Team. Tracy Murray averaged 15.1 ppg off the bench including a 50-point game against Golden State. Off-court distractions led to the trade of Webber to the Sacramento Kings for Mitch Richmond and Otis Thorpe in May 1998.[100]

The Wizards finished the lockout-shortened season of 1998–99 with a record of 18–32.[101] Mitch Richmond led the team in scoring with a 19.7 ppg average. In the 1999–2000 season, the Wizards finished with a 29–53 record.[102] Mitch Richmond led the team with 17.4 ppg. In the 2000–2001 season, under newly hired coach Leonard Hamilton, 1999 NBA draft pick Richard Hamilton led the team in scoring with 18.1 ppg, but the team finished with a 19–63 record, the most losses the team had ever suffered in one season.[103]

On February 23, 2001, the Wizards were involved in a blockbuster trade days before the trading deadline. The team sent Juwan Howard, Obinna Ekezie and Calvin Booth to the Dallas Mavericks. In return, Washington received Hubert Davis, Courtney Alexander, Christian Laettner, Loy Vaught and Etan Thomas along with $3 million.[104]

2001–2003: The Michael Jordan era

 
Michael Jordan served as president of basketball operations and was a minority owner.

2001–02 season

After retiring from the Chicago Bulls in early 1999, Michael Jordan became the Washington Wizards' vice president of basketball operations as well as a minority owner in January 2000.[105] In September 2001, Jordan came out of retirement at age 38 to play for Washington.[106] Jordan stated that he was returning "for the love of the game".[107] Because of NBA rules, he had to divest himself of any ownership of the team.[108] Before the All-Star break, Jordan was one of only two players to average more than 25 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds[109] as he led the Wizards to a 26–21 record. After the All-Star break, Jordan's knee could not handle the workload of a full-season as he ended the season on the injured list,[110] and the Wizards concluded the season with a 37–45 record but could not make the Eastern Conference playoffs.[111]

2002–03

Jordan announced he would return for the 2002–03 season, and this time he was determined to be equipped with reinforcements, as he traded for All-Star Jerry Stackhouse and signed budding star Larry Hughes.[112][113] Jordan even accepted a sixth-man role on the bench in order for his knee to survive the rigors of an 82-game season. A combination of numerous team injuries and uninspired play led to Jordan's return to the starting lineup, where he tried to rebound the franchise from its early-season struggles. By the end of the season, the Wizards finished with a 37–45 record once again.[114] Jordan ended the season as the only Wizard to play in all 82 games, as he averaged 20.0 points,[115] 6.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals in 37.0 minutes per game. Jordan retired from playing for a third and final time after the season.[116]

Jordan's departure

After the season, majority owner Pollin fired Jordan as team president, much to the shock of players, associates, and the public. Jordan felt betrayed, thinking that he would get his ownership back after his playing days ended, but Pollin justified Jordan's dismissal by noting that Jordan had detrimental effects on the team, such as benching Hughes for Tyronn Lue, making poor trades, and using the team's first-round draft pick on high schooler Kwame Brown.[117][118] The Wizards replaced Jordan's managerial role with general manager Ernie Grunfeld.[119]

2003–2010: The Gilbert Arenas era

 
The Wizards G-Man, one of the team's mascots

2003–04: The arrival of Gilbert Arenas

Without Jordan in the fold the following year, the Washington Wizards were not expected to win, and they did not. Despite the signing of future All-Star point guard Gilbert Arenas, in a move that was ironically made possible by Jordan's prior cap-clearing maneuvers as a team executive,[120] the team stumbled to a 25–57 record in the 2003–04 season.[121]

2004–05: Return to the playoffs

In the off-season, the team traded Stackhouse, Christian Laettner, and the draft rights to Devin Harris to the Dallas Mavericks for Antawn Jamison.[122] During the regular season, the scoring trio of Arenas, Jamison and Hughes was the highest in the NBA and earned the nickname of "The Big Three". Hughes led the NBA in steals with 2.89 per game.[123] Arenas and Jamison were both named to the 2005 Eastern Conference All-Star team, marking the first time Washington had two players in the All-Star game since Jeff Malone and Moses Malone represented the Bullets in the 1987 All-Star Game.[124]

The 2004–05 season saw the team (now in the new Southeast Division) post its best regular-season record in 26 years (45–37) and marked the first time the franchise had ever made the playoffs as the Wizards.[125] With a 93–82 win over the Chicago Bulls on April 13, 2005, the Wizards clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 1996–97.[126] Long-suffering fans celebrated by buying over 16,000 playoff tickets in two and a half hours the day tickets went on sale.[127] In game 3 of the first round against the Bulls, the Wizards won their first playoff game since 1988.[128] Adding to the "long-overdue" feeling was the fact that game 3 was the first NBA playoff game to be held within Washington, D.C. city limits.[129] In the Wizards' game 5 victory in Chicago, Arenas hit a buzzer-beater to win the game[130] and the Wizards took their first lead in a playoff series since 1986. In Game 6 at the MCI Center, Jared Jeffries picked up a loose ball and went in for an uncontested tie-breaking dunk with 32 seconds left, thus giving the Wizards a 94–91 win and the team's first playoff series win in 23 years. They were only the 12th team in NBA history to win a playoff series after being down 0–2.[131] This playoff series victory ended the second longest streak with no post-season series wins in NBA history.

In the conference semifinals, the Wizards were swept by the Miami Heat, the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.[132]

2005–06

 
Antawn Jamison shooting a free throw in 2006 while wearing the team's gold alternate jerseys.

The 2005–06 season was filled with ups and downs. During the off-season, Washington acquired Caron Butler[133] and Antonio Daniels.[134] During the regular season, the Wizards again had the best scoring trio in the NBA, this time consisting of Arenas, Jamison and Butler as the "Big Three".[135] The Wizards started the 2005–06 season at 5–1, but went on an 8–17 funk to go to 13–18 through 31 games. Then, they went 13–5 in the next eighteen games. On April 5, 2006, the team was 39–35 and looking to close in on the 45-win mark achieved the previous year, until Butler suffered a thumb sprain and the Wizards lost all five games without him.[136] Butler returned and the team pulled out their final three games, against the Pistons, Cavaliers and Bucks, all playoff-bound teams, to finish the year at 42–40 and clinch the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference. They averaged 101.7 points a game, third in the NBA and tops in the East and clinched a playoff berth for the second consecutive season for the first time since 1987.[137]

Their first-round match-up with Cleveland was widely seen as the most evenly matched series in the 2006 NBA playoffs. The teams exchanged wins during the first two games in Cleveland, with Game 2 highlighted by the Wizards holding LeBron James to 7–25 shooting from the floor while Brendan Haywood gave James a hard foul in the first quarter that many cited as the key to shaking up the rest of James's game. In Game 3 at the Verizon Center, James hit a 4-footer on the way down with 5.7 seconds left to take the game and the series lead for the Cavs with a 97–96 win. Arenas missed a potential game-winning three-pointer on the other end to seal the win for the Cavs. Game 4 saw the Wizards heat up again, as Arenas scored 20 in the fourth quarter after claiming he changed his jersey, shorts, shoes and tights in the room and the Wizards won 106–96. Yet in Games 5 and 6, the Cavs would take control of the series, both games decided by one point in overtime. In Game 5, despite the Wizards being down 107–100 with 1:18 to play, the team drove back and eventually tied the game on Butler's layup with 7.5 seconds remaining to send the game to overtime, where James scored with 0.9 seconds left in overtime to send the Cavs to a 121–120 win. The series returned to the Verizon Center for Game 6, where the game went back and forth all night. The Wizards blew a 14-point first-quarter lead, then for 24 minutes, from early in the second quarter to early in the fourth, neither team led by more than five points at any time. The Wizards blew a seven-point lead with just under 5 to play and needed Arenas to hit a 31-footer at the end of regulation to take the game to overtime. In overtime, Arenas missed two key free throws. Cleveland rebounded the ball, went downcourt and Damon Jones hit a 17-foot baseline jumper with 4.8 seconds remaining to give the Cavs the lead for good. Butler missed a three-pointer on the other end to seal the game, and the series, for the Cavaliers.[138]

2006–07

 
The Wizards in a home game against the Toronto Raptors, March 30, 2007.

The 2006–07 season started out very promisingly for the Wizards. In the off-season they signed free agents DeShawn Stevenson and Darius Songaila.[139][140] Etan Thomas beat out Haywood for the starting center job.[141] After starting the season 0–8 on the road, Washington rebounded to win 6 of 7 away from Verizon Center. After a November 4–9, Washington went 22–9 through December and January. Arenas scored a franchise-record 60 points against the Lakers on December 17.[142] He and Eddie Jordan were named player of the month and coach of the month for December, respectively. On January 3 and again on January 15, Arenas hit buzzer-beating three-pointers to beat Milwaukee and Utah.[143]

On January 30, Jamison went down with a sprained left knee in a win against Detroit.[144] Washington went 4–8 in the 12 games without him. On February 3, Songaila made his Wizards debut against the Lakers. On February 18, Eddie Jordan became the first Wizards/Bullets coach to coach in the NBA All-Star Game since Dick Motta in 1978–1979. Arenas played in his third straight All-Star game and Butler made his All-Star Game debut.[145]

On March 14, Butler went out with a knee injury that kept him out of the lineup for six games.[146] He returned for only three games until he fractured his right hand on April 1 against Milwaukee.[147] On April 4, Arenas suffered a season-ending knee injury, of the meniscus. An April 15 article in The Washington Post pointed out that with Arenas and Butler gone, the team had lost 42.3% of their offensive production, quite possibly "the most costly" loss for any team in the midst of a playoff hunt in NBA history.[148]

Despite their late-season struggles without Arenas and Butler, the Wizards still managed to make the Eastern Conference playoffs, taking the 7th seed at 41–41.[149] They were swept four games to none in a rematch of the previous year's first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite a depleted roster, the Wizards still managed to keep things close in every game in the series and only lost the final three games by a combined 20 points.[150] The team enjoyed their best attendance figures in the post-Jordan era with a season attendance of 753,283 (18,372 per game).[151]

2007–08

The Wizards retained a majority of their roster from the 2006–07 season, only losing Jarvis Hayes to Detroit, Calvin Booth to the Philadelphia 76ers, and Michael Ruffin to the Milwaukee Bucks as free agents.[152][153][154] Washington signed Oleksiy Pecherov, the team's first-round pick in 2006, as well as 2007 picks Nick Young and Dominic McGuire. Etan Thomas missed the regular season after undergoing open-heart surgery.[155]

The team began the season starting 0–5, but rebounded to win six straight. After eight games, Arenas underwent surgery to repair a torn medial meniscus in his left knee,[156] as well as a microfracture surgery.[157] This was the same knee he had injured the previous year. The injury forced Arenas out for a total of 68 games. Midway through the season, Butler was forced to the sidelines for a total of 20 games with what initially was a strained hip flexor, but turned out to be a labral tear.[158] Despite all of the injuries, the Wizards managed to finish 43–39 on the regular season, good for 5th place in the Eastern Conference and a first-round playoff matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the third straight season.[159] However, the Wizards lost that series in six games.[160]

2008–10

During the off-season, Arenas signed a 6-year, $111 million contract, while Jamison signed a 4-year, $50 million contract.[161][162] The Wizards did not re-sign guard Roger Mason, who signed with the San Antonio Spurs. The Wizards added guards Dee Brown and Juan Dixon, and drafted JaVale McGee 18th overall[163] in the 2008 NBA Draft.

In September, Arenas underwent a third operation on his surgically repaired left knee to clean out fluid and debris, and was expected to miss at least the first month of the season.[164] The forecast came in longer than expected, as Arenas missed 5 months of action due to concerns on his knee before returning on March 29, 2009.[165] In the first game of the preseason, Jamison suffered a right knee contusion, and was expected to miss the rest of the preseason.[166] Haywood announced that he would undergo surgery on his right wrist and was expected to miss 4–6 months.[167] The preseason marked the return of Etan Thomas who had missed all of the 2007–2008 season while recovering from open-heart surgery. The Wizards added guard Fenny Falmagne from the Dakota Wizards on August 23, 2008, who was later waived by the team after his knee injury.

 
Gilbert Arenas in November 2010.

The Wizards opened the season on October 29 with a loss against New Jersey, and dropped fifteen of their first nineteen games. Head coach Eddie Jordan was fired on November 24 after a 1–10 start, and was replaced by interim coach Ed Tapscott.[168] On December 10, Washington acquired guards Javaris Crittenton and Mike James in a three-team deal that sent Antonio Daniels to New Orleans.[169] The team waived guard Dee Brown. They won just 14 of their first 60 games and in the end tied a franchise-worst record of 19–63.[170]

One of the few high points of the season came on February 27 when recently inaugurated President Barack Obama attended a Wizards game against the Chicago Bulls, sitting in a northeast court-side seat. The Wizards produced their second-biggest victory margin of the season with a 113–90 win; Jamison paced the side with 27 points.[171][172]

On April 2, the Wizards shut down the Cleveland Cavaliers, who came in with a record of 61–13, and ended Cleveland's franchise-best winning streak at 13.[173]

Flip Saunders reached an agreement to become the new coach of the team in mid-April 2009.[174] Despite having the second-best chance at obtaining the number one overall pick in the 2009 draft, the Wizards were randomly chosen to pick fifth overall in the NBA Draft Lottery.[175] This pick was later traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, along with Songaila, Thomas, and Oleksiy Pecherov, in exchange for Randy Foye and Mike Miller.[176] On May 21, 2009, Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld announced that the team has named Randy Wittman and Sam Cassell as assistant coaches.[177] Then on August 11, 2009, the Wizards signed Fabricio Oberto, many weeks after he committed to signing with the team.[178]

In November, majority owner Abe Pollin died at the age of 85. At the time of his passing, he was the longest-tenured owner in NBA history.[179] Control of the franchise passed to his widow Irene, though minority owner Ted Leonsis was known to be preparing a takeover bid.[179]

On December 24, 2009, it was revealed that Arenas had admitted to storing unloaded firearms in his locker at Verizon Center and had surrendered them to team security. In doing so, Arenas violated both NBA rules against bringing firearms into an arena and D.C. ordinances.[180] On January 1, 2010, it was reported that Arenas and teammate Javaris Crittenton had unloaded guns in the Wizards' locker room during a Christmas Eve argument regarding gambling debts resulting in Arenas's suspension.[181] Despite Stern's longstanding practice of not disciplining players until the legal process plays out, he felt compelled to act when Arenas’ teammates surrounded him during pregame introductions prior to a game with the Philadelphia 76ers and he pantomimed shooting them with guns made from his fingers.[182] The Wizards issued a statement condemning the players' pregame stunt as "unacceptable".[183]

On February 13, 2010, after a 17–33 record at the season's midway point, The Wizards traded Butler, Haywood, and Stevenson to the Mavericks in exchange for Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, Quinton Ross and James Singleton.[184] Three days later, the Wizards traded Antawn Jamison to the Cavaliers in exchange for Zydrunas Ilgauskas and obtained Al Thornton from the Los Angeles Clippers in a three-team deal.[185] Ilgauskas reported long enough to take a physical (to make the trade official). His contract was immediately bought out, making him a free agent.[186] On February 26, 2010, the Wizards signed Shaun Livingston to a 10-day contract.[187] With Gilbert Arenas suspended and Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison being traded, the Wizards finished the season at 26–56, posting an abysmal 9–23 record to finish the season. They were the only Southeast Division team not to make the post-season.[188]

2010–2019: The John Wall era

2010–2013: The Beginning and the arrival of Bradley Beal

Leonsis completed his takeover of the Wizards and Verizon Center in June through his newly-formed holding company, Monumental Sports and Entertainment.[189] He had previously purchased the Washington Capitals and Mystics from the Pollin family.[190] Leonsis has taken a fan-centric approach to running the franchise, by listening and responding to the concerns of Wizards supporters through his email and personal website.[191] He has written a manifesto of 101 changes he hopes to implement during his ownership, including changing the team's colors back to the red, white and blue of the Bullets era, and possibly changing the team nickname back to 'Bullets' as well.[191] Team president Ernie Grunfeld later confirmed that the franchise's colors would revert to red, white and blue from the 2011–12 season onwards. The team also adopted new uniforms that were very similar to the ones they wore from 1974 to 1987. Although the Wizards did not change their name to the Bullets again, they adopted a variation of the 1969–1987 Bullets logo with "wizards" spelled in all lowercase letters like the "bullets" logo was printed.[192]

Despite having only the 5th-best odds of obtaining the No. 1 pick (10.3% overall), the Wizards won the 2010 NBA draft lottery and selected All-American Kentucky point guard John Wall with the first overall pick.[193] Later in the off-season, the team acquired the Chicago Bulls' all-time leader in three-point field goals, Kirk Hinrich and the draft rights to forward Kevin Seraphin in exchange for the draft rights to Vladimir Veremeenko.[194]

 
Owner Ted Leonsis and then coach Flip Saunders watch John Wall in 2010.

In a blockbuster trade, the Wizards sent Gilbert Arenas to the Orlando Magic in return for Rashard Lewis on December 18.[195] Kirk Hinrich and Hilton Armstrong were traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Jordan Crawford, Maurice Evans, Mike Bibby, and a 2011 first-round pick that became Chris Singleton, although Mike Bibby bought out his contract after playing two games and eventually signed with the Miami Heat.[196] The Wizards finished with a 30–52 record, once again occupying the Southeast Division cellar.

After a poor start to the 2011–12 season, head coach Flip Saunders was fired and replaced by assistant Randy Wittman.[197] On March 15, the Wizards were involved in a three-way trade that sent JaVale McGee and Ronny Turiaf to the Nuggets and Nick Young to the Clippers in exchange for Nenê and Brian Cook.[198] After ending the season on a six-game win streak, the Wizards finished with a record of 20–46 (season was shortened due to the 2011 NBA Lockout) and the second worst record in the NBA, comfortably ahead of the 7–59 Charlotte Bobcats who set a new NBA record for the lowest win percentage in a season with .106. On June 20, the Wizards sent Rashard Lewis and a pick to the Hornets for Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza.[199]

In the 2012 NBA Draft, the Wizards selected Bradley Beal and Tomáš Satoranský.[200] On July 17, 2012, the Wizards exercised the amnesty provision from the 2011 CBA to release Andray Blatche.[201] They also signed A. J. Price.[202] Then, on August 29, 2012, Martell Webster was signed to the Wizards for one year on a $1.6 million contract.[203] He played above average for what he was signed for and had a .422 average for three-pointers and a .442 field goal percentage. On April 30, 2013. Jason Collins, who joined the team in February announced his homosexuality as a member of the Wizards. His announcement made him the first openly gay member of a North American team sport.[204] The Wizards ended the season with a 33–49 record, finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference and 4th in the Southeast Division, 10 games ahead of the Orlando Magic.[205]

On May 21, 2013, the Wizards jumped up 5 spots in the NBA Draft Lottery to make the number 3 overall selection for the second year in a row.[206] They used that pick to draft Consensus All-American Otto Porter of Georgetown University.[207] On October 25, 2013, Wizards' center Emeka Okafor and a top-12 protected 2014 first-round pick were traded to the Phoenix Suns for the center Marcin Gortat, Shannon Brown, Malcolm Lee and Kendall Marshall.[208]

2013–14: Return to playoffs

 
The Wizards returned the playoffs in the 2014 season.

On February 3, 2014, the Wizards defeated the Portland Trail Blazers to improve to a 24–23 record. The win marked the first time the team had held a winning record since 2009.[209]

On April 2, 2014, the Wizards defeated the Boston Celtics by a score of 118–92 to clinch the team's first playoff berth since the 2007–08 season.[210] On April 29, 2014, the Wizards defeated the Chicago Bulls in game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals by a score of 75–69 to win the series 4–1. This was the Wizards first series victory since the 2005 NBA playoffs when they defeated the same team in 6 games.[211] The Wizards advanced to the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Indiana Pacers. The Wizards won game one 102–96. In Game 2, the Wizards lost a 19-point second-half lead, as they dropped the game 88–82. After being routed by Indiana in game three 85–63, they also lost game four 95–92. They showed grit and determination as they staved off elimination with a 102–79 game five win. They were behind most of game 6, but battled back to take the lead late in the game. However, Indiana closed out the series with a 93–80 win.[212] Trevor Ariza would leave in the off-season.[213]

2014–15

After the departure of Trevor Ariza, the Wizards signed veteran small forward Paul Pierce to a two-year contract.[214] Pierce's veteran leadership proved to be a major factor on and off the court in the team's improvement. On November 12, 2014, the Wizards defeated the Detroit Pistons 107–103, extending their record to 6–2 for the first time since the 1975–76 season.[215] The following game three days later, the Wizards defeated the Orlando Magic 98–93 as they won their third straight and moved to 7–2, their best start since opening 7–1 during the 1974–75 season.[216] With a 104–96 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on December 12, the Wizards moved to an 11–2 record at home to start the season for the first time in franchise history.[217] They would struggle throughout the later months of the season but the Washington Wizards would finish the season with a 46–36 record, their best record since the 1978–1979 season.[218] They played the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the NBA Playoffs and won in four games, marking their first sweep in franchise history.[219] Following the victory over Toronto, the Wizards next had to play the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks. The Wizards managed to take the first game in the series, but suffered the loss of Wall due to a fractured wrist.[220] Although small forward Paul Pierce made several big shots throughout the series, the loss of Wall proved too much, and Atlanta took the series in six games.[221]

2015–16

However, the 2015–16 season was much less successful. The Wizards finished 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 41–41 record, and missed the playoffs.[222] On April 13, 2016 the Wizards fired head coach Randy Wittman.[223][224]

On April 21, 2016, Scott Brooks, the former head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, agreed to a 5-year, $35 million deal to be the head coach of the Wizards.[225] On September 8, 2016, the team unveiled new alternative jerseys.[226] From 2015 on, their logo was the "monument ball" with "Navy Blue, Red, Silver, White" colors.[227] In October 2016, they were ranked 93rd of 122 worst franchises in major sports by Ultimate Standings.[228]

 
Scott Brooks served as head coach from 2016 to 2021.

2016–17

The 2016–17 season would prove to be the most successful in recent Wizards history, following a 49–33 record and winning the Southeast Division for the first time since 1979.[229] This came off the breakout of Bradley Beal who averaged a then career-high 23.1 points. Beal's rise matched the continued All-Star play of John Wall who averaged career highs in points and assists with 23.1 and 10.7, respectively.[230]

Despite starting the season 1–5, the Wizards would defeat the Boston Celtics 118–93 on November 9.[231] After mediocre play through much of the early part of the season, after December the Wizards would turn their season around, holding a record of 34–21 at the All-Star break. The Wizards finished the season 49–33, their highest win total since 1979.

In the first round of the playoffs the 4-seed Wizards were matched against the 5-seed Atlanta Hawks. After winning the first two games at home, the Wizards struggled on the road as the Hawks tied the series 2–2. The Wizards went on to win the next two games to close out the series at home behind stellar play from their backcourt of Wall and Beal who dropped a combined 73 points in the closeout Game 6 win.[232]

In the second round, the Wizards faced the first-seeded Boston Celtics. They would go on to lose the series in 7 games.[233]

2017–18

For the 2017–18 season, The Wizards would play their next season in the newly named Capital One Arena.[234][235] The Wizards finished with a 43–39 record, which was good for the 8th seed, but lost the first round in six games to the top-seeded Toronto Raptors.[236]

2018–19

In the off-season, the Wizards picked up Thomas Bryant off waivers and Troy Brown in the draft with the 15th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.[237] Despite Bryant becoming a valuable asset and Bradley Beal having a career season, the season would end up being an underwhelming one full of turmoil and on-court troubles. The Wizards also went through injuries, including Dwight Howard playing 9 games before missing the rest of the season due to back problems and losing John Wall who underwent a season-ending surgery on his left Achilles which he injured while recovering from a previous injury,[238] while trading Kelly Oubre Jr., Otto Porter Jr., and Markieff Morris at the same time.[239][240][241] As a result, the Wizards would miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2015–16 season.

2019–present: The Bradley Beal era

 
Bradley Beal in 2019

In April 2019, the Wizards fired general manager Ernie Grunfeld, who had been with the team since 2003, with Tommy Sheppard taking over as interim general manager until being officially hired fulltime in July 2019.[242][243] Alongside other front office moves, the Wizards selected Japanese player Rui Hachimura with their 9th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, as well as acquiring the Philadelphia 76ers’ draft rights to 42nd pick Admiral Schofield in a trade.[244]

Following the suspension of the 2019–20 NBA season, the Wizards were one of the 22 teams invited to the NBA Bubble to participate in the final eight games of the regular season,[245] where the Wizards went 1–7 and missed the playoffs.

In December 2020, the Wizards traded John Wall and a first-round draft pick to the Houston Rockets for Russell Westbrook.[246][247]

In the 2020 NBA draft, the Wizards drafted Deni Avdija and Vít Krejčí;[248] Krejčí's draft rights were later traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the rights to Cassius Winston.[249] Avdija fractured his ankle in April 2021, effectively ending his season.[250]

On June 16, 2021, Brooks and the Wizards agreed to part ways after not being able to agree to a new contract.[251]

On August 6, 2021, Washington Wizards traded Russell Westbrook, 2024 second-round pick and 2028 second-round pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell.[252]

After a hot start to the season, the Wizards record slowly slipped. Notable losses include a 35-point lead blown to the Clippers and a loss to the 76ers which started a fight between Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell. The Wizard's woes continued as a wrist injury that required surgery kept the team's scoring leader, Beal, out for the remainder of the season.

The trade deadline of the 2021/22 season saw a major roster change. The Wizards acquired All-Star Kristaps Porzingis in a trade for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans, a sharpshooter whose 5-year, $80 million contract yielded lackluster results during his time in Washington.[253]

On April 19, 2023, after a consecutive season of 35-47 and missing the playoffs, the Wizards fired GM Tommy Sheppard.[254]

Season-by-season record

List of the last five seasons completed by the Wizards. For the full season-by-season history, see List of Washington Wizards seasons.

Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, W–L% = Winning percentage

Season GP W L W–L% Finish Playoffs
2018–19 82 32 50 .390 4th, Southeast Did not qualify
2019–20 72 25 47 .347 3rd, Southeast Did not qualify
2020–21 72 34 38 .472 3rd, Southeast Lost in First Round, 1–4 (76ers)
2021–22 82 35 47 .427 4th, Southeast Did not qualify
2022–23 82 35 47 .427 3rd, Southeast Did not qualify

Team name, logos and uniforms

 
Washington Wizards G-Wiz, current team mascot

After moving from Chicago in 1963, the then-Baltimore Bullets originally went with a blue and orange scheme, which matched the city's Orioles baseball team (orange) and Colts football team (blue). The Bullets initially wore blue and white uniforms with orange trim, but in the early 1970s, orange supplanted blue as the primary color. During this era, the Bullets also wore unconventional uniforms, featuring three thick stripes which ran from the right leg up to the left side of the jersey. Beginning with the 1973–74 season, coinciding with the team's move to Landover, Maryland to become the Capital Bullets, they changed their colors to red, white and blue to match the American flag. Those uniforms also featured large horizontal stripes on the chest of the jerseys, and three stars on the side panels of the shorts. The uniforms were kept when they changed their location identifier a year later to the Washington Bullets.[255]

The Bullets kept the "Stars and Stripes" uniform until 1987, although they made a minor tweak prior to the 1985–86 season with additional thin stripes, the "Bullets" logo on the right leg, and thin shorts stripes replacing the three stars. In 1987, the Bullets changed their logo and uniforms, going with red uniforms on the road and white uniforms at home. With the exception of a switch to block lettering and numbers before the 1990–91 season (switching over from the Serpentine font used for both elements, with the player name on back rendered in lower case as well), the Bullets kept these uniforms until 1997.

In 1997, the then-team owner Abe Pollin decided to change the club's nickname from Bullets to Wizards. The reasoning behind the name change was because Pollin did not want the team's name to continue to be associated with any violent connotations.[256] The name change also included new logos, colors and uniforms, coinciding with the team's move to the new MCI Center. The new team's colors were blue, bronze and black. The primary logo depicted a wizard conjuring a basketball with a quarter moon. In 2007, the Wizards made minor modifications on their team jerseys and logos. To accommodate the gold–black alternate jerseys they introduced the previous season along with the design change on the Verizon Center floor, they changed their secondary team colors from bronze to metallic gold, and the player's name on the back of the jersey was changed from white/blue with bronze trim to gold (blue on home uniforms) with a change in lettering; the road uniform name lettering changed back to white with gold trim before the 2010–11 season.

 
The current wordmark for the Wizards.

On May 10, 2011, the Wizards unveiled a new color scheme, uniforms, and logo. David Safren, Pat Sullivan, and Michael Glazer were the product designers for the new jerseys which include the Washington Monument as an alternate logo. The team of product designers was led by Jessie Caples, who made most of the design decisions. James Pinder was also an essential part of the team, as he helped to engineer the jerseys to meet the players' standards. The team reverted to its traditional red, white and blue colors, which are the colors of the U.S. flag. The uniforms are based very closely on those worn from 1974 to 1987, during the team's glory years. Leonsis said the throwback to the old Bullets' uniforms was intentional; the only difference between those uniforms and the current ones is the team name on the jerseys. The colors were also used by Leonsis' other franchises, the Capitals and the Mystics, who adopted to those colors in 2007 and 2011, respectively. Another Washington-based team, baseball's Washington Nationals, also use this scheme; the Washington Commanders (burgundy and gold) and D.C. United (red and black) are currently the city's only professional sports teams not to adopt the red, white and blue scheme.[4]

On July 23, 2014, the Wizards unveiled a new alternate uniform. The uniform is similar to the club's road set, with the navy and red colors switched, so that navy is the predominant color instead of red.[257]

 
The Wizards in their alternate white uniforms in a 2017 playoff game against the Celtics.

On April 15, 2015, the Wizards unveiled a new primary logo. The new logo features the Washington Monument ball logo set in a roundel, with the striping pattern from the team's uniforms, three stars (each representing Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, similar to that of the NHL's Capitals), and the team's wordmarks.[258][259] The team also said it would immediately discontinue the use of the wizard/partial moon logo, which had been used since 1997.

On September 30, 2015, the Wizards unveiled a new alternate uniform. Called the "Baltimore Pride" uniform, the uniform was intended to be worn for six select games during the Wizards' 2015–16 season.[260]

On September 8, 2016, the Wizards released a second white uniform to honor the United States Armed Forces. The side stripes pay homage to the American flag.[261]

 
The Wizards in their white "City" uniforms during a 2018 playoff game against Toronto.

The Wizards kept their existing uniforms (minus the two alternate uniforms) when Nike took over as uniform supplier in 2017. Along with the white "Association", red "Icon" and navy "Statement" uniforms, a "City" uniform was also released as part of the collection. The 2017–18 "City" uniform featured a white base, "The District of Columbia" wordmark in navy and numbers in white. The uniform paid tribute to the Washington Monument.[262] The "City" uniform for 2018–19 was similar to the previous set, but with a black base, white letters and orange trim. The uniform paid homage to the National Mall at night.[263] A red version of the 2017–18 "City" uniform served as the team's "Earned" uniform, which was a reward for making the 2018 playoffs.[264]

Prior to the 2019–20 season, the navy "Statement" uniform received a minor tweak as the city name was replaced with "The District of Columbia" wordmark previously used on the team's "City" uniforms.[265]

For the Wizards' 2019–20 "City" uniform, they brought back the white alternate uniform design worn in the 2016–17 season, but with the "dc" alternate logo in front and red numbers.[266] The same design was carried over to the 2020–21 "City" uniform, but with a grey base.

In the 2021–22 season, the Wizards were one of 27 teams to wear mashup "City" uniforms in commemoration of the NBA's 75th anniversary. This uniform featured a lighter blue base and red stripes (a nod to the 1973–85 Bullets uniforms), gold trim and stylized uniform numbers (a nod to the 1997–2011 Wizards uniforms), the stylized "Washington" typeface (a nod to the present-day uniforms), and a tribute to the recently deceased Wes Unseld along the jock tag. Three mashup logos were also added. The alternate Monument logo on the waist was tweaked to feature the throwback ball from the 1973–87 Bullets logo, while the logos on the shorts feature the alternate "dc" logo in the shape of the aforementioned Bullets logo, and the "DMV" logo modeled after the alternate 1997–2011 Wizards' "dc" logo.[267]

The 2022–23 "City" uniform was unveiled alongside the Washington Nationals' "City Connect" uniform; both the NBA and Major League Baseball currently have uniform deals with Nike. This uniform, which is predominantly pink with blue accents, pays homage to the cherry blossoms which permeate Washington, D.C. in the spring.[268]

Home arenas

Players

Current roster

Washington Wizards roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Height Weight DOB (YYYY-MM-DD) From
F 9 Avdija, Deni 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 2001-01-03 Israel
G 3 Beal, Bradley   6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 207 lb (94 kg) 1993-06-28 Florida
F 12 Cooks, Xavier 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 183 lb (83 kg) 1995-08-19 Winthrop
G 1 Davis, Johnny 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 2002-02-27 Wisconsin
C 21 Gafford, Daniel 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 234 lb (106 kg) 1998-10-01 Arkansas
C 67 Gibson, Taj 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 232 lb (105 kg) 1985-06-24 USC
F 16 Gill, Anthony 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 230 lb (104 kg) 1992-10-17 Virginia
G 7 Goodwin, Jordan 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1998-10-23 Saint Louis
C 34 Huff, Jay (TW) 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) 240 lb (109 kg) 1997-08-25 Virginia
G 29 Jackson, Quenton (TW) 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 173 lb (78 kg) 1998-09-15 Texas A&M
F 24 Kispert, Corey 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 224 lb (102 kg) 1999-03-03 Gonzaga
F 33 Kuzma, Kyle   6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 221 lb (100 kg) 1995-07-24 Utah
G 22 Morris, Monté 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 183 lb (83 kg) 1995-06-27 Iowa State
G 20 Nunn, Kendrick 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1995-08-03 Oakland
F/C 6 Porziņģis, Kristaps 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m) 240 lb (109 kg) 1995-08-02 Latvia
F 14 Todd, Isaiah 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 219 lb (99 kg) 2001-10-17 Word of God (NC)
G 55 Wright, Delon 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1992-04-26 Utah
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • (GL) On assignment to G League
  • (TW) Two-way affiliate player
  •   Injured

Roster
Last transaction: March 17, 2023

Head coaches

Main article: List of Washington Wizards head coaches

Retained draft rights

The Wizards hold the draft rights to the following unsigned draft picks who have been playing outside the NBA. A drafted player, either an international draftee or a college draftee who is not signed by the team that drafted him, is allowed to sign with any non-NBA teams. In this case, the team retains the player's draft rights in the NBA until one year after the player's contract with the non-NBA team ends.[269] This list includes draft rights that were acquired from trades with other teams.

Draft Round Pick Player Pos. Nationality Current team Note(s) Ref
2022 2 54 Yannick Nzosa C   DR Congo Real Betis (Spain) [270]

Retired numbers

Washington Wizards retired numbers
No. Player Position Tenure Retired
10 Earl Monroe G 1967–19711 December 1, 2007
11 Elvin Hayes F 1972–19812 November 20, 1981
25 Gus Johnson F 1963–19721 December 13, 1986
41 Wes Unseld C3 1968–19814 November 3, 1981
45 Phil Chenier G5 1971–19796 March 23, 2018

Notes:

  • 1 All in Baltimore
  • 2 1972–1973 in Baltimore
  • 3 Also served as coach (1987–1994)
  • 4 1968–1973 in Baltimore
  • 5 Also served as Bullets/Wizards television color analyst (1984–2017)
  • 6 1971–1973 in Baltimore
  • The NBA retired Bill Russell's No. 6 for all its member teams on August 11, 2022.[271][272]

Basketball Hall of Famers

 
Former Bullets players honored during a Wizards game in March 2012 at the Verizon Center
Washington Wizards Hall of Famers
Players
No. Name Position Tenure Inducted
41 Wes Unseld 1 C/F 1968–1981 1988
10
33		 Earl Monroe G 1967–1971 1990
11 Elvin Hayes C/F 1972–1981 1990
21 Dave Bing G 1975–1977 1990
8 Walt Bellamy 2 C 1961–1963 1993
15 Bailey Howell F/G 1964–1966 1997
4 Moses Malone C/F 1986–1988 2001
23 Michael Jordan 3 G/F 2001–2003 2009
25 Gus Johnson F/C 1963–1972 2010
50 Ralph Sampson C/F 1991 2012
30 Bernard King F 1987–1993 2013
2 Mitch Richmond G 1998–2001 2014
24 Spencer Haywood F/C 1981–1983 2015
10 Bob Dandridge F/G 1977–1981 2021
2
4		 Chris Webber F/C 1994–1998 2021
30 Ben Wallace C/F 1996–1999 2021
34 Paul Pierce F 2014–2015 2021
Coaches
Name Position Tenure Inducted
21 Bobby Leonard 4 Head coach 1962–1964 2014
Contributors
Name Position Tenure Inducted
44 Rod Thorn 5 G 1963–1964 2018

Notes:

  • 1 He also coached the team in 1987–1994.
  • 2 In total, Bellamy was inducted into the Hall of Fame twice – as player and as a member of the 1960 Olympic team.
  • 3 In total, Jordan was inducted into the Hall of Fame twice – as player and as a member of the 1992 Olympic team.
  • 4 He also played for the team in 1961–1963.
  • 5 Thorn was inducted as a contributor.[273]

FIBA Hall of Famers

Washington Wizards Hall of Famers
Players
No. Name Position Tenure Inducted
10 Andrew Gaze G 1994 2013
23 Michael Jordan 1 G/F 2001–2003 2015
21 Fabricio Oberto C 2009–2010 2019

Notes:

  • 1 In total, Jordan was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame twice – as player and as a member of the 1992 Olympic team.

Individual records and awards

Franchise leaders

Bold denotes still active with team.

Italic denotes still active but not with team. Points scored (regular season) (as of the end of the 2022–23 season)[274]

  1. Elvin Hayes (15,551)
  2. Bradley Beal (15,391)
  3. Jeff Malone (11,083)
  4. John Wall (10,879)
  5. Wes Unseld (10,624)
  6. Kevin Loughery (9,833)
  7. Gus Johnson (9,781)
  8. Phil Chenier (9,778)
  9. Walt Bellamy (9,020)
  10. Gilbert Arenas (8,930)
  11. Antawn Jamison (8,736)
  12. Greg Ballard (8,706)
  13. Juwan Howard (8,530)
  14. Jack Marin (8,017)
  15. Earl Monroe (7,775)
  16. Bernard King (6,516)
  17. Kevin Grevey (6,442)
  18. Caron Butler (5,889)
  19. Jeff Ruland (5,653)
  20. Harvey Grant (5,445)

Other statistics (regular season) (as of the end of the 2022–23 season)[274]

Most minutes played
Player Minutes
Wes Unseld 35,832
Elvin Hayes 29,218
Bradley Beal 24,091
John Wall 20,545
Gus Johnson 19,723
Greg Ballard 18,687
Kevin Loughery 18,677
Phil Chenier 18,654
Jeff Malone 17,984
Juwan Howard 17,845
Most rebounds
Player Rebounds
Wes Unseld 13,769
Elvin Hayes 9,305
Gus Johnson 7,243
Walt Bellamy 5,438
Greg Ballard 4,094
Antawn Jamison 3,735
Marcin Gortat 3,697
Brendan Haywood 3,648
Juwan Howard 3,448
Jeff Ruland 3,285
Most assists
Player Assists
John Wall 5,282
Wes Unseld 3,822
Bradley Beal 2,972
Rod Strickland 2,712
Kevin Porter 2,593
Kevin Loughery 2,363
Gilbert Arenas 2,046
Frank Johnson 1,961
Michael Adams 1,844
Darrell Walker 1,707
Most three-pointers made
Player 3-pointers made
Bradley Beal 1,514
Gilbert Arenas 868
Antawn Jamison 646
John Wall 539
Chris Whitney 489
Otto Porter 488
Dāvis Bertāns 415
Tracy Murray 410
Trevor Ariza 351
Nick Young 343

Individual awards

NBA Most Valuable Player

NBA Finals MVP

NBA Rookie of the Year

NBA Most Improved Player

NBA Coach of the Year

NBA Executive of the Year

J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award

NBA Community Assist Award

All-NBA First Team

All-NBA Second Team

All-NBA Third Team

NBA All-Defensive First Team

NBA All-Defensive Second Team

NBA All-Rookie First Team

NBA All-Rookie Second Team

NBA All-Star weekend

NBA All-Star Game

* Starter

NBA All-Star Game head coaches

Three-Point shootout

Slam Dunk Contest

Skills Challenge

Rookie/Rising Stars Challenge

Rookie/Rising Stars Challenge MVP

Notes and references

  1. ^ "Wizards History". WashingtonWizards.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Retrieved January 30, 2017.
  2. ^ "History: Team by Team" (PDF). 2018–19 Official NBA Guide (PDF). NBA Properties, Inc. October 8, 2018. Retrieved June 1, 2019.
  3. ^ "NBA.com/Stats–Washington Wizards seasons". Stats.NBA.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Retrieved December 2, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ a b "Wizards Unveil New Logos and Uniforms". WashingtonWizards.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. May 10, 2011. Retrieved June 2, 2016. The Washington Wizards unveiled the team's updated look featuring a red, white and blue color scheme today during a special event on the Verizon Center practice court.
  5. ^ "Washington Wizards Reproduction and Usage Guideline Sheet". NBA Properties, Inc. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  6. ^ "Monumental Sports & Entertainment Announces GEICO as First-Ever Jersey Patch Partner". WashingtonWizards.com (Press release). NBA Media Ventures, LLC. November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  7. ^ "Ted Leonsis - Majority Owner, Chairman and CEO". WashingtonWizards.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. June 14, 2010. Retrieved April 10, 2023.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ "Staff Directory". WashingtonWizards.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Retrieved April 10, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ^ "NBA History - 1962 Awards". ESPN. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  10. ^ "1961-62 NBA Standings". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  11. ^ "1962-63 NBA Rookies". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  12. ^ Baltimore Bullets (1963–1972) October 12, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, databasebasketball.com, accessed June 23, 2011.
  13. ^ "Howell of Pistons Traded To Bullets in 8‐Player Deal". The New York Times. Baltimore. The Associated Press. June 10, 1964. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  14. ^ "1965 NBA Western Division Semifinals Bullets vs. Hawks". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  15. ^ "1965 NBA Western Division Finals Bullets vs. Lakers". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  16. ^ The Associated Press (AP) Wirephoto of Earl Foreman, Arnold Heft and Abe Pollin after their $1.1 million purchase of the Baltimore Bullets on Monday, November 23, 1964. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  17. ^ Williams, Juan. "Holding Back the Shadows," The Washington Post, Sunday, February 17, 1991. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  18. ^ "1967 NBA Draft". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  19. ^ "1968 NBA Draft". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  20. ^ "1968-69 NBA Season Summary". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  21. ^ "1969 NBA Eastern Division Semifinals Knicks vs. Bullets". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  22. ^ "1970 NBA Eastern Division Seminfinals Bullets vs. Knicks". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  23. ^ "1971 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Bullets vs. Knicks". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  24. ^ "1971 NBA Finals Bullets vs. Bucks". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  25. ^ "Rockets' Hayes Sent to Bullets". The New York Times. United Press International. June 24, 1972. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  26. ^ "1972 NBA Draft". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  27. ^ "1973 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Bullets vs. Knicks". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  28. ^ "Baltimore five set to become Capital Bullets". Bangor Daily News. Maine. Associated Press. February 17, 1973. p. 21.
  29. ^ "Bullets change name again". Morning Record. Meriden, Connecticut. Associated Press. April 23, 1974. p. 15.
  30. ^ "Bullets change name". Wilmington Morning Star. North Carolina. UPI. April 23, 1974. p. 16.
  31. ^ a b "Bullets leave Baltimore with win Mavericks fall, 94–87" The Baltimore Sun
  32. ^ Kelly, John (April 19, 2017). "Reminiscing about Abe Pollin's Capital idea: The Capital Centre". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  33. ^ "1974-75 NBA Season Summary". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  34. ^ "1975 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Braves vs. Bullets". Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  35. ^ "1975 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Bullets vs. Celtics".
  36. ^ "Top NBA Finals moments: Rick Barry, underdog Warriors sweep Bullets". NBA. September 14, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  37. ^ "1976 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Bullets vs. Cavaliers". Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  38. ^ Goldaper, Sam (May 8, 1976). "K.C. Jones Discharged as Bullets' Coach". The New York Times. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  39. ^ "1977 NBA Playoffs Summary". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  40. ^ "Fat Lady sings for sports icon Dan Cook". CTV News. The Associated Press. July 4, 2008. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  41. ^ "Season Review: 1977-78". NBA.com Staff. NBA. September 13, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  42. ^ "1978-79 NBA Season Summary". Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  43. ^ "1979 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Hawks vs. Bullets". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  44. ^ "1979 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Spurs vs. Bullets". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  45. ^ "1979 NBA Finals". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  46. ^ "1980 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Bullets vs. 76ers". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  47. ^ "NBA 1980-81 Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  48. ^ Sandomir, Richard (June 2, 2020). "Wes Unseld, Powerful Hall of Fame N.B.A. Center, Dies at 74". The New York Times. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  49. ^ Richmond, Peter; DuPree, David; Staff Writer, Washington Post (June 9, 1981). "Bullets Send Hayes to Rockets for Draft Choices". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  50. ^ "NBA 1981-82 Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  51. ^ "NBA 1982-83 Regular Season Standings (Division)". NBA. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  52. ^ "1984 NBA Playoffs Summary". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  53. ^ "1985 NBA Playoffs Summary". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  54. ^ "1985 NBA Draft". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  55. ^ "1985-86 NBA Player Stats: Totals". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  56. ^ "1986 NBA Playoffs Summary". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  57. ^ Cotton, Anthony (June 18, 1986). "Bullets Trade Ruland, Robinson, Get Malone". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  58. ^ "1986-87 Washington Bullets Roster and Stats". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  59. ^ Cotton, Anthony (April 30, 1987). "PISTONS OUST BULLETS ON FOUL SHOT BY MAHORN". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  60. ^ Palmer, Joseph (June 22, 2022). "'I changed kids' perspectives': Muggsy Bogues, the 5ft 3in star who broke NBA norms". The Guardian. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  61. ^ Cotton, Anthony (January 4, 1988). "BULLETS DISMISS LOUGHERY, PICK UNSELD COACH". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  62. ^ "1988 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Bullets vs. Pistons". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  63. ^ "The last time the Washington Bullets played in Baltimore". United Press International. January 29, 1989. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  64. ^ "1989-90 Washington Bullets Roster and Stats". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  65. ^ "1990-91 NBA Player Stats: Per Game". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  66. ^ "BULLETS' NEW PRESIDENT MAKES HISTORY". Chicago Tribune. Baltimore. May 10, 1991. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  67. ^ "NBA 1991-92 Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  68. ^ "1992 NBA Awards". ESPN. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  69. ^ "1992 NBA Draft". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  70. ^ "1992-93 NBA Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  71. ^ Aldridge, David (June 25, 1993). "BULLETS TRADE GRANT TO GET DUCKWORTH". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  72. ^ Freeman, Eric (August 17, 2012). "Naughty by Nature and the 1993-94 Washington Bullets teamed up for a promo video (VIDEO)". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  73. ^ "1993-94 NBA Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  74. ^ "1994 NBA Awards". ESPN. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  75. ^ "1994 NBA Draft". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  76. ^ Hillyer, John (February 19, 1995). "Warriors send Gugliotta packing". SFGATE. Oakland. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  77. ^ Justice, Richard (December 23, 1994). "WEBBER DISLOCATES SHOULDER, BULLETS LOSE". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  78. ^ "1994-95 NBA Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  79. ^ Justice, Richard (October 24, 1995). "WEBBER WILL SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE INDEPENDENT OF BULLETS". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  80. ^ Allen, Scott (May 4, 2017). "Bullets' classic 'You Da Man' video gets a Wizards makeover". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  81. ^ Moore, Jack (May 8, 2017). "'You Da Man!' video revives legendary DC basketball anthem". WTOP. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  82. ^ Allen, Scott (May 13, 2014). "The top 10 moments of the Bullets' 'You the Man' video". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  83. ^ Justice, Richard (February 2, 1996). "WEBBER UNDERGOES SURGERY ON INJURED LEFT SHOULDER". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  84. ^ "1996 NBA Awards". ESPN. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  85. ^ "1995-96 NBA Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  86. ^ Schmuck, Peter (February 6, 1997). "Lynam fired as Bullets coach Unseld: 'It wasn't happening'; Staak will serve as fill-in". The Baltimore Sun. Herndon. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  87. ^ "Bullets Reportedly Have Hired Bickerstaff as Coach". Los Angeles Times. The Associated Press. February 10, 1997. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  88. ^ "1996-97 NBA Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  89. ^ "1997 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Bullets vs. Bulls". Basketball Reference.
  90. ^ "1996-97 Washington Bullets Roster and Stats". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  91. ^ "Bullets will change nickname". Gadsden Times. Alabama. Associated Press. November 10, 1995. p. D4.
  92. ^ "D.C. Sports Bog – Why Abe Pollin went from Bullets to Wizards". Voices.washingtonpost.com. Retrieved June 30, 2015.
  93. ^ a b Peterseim, Locke. "Like magic, Wizards' name becomes cool". Page 2 Goes to Washington. ESPN. Retrieved July 7, 2006.
  94. ^ Bembry, Jerry (May 16, 1997). . baltimoresun.com. Archived from the original on January 28, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  95. ^ Heath, Thomas; Montgomery, David (December 2, 1997). "MCI Center Opens Its Doors For Inaugural Game". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  96. ^ "Johnson a partner in Lincoln Holdings". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. May 25, 2005. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  97. ^ "Ted Leonsis-Led Group Completes Acquisition of Washington Wizards". Washington Wizards. NBA. June 10, 2010. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  98. ^ Heath, Thomas; Montgomery, David (December 2, 1997). "MCI Center Opens Its Doors For Inaugural Game". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  99. ^ "1997-98 NBA Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  100. ^ Bucher, Ric (May 15, 1998). "WEBBER TRADED TO SACRAMENTO". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  101. ^ "1998-99 NBA Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  102. ^ "1999-00 NBA Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  103. ^ "2000-01 NBA Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  104. ^ "Mavs, Wizards complete eight-player deal". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. February 23, 2001. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  105. ^ Wyche, Steve (January 20, 2000). "Jordan Joins Wizards' Front Office". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  106. ^ "On this day: Michael Jordan came out of retirement (again) to play for the Wizards". NBC Sports. September 25, 2019. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  107. ^ Smith, Sam (September 25, 2016). "Sept. 25, 2001: At 38, Michael Jordan returns 'to the game I love'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  108. ^ Quinn, Sam (January 22, 2021). "NBA players interested in negotiating for ownership stakes in teams in next CBA, says Michele Roberts". CBC Sports. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  109. ^ DuPree, David (February 12, 2002). "NBA's brightest stars set to collide". USA Today. Retrieved July 14, 2011.
  110. ^ "Wizards place Jordan on injured list". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. April 3, 2002. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  111. ^ "NBA 2001-02 Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  112. ^ "All-Star Stackhouse traded to Wizards". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. September 12, 2002. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  113. ^ "Wizards Sign Guard Larry Hughes". The Associated Press. Washington. The Associated Press. July 19, 2002. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  114. ^ "NBA 2002-03 Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  115. ^ "Jordan's top 10 countdown". USA Today. April 17, 2003. Retrieved July 14, 2011.
  116. ^ Broussard, Chris (April 17, 2003). "PRO BASKETBALL; Jordan Bows Out for a Third Time". The New York Times. Retrieved February 16, 2019.
  117. ^ "Pollin: 'Bad situation' had to end". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. October 23, 2003. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  118. ^ Morrissey, Rick (September 10, 2009). "Washington, D.C." Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  119. ^ Hernandez, E. (June 30, 2003). "Wizards Hire Ernie Grunfeld". Washington Wizards. NBA. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  120. ^ Kent, Milton (July 23, 2003). "Arenas accepts Wizards' $65M offer". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  121. ^ "NBA 2003-04 Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  122. ^ Aron, Jaime (June 24, 2004). "Mavs Send Jamison to Wizards for Players". The Associated Press. Dallas. The Associated Press. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  123. ^ "2004-05 NBA Player Stats: Per Game". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  124. ^ "2005 NBA All-Star recap". NBA. September 13, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  125. ^ "NBA 2004-05 Regular Season Standings (By Conference)". NBA. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  126. ^ "NBA – CBSSports.com". CBSSports.com. Retrieved June 30, 2015.
  127. ^ "NBA – CBSSports.com". CBSSports.com. Retrieved June 30, 2015.
  128. ^ "Wizards Run Past Bulls". NBA.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. April 30, 2005. from the original on May 2, 2005. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  129. ^ Sereno, Brian A. (June 7, 2005). . WashingtonWizards.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Archived from the original on January 7, 2007. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  130. ^ "Wizards Win at the Buzzer". NBA.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. May 4, 2005. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  131. ^ "Wizards' Late Heroics End Playoff Drought". NBA.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. May 6, 2005. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  132. ^ "Wade sets Heat scoring mark in clincher". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. May 15, 2005. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  133. ^ "Wizards Acquire Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins". Washington Wizards. NBA. July 29, 2005. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  134. ^ Hernandez, E. (July 29, 2005). "Wizards Sign Guard Antonio Daniels". Washington Wizards. NBA. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  135. ^ Askew, Luke (November 19, 2022). "Big 3 back in D.C.: Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler, and Antawn Jamison reunite". Washington Wizards. NBA. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  136. ^ Carter, Ivan (April 16, 2006). "Butler Is Still Out With Ailing Thumb". The Washington Post. Chicago. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  137. ^ "2005-06 Washington Wizards Roster and Stats". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  138. ^ "2006 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Wizards vs. Cavaliers". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  139. ^ Ford, Chad (August 4, 2006). "Wizards sign former Magic guard Stevenson". ESPN. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  140. ^ Hernandez, E. (July 19, 2006). "Wizards Sign Forward Darius Songaila". Washington Wizards. NBA. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  141. ^ "Wizards tab Thomas as starting center". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. October 31, 2006. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  142. ^ "Arenas sets franchise record with 60 points in overtime shootout". ESPN. Los Angeles. The Associated Press. December 18, 2006. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  143. ^ "Ranking the wildest Wizards buzzer-beaters since 2000". NBC Sports. February 7, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  144. ^ "Jamison leaves Wizards game vs. Pistons with injury". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. January 31, 2007. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  145. ^ "2007 NBA All-Star recap". NBA. September 13, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  146. ^ "Knee injury sidelines Caron Butler". United Press International. Washington. United Press International. March 16, 2007. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  147. ^ "Broken hand could force Butler out of lineup for year". ESPN. Milwaukee. The Associated Press. April 2, 2007. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  148. ^ "A Big Piece of the Pie". The Washington Post. April 15, 2007. Retrieved May 27, 2010.
  149. ^ "NBA 2006-07 Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  150. ^ "James, Ilgauskas steer Cavs into 2nd round with sweep of Wiz". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. May 1, 2007. Retrieved December 14, 2007.
  151. ^ "2006–2007 NBA Attendance – National Basketball Association". ESPN. Retrieved June 30, 2015.
  152. ^ "Pistons sign free-agent forward Hayes". ESPN. Auburn Hills. The Associated Press. August 17, 2007. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  153. ^ "2007-08 Philadelphia 76ers Transactions". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  154. ^ "Bucks sign forward Michael Ruffin to free-agent contract". ESPN. Milwaukee. The Associated Press. September 23, 2007. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  155. ^ "Thomas requires heart surgery to repair leaking valve". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. October 11, 2007. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  156. ^ Jones, Mike (September 18, 2008). "Gilbert Arenas' injuries". The Washington Times. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  157. ^ "MRI shows damage so Wizards guard has knee surgery". ESPN. The Associated Press. November 22, 2007. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  158. ^ "Exam reveals labral tear in Butler's left hip". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. February 28, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  159. ^ "NBA 2007-08 Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  160. ^ "LeBron, Cavs turn lights out on Wizards". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. May 3, 2008. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  161. ^ Abbott, Henry (January 28, 2010). "Stuck together: Gilbert Arenas and the Wizards". ESPN. The Associated Press. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  162. ^ "Wizards Sign Jamison to Contract Extension". Washington Wizards. NBA. June 30, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  163. ^ "Washington Wizards Draft JaVale McGee". WashingtonWizards.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. June 26, 2008. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  164. ^ "Arenas has knee surgery, says he'll be back in December". ESPN. Washington. September 18, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  165. ^ "Arenas' game-winning attempt blocked in Wizards' latest loss". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. March 29, 2009. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  166. ^ "Jamison leaves preseason opener with strained right knee". ESPN. Dallas. The Associated Press. October 8, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  167. ^ "Wizards' Haywood to miss 4-6 months; Jamison day to day". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. October 11, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  168. ^ Floyd, Dusty (November 24, 2008). "Eddie Jordan Fired by the Washington Wizards After 1-10 Start". Bleacher Report. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  169. ^ "Wizards Acquire Javaris Crittenton and Mike James". Washington Wizards. NBA. December 10, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  170. ^ "NBA 2008-09 Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  171. ^ Simmons, Christine (February 28, 2009). "Obama watches Wizards defeat his hometown Bulls". The San Diego Union-Tribute. Washington. The Associated Press. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  172. ^ "Obama watches Wizards embarrass hometown team in Washington". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. February 28, 2009. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  173. ^ "Agent Zero, Wizards pull upset of LeBron, Cavs". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. April 3, 2009. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  174. ^ "Wizards confirm Saunders is new coach". Baltimoresun.com.
  175. ^ "Clippers Win NBA's Draft Lottery; Blake Griffin May Go First". Bloomberg.com. May 20, 2009.
  176. ^ "Source: Foye, Miller head to Wiz". Sports.espn.go.com. June 23, 2009.
  177. ^ "Wizards Name Sam Cassell Assistant Coach". Realgm.com.
  178. ^ Lee, Michael (July 24, 2009). "Fabricio Oberto Agrees to Sign With Washington Wizards, Adding to Team's Front Court". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 27, 2010.
  179. ^ a b White, Joseph (November 24, 2010). "Abe Pollin Dead: Wizards Owner Dies At 85". Huffington Post. USA. Retrieved March 27, 2011.
  180. ^ "Wizards: Arenas had firearms in locker". Sports.espn.go.com. December 24, 2009.
  181. ^ "NBA Players Reportedly Drew Guns in Christmas Eve Argument". Foxnews.com. Fox News. January 1, 2010.
  182. ^ "Gilbert Arenas continues to take gun case in stride". Sports.yahoo.com.
  183. ^ "Arenas suspended indefinitely". Sports.espn.go.com. January 6, 2010.
  184. ^ Stein, Marc (February 14, 2010). "Butler to Mavs, Wiz get Howard". ESPN. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  185. ^ "Cavaliers Acquire All-Star Forward Antawn Jamison in Three-Team Trade". Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland: NBA. February 17, 2010. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  186. ^ "Wizards buy out C Zydrunas Ilgauskas, waive him". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Washington. The Associated Press. February 25, 2010. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  187. ^ "Wizards Sign Guard Shaun Livingston". Washington Wizards. NBA. February 26, 2010. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  188. ^ "NBA 2009-10 Regular Season Standings (By conference}". NBA. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  189. ^ Heath, Thomas (June 10, 2010). "Leonsis holdings under new Monumental Sports include Wizards, Verizon Center". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  190. ^ "Ted Leonsis-Led Group Completes Acquisition of Washington Wizards". WashingtonWizards.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. June 10, 2010. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  191. ^ a b Lee, Michael (October 6, 2010). "Ted Leonsis says name change to Bullets is 'under consideration'". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 27, 2010.
  192. ^ "Grunfeld says Wizards changing colors in 2011–12". Washington Examiner. September 23, 2010.
  193. ^ "Wizards pull upset in NBA draft lottery, grab No. 1 overall pick". USA Today. May 19, 2010.
  194. ^ "Bulls trade Hinrich to Washington". Chicago Bulls. NBA. July 7, 2010. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  195. ^ "Magic get Gilbert Arenas in banner day". ESPN. December 19, 2010. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  196. ^ "Hawks add Kirk Hinrich, deal Mike Bibby". ESPN. Atlanta. The Associated Press. February 24, 2011. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  197. ^ "Randy Wittman". The Times Of India. Retrieved June 28, 2012.
  198. ^ "WIZARDS ACQUIRE NENE FROM DENVER". Washington Wizards. Washington: NBA. March 15, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  199. ^ Lee, Michael (June 20, 2012). "Wizards trade Rashard Lewis, No. 46 draft pick to New Orleans for Emeka Okafor, Trevor Ariza". Washington Post. Retrieved May 25, 2020.
  200. ^ "Wizards Select Beal With Third Pick In 2012 NBA Draft". Washington Wizards. Washington: NBA. June 29, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  201. ^ "Washington Wizards use amnesty clause on troubled forward Andray Blatche". ESPN. July 17, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  202. ^ "Wizards Sign A.J. Price". Washington Wizards. NBA. July 24, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  203. ^ Golliver, Ben (August 29, 2012). "Washington Wizards officially sign Martell Webster". CBS Sports. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  204. ^ Sterling, Joe; Almasy, Steve (April 30, 2013). "NBA's Jason Collins comes out as gay". CNN. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  205. ^ "NBA 2012-13 Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  206. ^ Lee, Michael (May 22, 2013). . The Washington Post. Archived from the original on May 28, 2013.
  207. ^ Lee, Michael (June 28, 2013). . The Washington Post. Archived from the original on July 18, 2013.
  208. ^ "Wizards cut Shannon Brown, Malcolm Lee, Kendall Marshall". USA Today. October 28, 2013. Retrieved October 29, 2013.
  209. ^ Lee, Michael (February 3, 2014). "Wizards vs. Trail Blazers: Washington wins to top .500 for first time since 2009". Washington Post. Retrieved February 3, 2014.
  210. ^ "Wizards clinch first playoff berth since 2008". ESPN. April 2, 2014. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
  211. ^ "Wizards knock out Bulls for rare postseason series victory". ESPN. April 29, 2014. Retrieved May 2, 2014.
  212. ^ "Pacers pull away from Wizards, advance to conference finals". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. May 16, 2014. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  213. ^ "Rockets Land Ariza & Valuable First Round Pick". Houston Rockets. Houston: NBA. July 15, 2014. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  214. ^ Stein, Marc (July 13, 2014). "Paul Pierce to Wizards on 2-year deal". ESPN. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  215. ^ "Wall's 27 points lead Wizards over Pistons 107–103". NBA.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. November 13, 2014. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  216. ^ Valentine, Harvey (November 15, 2014). "Bench key as Wizards defeat Magic 98–93". NBA.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  217. ^ White, Joseph (December 13, 2014). "Wall, Wizards end Clippers' 9-game streak, 104–96". NBA.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  218. ^ Castillo, Jorge (April 8, 2015). "John Wall sits, but red-hot Wizards roll to 119-90 win at Philadelphia". The Washington Post. Philadelphia. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  219. ^ "Bradley Beal steers Wizards into 2nd round with sweep of Raptors". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. April 27, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  220. ^ Youngmisuk, Ohm (May 8, 2015). "Wizards' John Wall has fractures in left wrist, hand". ESPN. Washington. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  221. ^ "Hawks off to East finals for first time; Paul Pierce game-tying 3 ruled too late". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. May 16, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  222. ^ "NBA 2015-16 Regular Season Standings". NBA. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  223. ^ . WizardsToday.MonumentalSportsNetwork.com. April 14, 2016. Archived from the original on October 10, 2016. Retrieved April 14, 2016.
  224. ^ "Wizards fire coach Randy Wittman after team misses playoffs". ESPN. April 14, 2016. Retrieved April 14, 2016.
  225. ^ Fendrich, Howard; Krawczynski, Jon (April 21, 2016). "Report: Wizards, Brooks agree on five-year deal". NBA.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Associated Press. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  226. ^ Whitacre, Jake (September 8, 2016). "Washington Wizards unveil alternate uniform". Bullets Forever. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  227. ^ "Wizards logos". Sportsteamhistory. Retrieved September 24, 2016.
  228. ^ Lee, Alberta (October 21, 2016). "Wizards ranked 93rd of 122 worst franchises in major sports". Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  229. ^ Buckner, Candace (March 29, 2017). "Wizards clinch Southeast Division title with rally past Lakers". The Washington Post. Los Angeles. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  230. ^ "2016-17 Washington Wizards Roster and Stats". Basketball Reference. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  231. ^ "Porter scores career-best 34 as Wizards rout Celtics 118-93". ESPN. Washington. The Associated Press. November 9, 2016. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  232. ^ Zillgitt, Jeff (April 28, 2017). "Wizards eliminate Hawks from NBA playoffs with Game 6 road win". USA Today. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  233. ^ "Celtics power past Wizards in Game 7, 115-105". ESPN. Boston. The Associated Press. May 16, 2017. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  234. ^ "Verizon Center renamed Capital One Arena". The Washington Times. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
  235. ^ "Washington Wizards' Verizon Center renamed Capital One Arena". USA TODAY. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
  236. ^ "2017–18 Washington Wizards Roster and Stats". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved May 25, 2020.
  237. ^ "Get to know Wizards rookie Troy Brown Jr". Washington Wizards. NBA. July 26, 2018. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  238. ^ "Another blow for Wizards: John Wall to have season-ending surgery". USA Today. The Associated Press. December 29, 2018. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  239. ^ "Wizards trade Oubre Jr., Rivers to Suns for Ariza". NBA. NBA. December 17, 2018. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  240. ^ "Bulls get Otto Porter Jr. from Wizards for Bobby Portis, Jabari Parker". ESPN. February 7, 2019. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  241. ^ "Wizards send Markieff Morris to Pelicans for Wesley Johnson". ESPN. February 7, 2019. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  242. ^ "Grunfeld fired as president of Wizards". NBA.com. Retrieved July 22, 2019.
  243. ^ Kaskey-Blomain, Michael. "Wizards promote Tommy Sheppard to general manager, add former NFL exec Sashi Brown to front office". CBSSports.com. Retrieved July 22, 2019.
  244. ^ "Wizards' Admiral Schofield is already one of NBA's most interesting rookies". NBC Sports. June 26, 2019. Retrieved January 14, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  245. ^ "NBA Board of Governors approves competitive format to restart 2019–20 season with 22 teams returning to play". NBA.com. June 4, 2020. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  246. ^ "Wizards acquire Russell Westbrook". NBA.com. December 2, 2020. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
  247. ^ "Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards agree to Russell Westbrook-John Wall trade". ESPN.com. December 2, 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  248. ^ "Wizards select Avdija with the ninth pick in 2020 NBA Draft". Washington Wizards. NBA. November 19, 2020. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  249. ^ Moberg, McLain (November 19, 2020). "NBA Draft 2020: Cassius Winston Heads To Washington Wizards". Sports Illustrated. East Lansing. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  250. ^ "Deni Avdija Injury Update". Washington Wizards. NBA. April 22, 2021. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  251. ^ "Sources: Wizards' Brooks out as talks fall apart". ESPN.com. June 16, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  252. ^ "Russell Westbrook traded to Los Angeles Lakers in blockbuster deal with Washington Wizards". Sky Sports. July 30, 2021. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  253. ^ McMahon, Tim (February 11, 2022). "Dallas Mavericks trade Kristaps Porzingis to Washington Wizards for Spencer Dinwiddie, Davis Bertans". ESPN. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  254. ^ "Tommy Sheppard Released as President and General Manager of the Washington Wizards". April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  255. ^ "Going Retro: Washington Wizards". NBA.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. August 22, 2015. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  256. ^ "Behind The Name – Wizards". NBA.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. August 22, 2015. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  257. ^ "Wizards to Wear Alternate Uniforms for 2014–15 Season". WashingtonWizards.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. July 23, 2014. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  258. ^ "Wizards Unveil New Primary Logo". WashingtonWizards.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. April 15, 2015. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  259. ^ Whitaker, Lang (April 15, 2015). "WASHINGTON WIZARDS UNVEIL NEW LOGO". NBA.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  260. ^ "Wizards to Wear Baltimore Pride Jerseys this Season". Monumental Network. September 30, 2015. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
  261. ^ "Wizards unveil new stars and stripes uniform to honor military". NBC Sports. September 8, 2016. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  262. ^ "WIZARDS, NIKE UNVEIL CITY EDITION UNIFORM". WashingtonWizards.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. December 27, 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  263. ^ "2018–19 Wizards "City" uniform". WashingtonWizards.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  264. ^ Chase Hughes. "Wizards release new red alternate jerseys, their fifth uniform". NBCSports.com. NBC Sports Washington. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  265. ^ "Unveiling the Wizards' 2019–20 Statement Edition Jersey". WashingtonWizards.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  266. ^ "Wizards' 2019–20 City Edition Jersey". WashingtonWizards.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  267. ^ "Wizards 2021–22 Nike NBA City Edition uniform pays homage to the past". WashingtonWizards.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  268. ^ "Washington Wizards unveil 2022–23 NBA City Edition Uniform". WashingtonWizards.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Retrieved March 29, 2022.
  269. ^ Coon, Larry. "NBA Salary Cap FAQ – 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement". Retrieved April 13, 2014. If the player is already under contract to, or signs a contract with a non-NBA team, the team retains the player's draft rights for one year after the player's obligation to the non-NBA team ends. Essentially, the clock stops as long as the player plays pro ball outside the NBA.
  270. ^ Robbins, Josh (July 13, 2022). "Wizards summer-league diary: Yannick Nzosa visits, Delon Wright excited for opportunity". The Athletic. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  271. ^ "Bill Russell's No. 6 jersey to be retired throughout NBA". NBA.com. August 11, 2022. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  272. ^ Golliver, Ben (August 11, 2022). "NBA permanently retires Bill Russell's No. 6". Washington Post. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  273. ^ Borzello, Jeff (March 31, 2018). "Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, Grant Hill headline 2018 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  274. ^ a b "Washington Wizards: Players". Basketball Reference. July 27, 2018. Retrieved July 27, 2018.

External links

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Washington Wizards.
  • Official website  

April 20, 2023
washington, wizards, washington, bullets, redirects, here, song, clash, washington, bullets, song, this, article, about, team, that, named, baltimore, bullets, from, 1963, 1973, original, 1944, 1954, baltimore, bullets, team, baltimore, bullets, 1944, 1954, am. Washington Bullets redirects here For the song by The Clash see Washington Bullets song This article is about the NBA team that was named the Baltimore Bullets from 1963 to 1973 For the original 1944 1954 Baltimore Bullets ABL BAA NBA team see Baltimore Bullets 1944 1954 The Washington Wizards are an American professional basketball team based in Washington D C The Wizards compete in the National Basketball Association NBA as a member of the league s Eastern Conference Southeast Division The team plays its home games at the Capital One Arena in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington D C an arena they share with the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League NHL and the Georgetown University men s basketball team Washington Wizards2022 23 Washington Wizards seasonConferenceEasternDivisionSoutheastFounded1961HistoryChicago Packers1961 1962Chicago Zephyrs1962 1963Baltimore Bullets1963 1973Capital Bullets1973 1974Washington Bullets1974 1997Washington Wizards1997 present 1 2 3 ArenaCapital One ArenaLocationWashington D C Team colorsNavy blue red silver white 4 5 Main sponsorGEICO 6 General managerVacantHead coachWes Unseld Jr OwnershipMonumental Sports amp Entertainment Ted Leonsis Chairman CEO 7 8 Affiliation s Capital City Go GoChampionships1 1978 Conference titles4 1971 1975 1978 1979 Division titles8 1969 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1979 2017 Retired numbers5 10 11 25 41 45 Websitewww wbr nba wbr com wbr wizardsAssociationIconStatementThe franchise was established in 1961 as the Chicago Packers in Chicago Illinois they were renamed the Chicago Zephyrs in the following season In 1963 they moved to Baltimore Maryland and became the Baltimore Bullets taking the name from a previous team of the same name In 1973 the team moved to the Washington metropolitan area and changed its name first to the Capital Bullets then the following season to Washington Bullets In 1997 they rebranded themselves as the Wizards The Wizards have played in four NBA Finals they won in 1978 They have appeared in 28 playoffs won four conference titles 1971 1975 1978 1979 and won eight division titles 1969 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1979 2017 Their best season record in 1975 was 60 22 Wes Unseld is the only player in franchise history to become the MVP 1969 and win the Finals MVP award 1978 Four players Walt Bellamy Terry Dischinger Earl Monroe and Unseld have won the Rookie of the Year award Contents 1 Franchise history 1 1 Team creation 1 2 1967 1981 The Wes Unseld era 1 2 1 1977 78 NBA Championship season 1 2 2 1978 79 Finalists 1 3 1979 1988 Playoff disappointments 1 4 1989 1997 End of the Bullets 1 4 1 Becoming the Wizards 1 5 1997 2001 Rebranded as the Wizards 1 6 2001 2003 The Michael Jordan era 1 6 1 2001 02 season 1 6 2 2002 03 1 6 3 Jordan s departure 1 7 2003 2010 The Gilbert Arenas era 1 7 1 2003 04 The arrival of Gilbert Arenas 1 7 2 2004 05 Return to the playoffs 1 7 3 2005 06 1 7 4 2006 07 1 7 5 2007 08 1 7 6 2008 10 1 8 2010 2019 The John Wall era 1 8 1 2010 2013 The Beginning and the arrival of Bradley Beal 1 8 2 2013 14 Return to playoffs 1 8 3 2014 15 1 8 4 2015 16 1 8 5 2016 17 1 8 6 2017 18 1 8 7 2018 19 1 9 2019 present The Bradley Beal era 2 Season by season record 3 Team name logos and uniforms 4 Home arenas 5 Players 5 1 Current roster 5 2 Head coaches 5 3 Retained draft rights 5 4 Retired numbers 5 5 Basketball Hall of Famers 5 6 FIBA Hall of Famers 6 Individual records and awards 6 1 Franchise leaders 6 2 Individual awards 6 3 NBA All Star weekend 7 Notes and references 8 External linksFranchise history EditTeam creation Edit Bellamy 8 averaged 31 6 points per game and 19 0 rebounds per game during his rookie season The team now known as the Wizards began playing as the Chicago Packers in 1961 as the NBA s first expansion team an expansion prompted by Abe Saperstein s American Basketball League Rookie Walt Bellamy was the team s star averaging 31 6 points per game 19 0 rebounds per game and leading the NBA in field goal percentage During the All Star game Bellamy represented the team while scoring 23 points and grabbing 17 rebounds Bellamy was named the league Rookie of the Year 9 but the team finished with the NBA s worst record at 18 62 10 The team s original nickname was a nod to Chicago s meatpacking industry their home arena the International Amphitheater was next door to the Union Stock Yards However it was extremely unpopular since it was the same nickname used by the NFL s Green Bay Packers bitter rivals of the Chicago Bears After only one year the organization changed its name to the Chicago Zephyrs and played its home games at the Chicago Coliseum Saperstein s ABL Majors prevented the team from playing in the larger Chicago Stadium Their only season as the Zephyrs boasted former Purdue star Terry Dischinger who went on to win Rookie of the Year honors 11 In 1963 the franchise moved to Baltimore Maryland and became the Baltimore Bullets taking their name from a 1940s 50s Baltimore Bullets BAA NBA franchise and playing home games at the Baltimore Civic Center The NBA would return to Chicago in 1966 when the Chicago Bulls began play In their first year in Baltimore the Bullets finished fourth in a five team Western Division 12 Prior to the 1964 65 season the Bullets pulled off a blockbuster trade sending Dischinger Rod Thorn and Don Kojis to the Detroit Pistons for Bailey Howell Don Ohl Bob Ferry and Wali Jones 13 The trade worked out well Howell proved to be a hustler and a fundamentally sound player He helped the Bullets reach the playoffs for the first time in franchise history In the 1965 NBA playoffs the Bullets stunned the St Louis Hawks 3 1 and advanced to the Western Conference finals 14 In the finals Baltimore managed to split the first four games with the Los Angeles Lakers before losing the series 4 2 15 Within the first two months of that season the Bullets were purchased from original franchise managing partner Dave Trager by Abe Pollin Earl Foreman and real estate investor former NBA referee Arnold Heft for 1 1 million on November 23 1964 16 17 1967 1981 The Wes Unseld era Edit Wes Unseld who won the NBA Rookie of the Year NBA Regular Season MVP and NBA Finals MVP awards played all 13 seasons of his career with the Bullets In the late 1960s the Bullets drafted two future Hall of Fame members Earl Monroe in the 1967 draft number two overall and Wes Unseld in the following year s draft also number two overall 18 19 The team improved dramatically from 36 wins the previous season to 57 in the 1968 69 season and Unseld received both the rookie of the year and MVP awards 20 The Bullets hosted the 1969 NBA All Star Game and reached the playoffs with high expectations but they were eliminated by the New York Knicks in the first round 21 The next season the two teams met again in the first round and although this one went to seven games the Knicks emerged victorious again 22 In the 1970 71 season the 42 40 Bullets again met the Knicks this time though in the Eastern Conference finals With the Knicks team captain Willis Reed injured in the finals the injury free Bullets took advantage of his absence and in game seven at New York s Madison Square Garden the Bullets Gus Johnson made a critical basket late in the game to lift the Bullets over the Knicks 93 91 and advance to their first NBA Finals 23 They were swept in four games by the powerful Milwaukee Bucks led by future Hall of Fame members Kareem Abdul Jabbar known in 1971 as Lew Alcindor and Oscar Robertson 24 Even after the trades of Earl Monroe to the Knicks and Gus Johnson to the Suns the Bullets remained a playoff contender throughout the 1970s Following a less than spectacular 1971 72 season Baltimore acquired Elvin Hayes from the Houston Rockets and drafted Kevin Porter in the third round out of St Francis in Pennsylvania 25 26 After a slow start in 1972 73 Baltimore made their charge in December posting a 10 4 record on the way to capturing the Central Division title for the third straight year The Bullets again faced the Knicks in the 1973 NBA playoffs losing for the fourth time in five series against New York 27 In February 1973 the team announced its pending move 30 miles 50 km southwest to the Capital Centre in Landover a Washington D C suburb and became the Capital Bullets 28 After that 1973 74 season they changed their geographic identifier name to the Washington Bullets 29 30 The Bullets would return to Baltimore to play a few home games per season during the late 1980s and 1990s 31 During November 1973 while waiting for the completion of their new arena in Landover the Bullets played their home games at Cole Field House on the campus of the University of Maryland in College Park The Capital Centre later known as the US Airways Arena opened on December 2 1973 with the Bullets defeating the SuperSonics 32 During his nine seasons with the Bullets Elvin Hayes averaged 21 3 points per game and 12 7 rebounds per game He led the NBA in rebounding in the 1973 74 season with an average of 18 1 rebounds per game The 60 22 Bullets made it back to the 1975 NBA playoffs That year Washington posted a 36 5 home record at the Capital Centre 33 In the first round of the playoffs they survived a seven game series against the Buffalo Braves as both teams won all of their games at home 34 In the Eastern Conference finals they beat the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics in six games to advance to the NBA Finals 35 The Bullets were favorites to win the NBA Championship but were swept by the Al Attles led Golden State Warriors in four games losing games one and four at the Capital Centre 36 The loss at the NBA Finals lingered into the 1975 76 season as they won 12 fewer games than last year and in the playoffs they were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games 37 After the season the Bullets fired head coach K C Jones despite having a career 62 percent winning percentage as the Bullets head coach 38 In 1976 77 under new head coach Dick Motta the Bullets again fell short of the Central Division title for the second straight year Elvin Hayes finished sixth in the league in rebounds with 12 5 rebounds per game After opening the 1977 NBA playoffs with a three game series victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers the Bullets took a 2 1 series lead in the second round against the Houston Rockets With a chance to take a 3 1 series lead at home the Bullets lost 107 103 and the Rockets took the series in six games 39 1977 78 NBA Championship season Edit Although they had future hall of famers Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld on the team the Bullets finished the 1977 78 season 44 38 and were a longshot to win the NBA Finals but San Antonio journalist Dan Cook used the famed phrase The opera ain t over til the fat lady sings 40 This became the rallying cry for the Bullets as they finished a playoff run that led to the NBA Finals defeating the Seattle SuperSonics in seven games to bring a professional sports championship to Washington D C for the first time in 36 years 41 It remains the only NBA title won by the team as of 2023 1978 79 Finalists Edit In the 1978 79 season the Bullets moved to the Atlantic Division capturing the title in their first season there 42 They entered the 1979 NBA playoffs having lost eight of the final 11 games to finish the regular season at 54 28 In the playoffs the Bullets nearly blew a 3 1 series lead against the Atlanta Hawks but managed to hold off the Hawks in seven games 43 In the Eastern Conference finals they trailed the San Antonio Spurs 3 1 but they mounted a comeback by winning two straight games to force a game seven at the Capital Centre The Bullets rallied again overcoming a fourth quarter deficit to beat George Gervin and the Spurs 107 105 in one of the NBA s all time greatest games and advance to the NBA Finals and a rematch with the Seattle SuperSonics 44 In Game 1 of the finals the Bullets defeated the SuperSonics 99 97 on two game winning free throws They lost the next four games and the series to Seattle The Bullets were the only team to play in the NBA Finals four times during the 1970s 45 1979 1988 Playoff disappointments Edit Age and injuries finally caught up with the Bullets In the 1979 80 season they barely made the playoffs as they captured the sixth and final playoff spot via a tiebreaker despite posting a 39 43 record In the playoffs they were swept by the Philadelphia 76ers in a two game playoff series 46 The following year the Bullets failed to make the playoffs for the first time in 13 years 47 Wes Unseld retired 48 and Elvin Hayes was traded to the Houston Rockets the following season 49 A ticket for a 1988 89 game between the Bullets and the Hornets In 1981 82 Washington played strong under the coaching of Gene Shue and Don Moran finishing the regular season with a 43 39 record and although they advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals in the playoffs they had clearly lost the power of the late 1970s 50 The 1983 Bullets continued to play with the same talent they had in the previous year They finished with a winning record but in a highly competitive Atlantic Division they finished last and missed the playoffs 51 The next two years saw the Bullets continue to play mediocre basketball as they finished with losing records but they made the playoffs in the new expanded NBA Playoffs format that involved the 16 best teams to make the playoffs the Bullets were eliminated in both years in the first round 52 53 In 1985 the Bullets acquired Manute Bol in the 1985 NBA Draft whose specialty was blocking shots 54 That year he blocked 397 shots a Bullets record part of a team that blocked 716 shots a Bullets team record 55 However the Bullets finished with a disappointing 39 43 record and were eliminated by the 76ers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs 56 The Bullets acquired center Moses Malone from the Philadelphia 76ers for center Jeff Ruland the following season for hope of improvement 57 Malone would lead the team in scoring with a 24 1 points per game as he would be joined by Jeff Malone who averaged 22 0 points per game 58 The Bullets 42 40 record would be their last winning season until 1996 97 Washington was eliminated by the Detroit Pistons in three games in the playoffs 59 Twelfth overall in the 1987 NBA Draft the Bullets selected Muggsy Bogues who at 5 feet 3 inches 160 cm is the shortest player in NBA history 60 The Bullets would get off to a slow start as coach Kevin Loughery was fired 27 games into the season with the Bullets holding an 8 19 record To replace Loughery the Bullets hired former MVP Wes Unseld 61 Under Unseld the Bullets improved as they were able to reach the playoffs again with a record of 38 44 After losing the first two games on the road in the first round of the 1988 NBA playoffs to the Detroit Pistons the Bullets fought back and forced a fifth game with two home wins They would lose game 5 by 21 points 62 It would be nine seasons before Washington would return to the NBA Playoffs 1989 1997 End of the Bullets Edit The Bullets got off to a 5 1 start in 1988 89 but they lost 16 of 18 games from mid December to mid January On January 6 1989 63 the Bullets franchise played its first regular season game in Baltimore since 1973 this would be the first of 35 regular season home games the Bullets played in Baltimore from 1989 to 1997 31 They finished with a 31 51 record despite stellar seasons by Jeff Malone and Bernard King who averaged 24 3 and 22 3 points per game respectively to lead the team 64 The lone highlight of the Bullets 30 win 1990 91 season was the successful comeback effort by Bernard King as he recovered from knee surgery he suffered while playing for the Knicks in the 1984 85 season to finish third in the NBA in scoring with a 28 4 points per game 65 In 1990 the team named Susan O Malley as its president the first female president of a franchise in the history of the NBA who is the daughter of Peter O Malley the prominent lawyer from Maryland and former president of the Washington Capitals 66 The Bullets continued to struggle due to injuries and inconsistent play They posted a 25 57 record in the 1991 92 season 67 Pervis Ellison was named 1992 Most Improved Player of The Year averaging 20 0 points 11 2 rebounds and 2 7 blocks per game Undrafted rookie Larry Stewart became the first undrafted player in NBA history to make an All Rookie Team being selected to the All Rookie Second Team 68 The Bullets drafted Tom Gugliotta with their sixth overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft 69 They finished the 1992 93 season with a 22 60 record 70 Following the season the Bullets traded Harvey Grant to the Portland Trail Blazers for former All Star center Kevin Duckworth 71 In 1993 the Bullets did a rap music video of their version of Naughty by Nature s rap single Hip Hop Hooray featuring the rap trio themselves 72 Injuries continued to bite the Bullets as key players Rex Chapman and Calbert Cheaney the club s first round draft pick missed significant stretches and Ellison missed almost the entire season The result was a 24 58 record for the 1993 94 season 73 Don MacLean was named 1994 Most Improved Player of the season leading the Bullets with 18 2 points per game tied with Chapman 74 The Bullets selected Juwan Howard in the 1994 NBA draft 75 and traded Gugliotta along with three first round draft picks to the Golden State Warriors for the rights to Chris Webber 76 While the season started out with promise a shoulder injury to Chris Webber ironically against the Warriors caused him to miss 19 games 77 and the Bullets struggled through the rest of the season finishing a then franchise worst percentage wise 21 61 78 Webber averaged 20 1 points and 9 6 rebounds per game but declined surgery for his dislocated shoulder 79 This would prove costly for the next season The Bullets released a holiday video You da Man You da Man that s the reason I m a Bullets Fan in 1994 which featured all 12 Bullets dancing in front of the Reflecting Pool in Washington D C 80 81 82 In the Bullets 1995 96 season Webber suffered a dislocated left shoulder in a preseason game against the Indiana Pacers on October 21 and opened the season on the injured list He was activated on November 27 but strained his shoulder against the New York Knicks on December 29 After hoping the injury would get better with rest Webber finally underwent surgery on Feb 1 which sidelined him for the remainder of the season 83 The Bullets were 9 6 with Webber in the lineup as he averaged a team high 23 7 points plus 7 6 rebounds 5 0 assists and 1 80 steals in 37 2 minutes per game when he was able to play Other players injured included Mark Price who only played in seven games and Robert Pack 31 games played out of 82 Bright spots of the season included the selection of Rasheed Wallace in the 1995 NBA draft and the All Star play of Howard Howard averaged a career best 22 1 ppg and 8 1 rpg and kept the Bullets slim playoff hopes alive until the end of the season Center Gheorghe Mureșan was named Most Improved Player of The Year averaging 14 5 points 9 6 rebounds and 2 3 blocks 84 The Bullets improved to 39 43 but just missed the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season 85 Washington boasting the league s tallest player Mureșan whose height is 7 feet 7 inches or 231 centimetres two very athletic forwards Howard and Webber and one of the league s top point guards Rod Strickland started the 1996 97 season at 22 24 That led to the dismissal of head coach Jim Lynam 86 Bernie Bickerstaff an assistant coach with the Bullets when they won their only NBA Championship in 1978 was called upon to resurrect his former team 87 The Bullets responded winning 16 of their final 21 games to finish 44 38 their best record since 1978 79 The late surge enabled the Bullets to climb within reach of the Cleveland Cavaliers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference In a win or go home game with the Cavaliers on the season s final day the Bullets squeezed past Cleveland 85 81 to end the franchise s longest playoff drought 88 Whilst the Bullets were swept by the Bulls in the first round they lost the three games by a total of 18 points 89 Webber led the way in scoring 20 1 ppg rebounding 10 3 and blocks 1 9 and shot 51 8 percent from the floor to make his first All Star team Howard averaged 19 1 ppg and 8 0 rpg while Strickland averaged 17 2 ppg and 1 74 spg and finished fifth in the league in assists with 8 9 per game Muresan dominated the middle and led the NBA in field goal percentage 599 Washington received contributions from Calbert Cheaney 10 6 ppg and Tracy Murray 10 0 ppg 90 Becoming the Wizards Edit The Wizards moved to the MCI Center later named Verizon Center and now Capital One Arena in 1997 In November 1995 owner Abe Pollin announced he was changing the team s nickname 91 because Bullets had acquired violent overtones that had made him increasingly uncomfortable over the years particularly given the high homicide and crime rate in the early 1990s in Washington D C The name change was widely and incorrectly believed to be related to the assassination of Pollin s longtime friend Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin 92 A contest was held to choose a new name and the choices were narrowed to the Dragons Express Stallions Sea Dogs and the Wizards 93 On May 15 1997 the Bullets officially became the Wizards The new name generated some controversy because Wizard is a rank in the Ku Klux Klan and Washington has a large African American population 93 A new logo was unveiled and the team colors were changed from the traditional red white and blue to a lighter shade of blue black and bronze the same colors as the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League NHL also owned by Pollin and changed from red white and blue before the 1995 96 season Washington forward Juwan Howard sat on the committee that decided on the logo design 94 That same year the Wizards moved to the then MCI Center now called Capital One Arena which is home to the Capitals and the Georgetown Hoyas men s college basketball team 95 In 1998 they became the brother team to the Washington Mystics of the Women s National Basketball Association and remained officially thus until 2005 when the Mystics were sold to Lincoln Holdings headed by Ted Leonsis parent company of the Capitals 96 However upon the purchase of the Wizards by Leonsis in 2010 the Wizards and Mystics again became sibling teams 97 1997 2001 Rebranded as the Wizards Edit The newly named Wizards began the 1997 98 season playing 5 home games at the Capital Centre before moving to the new MCI Center on December 2 1997 98 The Wizards finished the season with a 42 40 record including 4 straight victories to end the season but just missed the playoffs 99 Highlights of the season included Chris Webber leading the team in scoring 21 9 ppg and rebounding 9 5 rpg Strickland led the league in assists 10 5 apg before suffering an injury near the end of the season He was also named on the All NBA Second Team Tracy Murray averaged 15 1 ppg off the bench including a 50 point game against Golden State Off court distractions led to the trade of Webber to the Sacramento Kings for Mitch Richmond and Otis Thorpe in May 1998 100 The Wizards finished the lockout shortened season of 1998 99 with a record of 18 32 101 Mitch Richmond led the team in scoring with a 19 7 ppg average In the 1999 2000 season the Wizards finished with a 29 53 record 102 Mitch Richmond led the team with 17 4 ppg In the 2000 2001 season under newly hired coach Leonard Hamilton 1999 NBA draft pick Richard Hamilton led the team in scoring with 18 1 ppg but the team finished with a 19 63 record the most losses the team had ever suffered in one season 103 On February 23 2001 the Wizards were involved in a blockbuster trade days before the trading deadline The team sent Juwan Howard Obinna Ekezie and Calvin Booth to the Dallas Mavericks In return Washington received Hubert Davis Courtney Alexander Christian Laettner Loy Vaught and Etan Thomas along with 3 million 104 2001 2003 The Michael Jordan era Edit Michael Jordan served as president of basketball operations and was a minority owner 2001 02 season Edit After retiring from the Chicago Bulls in early 1999 Michael Jordan became the Washington Wizards vice president of basketball operations as well as a minority owner in January 2000 105 In September 2001 Jordan came out of retirement at age 38 to play for Washington 106 Jordan stated that he was returning for the love of the game 107 Because of NBA rules he had to divest himself of any ownership of the team 108 Before the All Star break Jordan was one of only two players to average more than 25 points 5 assists and 5 rebounds 109 as he led the Wizards to a 26 21 record After the All Star break Jordan s knee could not handle the workload of a full season as he ended the season on the injured list 110 and the Wizards concluded the season with a 37 45 record but could not make the Eastern Conference playoffs 111 2002 03 Edit Jordan announced he would return for the 2002 03 season and this time he was determined to be equipped with reinforcements as he traded for All Star Jerry Stackhouse and signed budding star Larry Hughes 112 113 Jordan even accepted a sixth man role on the bench in order for his knee to survive the rigors of an 82 game season A combination of numerous team injuries and uninspired play led to Jordan s return to the starting lineup where he tried to rebound the franchise from its early season struggles By the end of the season the Wizards finished with a 37 45 record once again 114 Jordan ended the season as the only Wizard to play in all 82 games as he averaged 20 0 points 115 6 9 rebounds 3 8 assists and 1 5 steals in 37 0 minutes per game Jordan retired from playing for a third and final time after the season 116 Jordan s departure Edit After the season majority owner Pollin fired Jordan as team president much to the shock of players associates and the public Jordan felt betrayed thinking that he would get his ownership back after his playing days ended but Pollin justified Jordan s dismissal by noting that Jordan had detrimental effects on the team such as benching Hughes for Tyronn Lue making poor trades and using the team s first round draft pick on high schooler Kwame Brown 117 118 The Wizards replaced Jordan s managerial role with general manager Ernie Grunfeld 119 2003 2010 The Gilbert Arenas era Edit The Wizards G Man one of the team s mascots 2003 04 The arrival of Gilbert Arenas Edit Without Jordan in the fold the following year the Washington Wizards were not expected to win and they did not Despite the signing of future All Star point guard Gilbert Arenas in a move that was ironically made possible by Jordan s prior cap clearing maneuvers as a team executive 120 the team stumbled to a 25 57 record in the 2003 04 season 121 2004 05 Return to the playoffs Edit In the off season the team traded Stackhouse Christian Laettner and the draft rights to Devin Harris to the Dallas Mavericks for Antawn Jamison 122 During the regular season the scoring trio of Arenas Jamison and Hughes was the highest in the NBA and earned the nickname of The Big Three Hughes led the NBA in steals with 2 89 per game 123 Arenas and Jamison were both named to the 2005 Eastern Conference All Star team marking the first time Washington had two players in the All Star game since Jeff Malone and Moses Malone represented the Bullets in the 1987 All Star Game 124 The 2004 05 season saw the team now in the new Southeast Division post its best regular season record in 26 years 45 37 and marked the first time the franchise had ever made the playoffs as the Wizards 125 With a 93 82 win over the Chicago Bulls on April 13 2005 the Wizards clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 1996 97 126 Long suffering fans celebrated by buying over 16 000 playoff tickets in two and a half hours the day tickets went on sale 127 In game 3 of the first round against the Bulls the Wizards won their first playoff game since 1988 128 Adding to the long overdue feeling was the fact that game 3 was the first NBA playoff game to be held within Washington D C city limits 129 In the Wizards game 5 victory in Chicago Arenas hit a buzzer beater to win the game 130 and the Wizards took their first lead in a playoff series since 1986 In Game 6 at the MCI Center Jared Jeffries picked up a loose ball and went in for an uncontested tie breaking dunk with 32 seconds left thus giving the Wizards a 94 91 win and the team s first playoff series win in 23 years They were only the 12th team in NBA history to win a playoff series after being down 0 2 131 This playoff series victory ended the second longest streak with no post season series wins in NBA history In the conference semifinals the Wizards were swept by the Miami Heat the No 1 seed in the Eastern Conference 132 2005 06 Edit Antawn Jamison shooting a free throw in 2006 while wearing the team s gold alternate jerseys The 2005 06 season was filled with ups and downs During the off season Washington acquired Caron Butler 133 and Antonio Daniels 134 During the regular season the Wizards again had the best scoring trio in the NBA this time consisting of Arenas Jamison and Butler as the Big Three 135 The Wizards started the 2005 06 season at 5 1 but went on an 8 17 funk to go to 13 18 through 31 games Then they went 13 5 in the next eighteen games On April 5 2006 the team was 39 35 and looking to close in on the 45 win mark achieved the previous year until Butler suffered a thumb sprain and the Wizards lost all five games without him 136 Butler returned and the team pulled out their final three games against the Pistons Cavaliers and Bucks all playoff bound teams to finish the year at 42 40 and clinch the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference They averaged 101 7 points a game third in the NBA and tops in the East and clinched a playoff berth for the second consecutive season for the first time since 1987 137 Their first round match up with Cleveland was widely seen as the most evenly matched series in the 2006 NBA playoffs The teams exchanged wins during the first two games in Cleveland with Game 2 highlighted by the Wizards holding LeBron James to 7 25 shooting from the floor while Brendan Haywood gave James a hard foul in the first quarter that many cited as the key to shaking up the rest of James s game In Game 3 at the Verizon Center James hit a 4 footer on the way down with 5 7 seconds left to take the game and the series lead for the Cavs with a 97 96 win Arenas missed a potential game winning three pointer on the other end to seal the win for the Cavs Game 4 saw the Wizards heat up again as Arenas scored 20 in the fourth quarter after claiming he changed his jersey shorts shoes and tights in the room and the Wizards won 106 96 Yet in Games 5 and 6 the Cavs would take control of the series both games decided by one point in overtime In Game 5 despite the Wizards being down 107 100 with 1 18 to play the team drove back and eventually tied the game on Butler s layup with 7 5 seconds remaining to send the game to overtime where James scored with 0 9 seconds left in overtime to send the Cavs to a 121 120 win The series returned to the Verizon Center for Game 6 where the game went back and forth all night The Wizards blew a 14 point first quarter lead then for 24 minutes from early in the second quarter to early in the fourth neither team led by more than five points at any time The Wizards blew a seven point lead with just under 5 to play and needed Arenas to hit a 31 footer at the end of regulation to take the game to overtime In overtime Arenas missed two key free throws Cleveland rebounded the ball went downcourt and Damon Jones hit a 17 foot baseline jumper with 4 8 seconds remaining to give the Cavs the lead for good Butler missed a three pointer on the other end to seal the game and the series for the Cavaliers 138 2006 07 Edit The Wizards in a home game against the Toronto Raptors March 30 2007 The 2006 07 season started out very promisingly for the Wizards In the off season they signed free agents DeShawn Stevenson and Darius Songaila 139 140 Etan Thomas beat out Haywood for the starting center job 141 After starting the season 0 8 on the road Washington rebounded to win 6 of 7 away from Verizon Center After a November 4 9 Washington went 22 9 through December and January Arenas scored a franchise record 60 points against the Lakers on December 17 142 He and Eddie Jordan were named player of the month and coach of the month for December respectively On January 3 and again on January 15 Arenas hit buzzer beating three pointers to beat Milwaukee and Utah 143 On January 30 Jamison went down with a sprained left knee in a win against Detroit 144 Washington went 4 8 in the 12 games without him On February 3 Songaila made his Wizards debut against the Lakers On February 18 Eddie Jordan became the first Wizards Bullets coach to coach in the NBA All Star Game since Dick Motta in 1978 1979 Arenas played in his third straight All Star game and Butler made his All Star Game debut 145 On March 14 Butler went out with a knee injury that kept him out of the lineup for six games 146 He returned for only three games until he fractured his right hand on April 1 against Milwaukee 147 On April 4 Arenas suffered a season ending knee injury of the meniscus An April 15 article in The Washington Post pointed out that with Arenas and Butler gone the team had lost 42 3 of their offensive production quite possibly the most costly loss for any team in the midst of a playoff hunt in NBA history 148 Despite their late season struggles without Arenas and Butler the Wizards still managed to make the Eastern Conference playoffs taking the 7th seed at 41 41 149 They were swept four games to none in a rematch of the previous year s first round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers Despite a depleted roster the Wizards still managed to keep things close in every game in the series and only lost the final three games by a combined 20 points 150 The team enjoyed their best attendance figures in the post Jordan era with a season attendance of 753 283 18 372 per game 151 2007 08 Edit The Wizards retained a majority of their roster from the 2006 07 season only losing Jarvis Hayes to Detroit Calvin Booth to the Philadelphia 76ers and Michael Ruffin to the Milwaukee Bucks as free agents 152 153 154 Washington signed Oleksiy Pecherov the team s first round pick in 2006 as well as 2007 picks Nick Young and Dominic McGuire Etan Thomas missed the regular season after undergoing open heart surgery 155 The team began the season starting 0 5 but rebounded to win six straight After eight games Arenas underwent surgery to repair a torn medial meniscus in his left knee 156 as well as a microfracture surgery 157 This was the same knee he had injured the previous year The injury forced Arenas out for a total of 68 games Midway through the season Butler was forced to the sidelines for a total of 20 games with what initially was a strained hip flexor but turned out to be a labral tear 158 Despite all of the injuries the Wizards managed to finish 43 39 on the regular season good for 5th place in the Eastern Conference and a first round playoff matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the third straight season 159 However the Wizards lost that series in six games 160 2008 10 Edit During the off season Arenas signed a 6 year 111 million contract while Jamison signed a 4 year 50 million contract 161 162 The Wizards did not re sign guard Roger Mason who signed with the San Antonio Spurs The Wizards added guards Dee Brown and Juan Dixon and drafted JaVale McGee 18th overall 163 in the 2008 NBA Draft In September Arenas underwent a third operation on his surgically repaired left knee to clean out fluid and debris and was expected to miss at least the first month of the season 164 The forecast came in longer than expected as Arenas missed 5 months of action due to concerns on his knee before returning on March 29 2009 165 In the first game of the preseason Jamison suffered a right knee contusion and was expected to miss the rest of the preseason 166 Haywood announced that he would undergo surgery on his right wrist and was expected to miss 4 6 months 167 The preseason marked the return of Etan Thomas who had missed all of the 2007 2008 season while recovering from open heart surgery The Wizards added guard Fenny Falmagne from the Dakota Wizards on August 23 2008 who was later waived by the team after his knee injury Gilbert Arenas in November 2010 The Wizards opened the season on October 29 with a loss against New Jersey and dropped fifteen of their first nineteen games Head coach Eddie Jordan was fired on November 24 after a 1 10 start and was replaced by interim coach Ed Tapscott 168 On December 10 Washington acquired guards Javaris Crittenton and Mike James in a three team deal that sent Antonio Daniels to New Orleans 169 The team waived guard Dee Brown They won just 14 of their first 60 games and in the end tied a franchise worst record of 19 63 170 One of the few high points of the season came on February 27 when recently inaugurated President Barack Obama attended a Wizards game against the Chicago Bulls sitting in a northeast court side seat The Wizards produced their second biggest victory margin of the season with a 113 90 win Jamison paced the side with 27 points 171 172 On April 2 the Wizards shut down the Cleveland Cavaliers who came in with a record of 61 13 and ended Cleveland s franchise best winning streak at 13 173 Flip Saunders reached an agreement to become the new coach of the team in mid April 2009 174 Despite having the second best chance at obtaining the number one overall pick in the 2009 draft the Wizards were randomly chosen to pick fifth overall in the NBA Draft Lottery 175 This pick was later traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves along with Songaila Thomas and Oleksiy Pecherov in exchange for Randy Foye and Mike Miller 176 On May 21 2009 Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld announced that the team has named Randy Wittman and Sam Cassell as assistant coaches 177 Then on August 11 2009 the Wizards signed Fabricio Oberto many weeks after he committed to signing with the team 178 In November majority owner Abe Pollin died at the age of 85 At the time of his passing he was the longest tenured owner in NBA history 179 Control of the franchise passed to his widow Irene though minority owner Ted Leonsis was known to be preparing a takeover bid 179 On December 24 2009 it was revealed that Arenas had admitted to storing unloaded firearms in his locker at Verizon Center and had surrendered them to team security In doing so Arenas violated both NBA rules against bringing firearms into an arena and D C ordinances 180 On January 1 2010 it was reported that Arenas and teammate Javaris Crittenton had unloaded guns in the Wizards locker room during a Christmas Eve argument regarding gambling debts resulting in Arenas s suspension 181 Despite Stern s longstanding practice of not disciplining players until the legal process plays out he felt compelled to act when Arenas teammates surrounded him during pregame introductions prior to a game with the Philadelphia 76ers and he pantomimed shooting them with guns made from his fingers 182 The Wizards issued a statement condemning the players pregame stunt as unacceptable 183 On February 13 2010 after a 17 33 record at the season s midway point The Wizards traded Butler Haywood and Stevenson to the Mavericks in exchange for Josh Howard Drew Gooden Quinton Ross and James Singleton 184 Three days later the Wizards traded Antawn Jamison to the Cavaliers in exchange for Zydrunas Ilgauskas and obtained Al Thornton from the Los Angeles Clippers in a three team deal 185 Ilgauskas reported long enough to take a physical to make the trade official His contract was immediately bought out making him a free agent 186 On February 26 2010 the Wizards signed Shaun Livingston to a 10 day contract 187 With Gilbert Arenas suspended and Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison being traded the Wizards finished the season at 26 56 posting an abysmal 9 23 record to finish the season They were the only Southeast Division team not to make the post season 188 2010 2019 The John Wall era Edit 2010 2013 The Beginning and the arrival of Bradley Beal Edit Leonsis completed his takeover of the Wizards and Verizon Center in June through his newly formed holding company Monumental Sports and Entertainment 189 He had previously purchased the Washington Capitals and Mystics from the Pollin family 190 Leonsis has taken a fan centric approach to running the franchise by listening and responding to the concerns of Wizards supporters through his email and personal website 191 He has written a manifesto of 101 changes he hopes to implement during his ownership including changing the team s colors back to the red white and blue of the Bullets era and possibly changing the team nickname back to Bullets as well 191 Team president Ernie Grunfeld later confirmed that the franchise s colors would revert to red white and blue from the 2011 12 season onwards The team also adopted new uniforms that were very similar to the ones they wore from 1974 to 1987 Although the Wizards did not change their name to the Bullets again they adopted a variation of the 1969 1987 Bullets logo with wizards spelled in all lowercase letters like the bullets logo was printed 192 Despite having only the 5th best odds of obtaining the No 1 pick 10 3 overall the Wizards won the 2010 NBA draft lottery and selected All American Kentucky point guard John Wall with the first overall pick 193 Later in the off season the team acquired the Chicago Bulls all time leader in three point field goals Kirk Hinrich and the draft rights to forward Kevin Seraphin in exchange for the draft rights to Vladimir Veremeenko 194 Owner Ted Leonsis and then coach Flip Saunders watch John Wall in 2010 In a blockbuster trade the Wizards sent Gilbert Arenas to the Orlando Magic in return for Rashard Lewis on December 18 195 Kirk Hinrich and Hilton Armstrong were traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Jordan Crawford Maurice Evans Mike Bibby and a 2011 first round pick that became Chris Singleton although Mike Bibby bought out his contract after playing two games and eventually signed with the Miami Heat 196 The Wizards finished with a 30 52 record once again occupying the Southeast Division cellar After a poor start to the 2011 12 season head coach Flip Saunders was fired and replaced by assistant Randy Wittman 197 On March 15 the Wizards were involved in a three way trade that sent JaVale McGee and Ronny Turiaf to the Nuggets and Nick Young to the Clippers in exchange for Nene and Brian Cook 198 After ending the season on a six game win streak the Wizards finished with a record of 20 46 season was shortened due to the 2011 NBA Lockout and the second worst record in the NBA comfortably ahead of the 7 59 Charlotte Bobcats who set a new NBA record for the lowest win percentage in a season with 106 On June 20 the Wizards sent Rashard Lewis and a pick to the Hornets for Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza 199 In the 2012 NBA Draft the Wizards selected Bradley Beal and Tomas Satoransky 200 On July 17 2012 the Wizards exercised the amnesty provision from the 2011 CBA to release Andray Blatche 201 They also signed A J Price 202 Then on August 29 2012 Martell Webster was signed to the Wizards for one year on a 1 6 million contract 203 He played above average for what he was signed for and had a 422 average for three pointers and a 442 field goal percentage On April 30 2013 Jason Collins who joined the team in February announced his homosexuality as a member of the Wizards His announcement made him the first openly gay member of a North American team sport 204 The Wizards ended the season with a 33 49 record finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference and 4th in the Southeast Division 10 games ahead of the Orlando Magic 205 On May 21 2013 the Wizards jumped up 5 spots in the NBA Draft Lottery to make the number 3 overall selection for the second year in a row 206 They used that pick to draft Consensus All American Otto Porter of Georgetown University 207 On October 25 2013 Wizards center Emeka Okafor and a top 12 protected 2014 first round pick were traded to the Phoenix Suns for the center Marcin Gortat Shannon Brown Malcolm Lee and Kendall Marshall 208 2013 14 Return to playoffs Edit The Wizards returned the playoffs in the 2014 season On February 3 2014 the Wizards defeated the Portland Trail Blazers to improve to a 24 23 record The win marked the first time the team had held a winning record since 2009 209 On April 2 2014 the Wizards defeated the Boston Celtics by a score of 118 92 to clinch the team s first playoff berth since the 2007 08 season 210 On April 29 2014 the Wizards defeated the Chicago Bulls in game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals by a score of 75 69 to win the series 4 1 This was the Wizards first series victory since the 2005 NBA playoffs when they defeated the same team in 6 games 211 The Wizards advanced to the Eastern Conference semi finals against the Indiana Pacers The Wizards won game one 102 96 In Game 2 the Wizards lost a 19 point second half lead as they dropped the game 88 82 After being routed by Indiana in game three 85 63 they also lost game four 95 92 They showed grit and determination as they staved off elimination with a 102 79 game five win They were behind most of game 6 but battled back to take the lead late in the game However Indiana closed out the series with a 93 80 win 212 Trevor Ariza would leave in the off season 213 2014 15 Edit After the departure of Trevor Ariza the Wizards signed veteran small forward Paul Pierce to a two year contract 214 Pierce s veteran leadership proved to be a major factor on and off the court in the team s improvement On November 12 2014 the Wizards defeated the Detroit Pistons 107 103 extending their record to 6 2 for the first time since the 1975 76 season 215 The following game three days later the Wizards defeated the Orlando Magic 98 93 as they won their third straight and moved to 7 2 their best start since opening 7 1 during the 1974 75 season 216 With a 104 96 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on December 12 the Wizards moved to an 11 2 record at home to start the season for the first time in franchise history 217 They would struggle throughout the later months of the season but the Washington Wizards would finish the season with a 46 36 record their best record since the 1978 1979 season 218 They played the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the NBA Playoffs and won in four games marking their first sweep in franchise history 219 Following the victory over Toronto the Wizards next had to play the top seeded Atlanta Hawks The Wizards managed to take the first game in the series but suffered the loss of Wall due to a fractured wrist 220 Although small forward Paul Pierce made several big shots throughout the series the loss of Wall proved too much and Atlanta took the series in six games 221 2015 16 Edit However the 2015 16 season was much less successful The Wizards finished 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 41 41 record and missed the playoffs 222 On April 13 2016 the Wizards fired head coach Randy Wittman 223 224 On April 21 2016 Scott Brooks the former head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder agreed to a 5 year 35 million deal to be the head coach of the Wizards 225 On September 8 2016 the team unveiled new alternative jerseys 226 From 2015 on their logo was the monument ball with Navy Blue Red Silver White colors 227 In October 2016 they were ranked 93rd of 122 worst franchises in major sports by Ultimate Standings 228 Scott Brooks served as head coach from 2016 to 2021 2016 17 Edit The 2016 17 season would prove to be the most successful in recent Wizards history following a 49 33 record and winning the Southeast Division for the first time since 1979 229 This came off the breakout of Bradley Beal who averaged a then career high 23 1 points Beal s rise matched the continued All Star play of John Wall who averaged career highs in points and assists with 23 1 and 10 7 respectively 230 Despite starting the season 1 5 the Wizards would defeat the Boston Celtics 118 93 on November 9 231 After mediocre play through much of the early part of the season after December the Wizards would turn their season around holding a record of 34 21 at the All Star break The Wizards finished the season 49 33 their highest win total since 1979 In the first round of the playoffs the 4 seed Wizards were matched against the 5 seed Atlanta Hawks After winning the first two games at home the Wizards struggled on the road as the Hawks tied the series 2 2 The Wizards went on to win the next two games to close out the series at home behind stellar play from their backcourt of Wall and Beal who dropped a combined 73 points in the closeout Game 6 win 232 In the second round the Wizards faced the first seeded Boston Celtics They would go on to lose the series in 7 games 233 2017 18 Edit For the 2017 18 season The Wizards would play their next season in the newly named Capital One Arena 234 235 The Wizards finished with a 43 39 record which was good for the 8th seed but lost the first round in six games to the top seeded Toronto Raptors 236 2018 19 Edit In the off season the Wizards picked up Thomas Bryant off waivers and Troy Brown in the draft with the 15th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft 237 Despite Bryant becoming a valuable asset and Bradley Beal having a career season the season would end up being an underwhelming one full of turmoil and on court troubles The Wizards also went through injuries including Dwight Howard playing 9 games before missing the rest of the season due to back problems and losing John Wall who underwent a season ending surgery on his left Achilles which he injured while recovering from a previous injury 238 while trading Kelly Oubre Jr Otto Porter Jr and Markieff Morris at the same time 239 240 241 As a result the Wizards would miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2015 16 season 2019 present The Bradley Beal era Edit Bradley Beal in 2019 In April 2019 the Wizards fired general manager Ernie Grunfeld who had been with the team since 2003 with Tommy Sheppard taking over as interim general manager until being officially hired fulltime in July 2019 242 243 Alongside other front office moves the Wizards selected Japanese player Rui Hachimura with their 9th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft as well as acquiring the Philadelphia 76ers draft rights to 42nd pick Admiral Schofield in a trade 244 Following the suspension of the 2019 20 NBA season the Wizards were one of the 22 teams invited to the NBA Bubble to participate in the final eight games of the regular season 245 where the Wizards went 1 7 and missed the playoffs In December 2020 the Wizards traded John Wall and a first round draft pick to the Houston Rockets for Russell Westbrook 246 247 In the 2020 NBA draft the Wizards drafted Deni Avdija and Vit Krejci 248 Krejci s draft rights were later traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the rights to Cassius Winston 249 Avdija fractured his ankle in April 2021 effectively ending his season 250 On June 16 2021 Brooks and the Wizards agreed to part ways after not being able to agree to a new contract 251 On August 6 2021 Washington Wizards traded Russell Westbrook 2024 second round pick and 2028 second round pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kyle Kuzma Kentavious Caldwell Pope and Montrezl Harrell 252 After a hot start to the season the Wizards record slowly slipped Notable losses include a 35 point lead blown to the Clippers and a loss to the 76ers which started a fight between Kentavious Caldwell Pope and Montrezl Harrell The Wizard s woes continued as a wrist injury that required surgery kept the team s scoring leader Beal out for the remainder of the season The trade deadline of the 2021 22 season saw a major roster change The Wizards acquired All Star Kristaps Porzingis in a trade for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans a sharpshooter whose 5 year 80 million contract yielded lackluster results during his time in Washington 253 On April 19 2023 after a consecutive season of 35 47 and missing the playoffs the Wizards fired GM Tommy Sheppard 254 Season by season record EditList of the last five seasons completed by the Wizards For the full season by season history see List of Washington Wizards seasons Note GP Games played W Wins L Losses W L Winning percentage Season GP W L W L Finish Playoffs2018 19 82 32 50 390 4th Southeast Did not qualify2019 20 72 25 47 347 3rd Southeast Did not qualify2020 21 72 34 38 472 3rd Southeast Lost in First Round 1 4 76ers 2021 22 82 35 47 427 4th Southeast Did not qualify2022 23 82 35 47 427 3rd Southeast Did not qualifyTeam name logos and uniforms Edit Washington Wizards G Wiz current team mascot After moving from Chicago in 1963 the then Baltimore Bullets originally went with a blue and orange scheme which matched the city s Orioles baseball team orange and Colts football team blue The Bullets initially wore blue and white uniforms with orange trim but in the early 1970s orange supplanted blue as the primary color During this era the Bullets also wore unconventional uniforms featuring three thick stripes which ran from the right leg up to the left side of the jersey Beginning with the 1973 74 season coinciding with the team s move to Landover Maryland to become the Capital Bullets they changed their colors to red white and blue to match the American flag Those uniforms also featured large horizontal stripes on the chest of the jerseys and three stars on the side panels of the shorts The uniforms were kept when they changed their location identifier a year later to the Washington Bullets 255 The Bullets kept the Stars and Stripes uniform until 1987 although they made a minor tweak prior to the 1985 86 season with additional thin stripes the Bullets logo on the right leg and thin shorts stripes replacing the three stars In 1987 the Bullets changed their logo and uniforms going with red uniforms on the road and white uniforms at home With the exception of a switch to block lettering and numbers before the 1990 91 season switching over from the Serpentine font used for both elements with the player name on back rendered in lower case as well the Bullets kept these uniforms until 1997 In 1997 the then team owner Abe Pollin decided to change the club s nickname from Bullets to Wizards The reasoning behind the name change was because Pollin did not want the team s name to continue to be associated with any violent connotations 256 The name change also included new logos colors and uniforms coinciding with the team s move to the new MCI Center The new team s colors were blue bronze and black The primary logo depicted a wizard conjuring a basketball with a quarter moon In 2007 the Wizards made minor modifications on their team jerseys and logos To accommodate the gold black alternate jerseys they introduced the previous season along with the design change on the Verizon Center floor they changed their secondary team colors from bronze to metallic gold and the player s name on the back of the jersey was changed from white blue with bronze trim to gold blue on home uniforms with a change in lettering the road uniform name lettering changed back to white with gold trim before the 2010 11 season The current wordmark for the Wizards On May 10 2011 the Wizards unveiled a new color scheme uniforms and logo David Safren Pat Sullivan and Michael Glazer were the product designers for the new jerseys which include the Washington Monument as an alternate logo The team of product designers was led by Jessie Caples who made most of the design decisions James Pinder was also an essential part of the team as he helped to engineer the jerseys to meet the players standards The team reverted to its traditional red white and blue colors which are the colors of the U S flag The uniforms are based very closely on those worn from 1974 to 1987 during the team s glory years Leonsis said the throwback to the old Bullets uniforms was intentional the only difference between those uniforms and the current ones is the team name on the jerseys The colors were also used by Leonsis other franchises the Capitals and the Mystics who adopted to those colors in 2007 and 2011 respectively Another Washington based team baseball s Washington Nationals also use this scheme the Washington Commanders burgundy and gold and D C United red and black are currently the city s only professional sports teams not to adopt the red white and blue scheme 4 On July 23 2014 the Wizards unveiled a new alternate uniform The uniform is similar to the club s road set with the navy and red colors switched so that navy is the predominant color instead of red 257 The Wizards in their alternate white uniforms in a 2017 playoff game against the Celtics On April 15 2015 the Wizards unveiled a new primary logo The new logo features the Washington Monument ball logo set in a roundel with the striping pattern from the team s uniforms three stars each representing Washington D C Maryland and Virginia similar to that of the NHL s Capitals and the team s wordmarks 258 259 The team also said it would immediately discontinue the use of the wizard partial moon logo which had been used since 1997 On September 30 2015 the Wizards unveiled a new alternate uniform Called the Baltimore Pride uniform the uniform was intended to be worn for six select games during the Wizards 2015 16 season 260 On September 8 2016 the Wizards released a second white uniform to honor the United States Armed Forces The side stripes pay homage to the American flag 261 The Wizards in their white City uniforms during a 2018 playoff game against Toronto The Wizards kept their existing uniforms minus the two alternate uniforms when Nike took over as uniform supplier in 2017 Along with the white Association red Icon and navy Statement uniforms a City uniform was also released as part of the collection The 2017 18 City uniform featured a white base The District of Columbia wordmark in navy and numbers in white The uniform paid tribute to the Washington Monument 262 The City uniform for 2018 19 was similar to the previous set but with a black base white letters and orange trim The uniform paid homage to the National Mall at night 263 A red version of the 2017 18 City uniform served as the team s Earned uniform which was a reward for making the 2018 playoffs 264 Prior to the 2019 20 season the navy Statement uniform received a minor tweak as the city name was replaced with The District of Columbia wordmark previously used on the team s City uniforms 265 For the Wizards 2019 20 City uniform they brought back the white alternate uniform design worn in the 2016 17 season but with the dc alternate logo in front and red numbers 266 The same design was carried over to the 2020 21 City uniform but with a grey base In the 2021 22 season the Wizards were one of 27 teams to wear mashup City uniforms in commemoration of the NBA s 75th anniversary This uniform featured a lighter blue base and red stripes a nod to the 1973 85 Bullets uniforms gold trim and stylized uniform numbers a nod to the 1997 2011 Wizards uniforms the stylized Washington typeface a nod to the present day uniforms and a tribute to the recently deceased Wes Unseld along the jock tag Three mashup logos were also added The alternate Monument logo on the waist was tweaked to feature the throwback ball from the 1973 87 Bullets logo while the logos on the shorts feature the alternate dc logo in the shape of the aforementioned Bullets logo and the DMV logo modeled after the alternate 1997 2011 Wizards dc logo 267 The 2022 23 City uniform was unveiled alongside the Washington Nationals City Connect uniform both the NBA and Major League Baseball currently have uniform deals with Nike This uniform which is predominantly pink with blue accents pays homage to the cherry blossoms which permeate Washington D C in the spring 268 Home arenas EditInternational Amphitheatre 1961 1962 Chicago Coliseum 1962 1963 Baltimore Civic Center now CFG Bank Arena 1963 1973 35 games from 1989 1997 Cole Field House 1973 US Airways Arena originally Capital Centre December 1973 November 1997 Capital One Arena formerly MCI Center and Verizon Center since December 1997 Players EditCurrent roster Edit Washington Wizards rostervte Players CoachesPos No Name Height Weight DOB YYYY MM DD FromF 9 Avdija Deni 6 ft 9 in 2 06 m 210 lb 95 kg 2001 01 03 IsraelG 3 Beal Bradley 6 ft 4 in 1 93 m 207 lb 94 kg 1993 06 28 FloridaF 12 Cooks Xavier 6 ft 8 in 2 03 m 183 lb 83 kg 1995 08 19 WinthropG 1 Davis Johnny 6 ft 4 in 1 93 m 195 lb 88 kg 2002 02 27 WisconsinC 21 Gafford Daniel 6 ft 10 in 2 08 m 234 lb 106 kg 1998 10 01 ArkansasC 67 Gibson Taj 6 ft 9 in 2 06 m 232 lb 105 kg 1985 06 24 USCF 16 Gill Anthony 6 ft 8 in 2 03 m 230 lb 104 kg 1992 10 17 VirginiaG 7 Goodwin Jordan 6 ft 3 in 1 91 m 200 lb 91 kg 1998 10 23 Saint LouisC 34 Huff Jay TW 7 ft 1 in 2 16 m 240 lb 109 kg 1997 08 25 VirginiaG 29 Jackson Quenton TW 6 ft 5 in 1 96 m 173 lb 78 kg 1998 09 15 Texas A amp MF 24 Kispert Corey 6 ft 6 in 1 98 m 224 lb 102 kg 1999 03 03 GonzagaF 33 Kuzma Kyle 6 ft 9 in 2 06 m 221 lb 100 kg 1995 07 24 UtahG 22 Morris Monte 6 ft 2 in 1 88 m 183 lb 83 kg 1995 06 27 Iowa StateG 20 Nunn Kendrick 6 ft 3 in 1 91 m 190 lb 86 kg 1995 08 03 OaklandF C 6 Porzingis Kristaps 7 ft 3 in 2 21 m 240 lb 109 kg 1995 08 02 LatviaF 14 Todd Isaiah 6 ft 9 in 2 06 m 219 lb 99 kg 2001 10 17 Word of God NC G 55 Wright Delon 6 ft 5 in 1 96 m 185 lb 84 kg 1992 04 26 Utah Head coachWes Unseld Jr Assistant coach es Joseph Blair Pat Delany Zach Guthrie Mike Miller Dean Oliver James Posey Ryan Richman Marcin GortatLegend C Team captain DP Unsigned draft pick FA Free agent S Suspended GL On assignment to G League TW Two way affiliate player Injured Roster Last transaction March 17 2023Head coaches Edit Main article List of Washington Wizards head coaches Retained draft rights Edit The Wizards hold the draft rights to the following unsigned draft picks who have been playing outside the NBA A drafted player either an international draftee or a college draftee who is not signed by the team that drafted him is allowed to sign with any non NBA teams In this case the team retains the player s draft rights in the NBA until one year after the player s contract with the non NBA team ends 269 This list includes draft rights that were acquired from trades with other teams Draft Round Pick Player Pos Nationality Current team Note s Ref2022 2 54 Yannick Nzosa C DR Congo Real Betis Spain 270 Retired numbers Edit Washington Wizards retired numbersNo Player Position Tenure Retired10 Earl Monroe G 1967 19711 December 1 200711 Elvin Hayes F 1972 19812 November 20 198125 Gus Johnson F 1963 19721 December 13 198641 Wes Unseld C3 1968 19814 November 3 198145 Phil Chenier G5 1971 19796 March 23 2018Notes 1 All in Baltimore 2 1972 1973 in Baltimore 3 Also served as coach 1987 1994 4 1968 1973 in Baltimore 5 Also served as Bullets Wizards television color analyst 1984 2017 6 1971 1973 in Baltimore The NBA retired Bill Russell s No 6 for all its member teams on August 11 2022 271 272 Basketball Hall of Famers Edit Former Bullets players honored during a Wizards game in March 2012 at the Verizon Center Washington Wizards Hall of FamersPlayersNo Name Position Tenure Inducted41 Wes Unseld 1 C F 1968 1981 19881033 Earl Monroe G 1967 1971 199011 Elvin Hayes C F 1972 1981 199021 Dave Bing G 1975 1977 19908 Walt Bellamy 2 C 1961 1963 199315 Bailey Howell F G 1964 1966 19974 Moses Malone C F 1986 1988 200123 Michael Jordan 3 G F 2001 2003 200925 Gus Johnson F C 1963 1972 201050 Ralph Sampson C F 1991 201230 Bernard King F 1987 1993 20132 Mitch Richmond G 1998 2001 201424 Spencer Haywood F C 1981 1983 201510 Bob Dandridge F G 1977 1981 202124 Chris Webber F C 1994 1998 202130 Ben Wallace C F 1996 1999 202134 Paul Pierce F 2014 2015 2021CoachesName Position Tenure Inducted21 Bobby Leonard 4 Head coach 1962 1964 2014ContributorsName Position Tenure Inducted44 Rod Thorn 5 G 1963 1964 2018Notes 1 He also coached the team in 1987 1994 2 In total Bellamy was inducted into the Hall of Fame twice as player and as a member of the 1960 Olympic team 3 In total Jordan was inducted into the Hall of Fame twice as player and as a member of the 1992 Olympic team 4 He also played for the team in 1961 1963 5 Thorn was inducted as a contributor 273 FIBA Hall of Famers Edit Washington Wizards Hall of FamersPlayersNo Name Position Tenure Inducted10 Andrew Gaze G 1994 201323 Michael Jordan 1 G F 2001 2003 201521 Fabricio Oberto C 2009 2010 2019Notes 1 In total Jordan was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame twice as player and as a member of the 1992 Olympic team Individual records and awards EditFranchise leaders Edit Bold denotes still active with team Italic denotes still active but not with team Points scored regular season as of the end of the 2022 23 season 274 Elvin Hayes 15 551 Bradley Beal 15 391 Jeff Malone 11 083 John Wall 10 879 Wes Unseld 10 624 Kevin Loughery 9 833 Gus Johnson 9 781 Phil Chenier 9 778 Walt Bellamy 9 020 Gilbert Arenas 8 930 Antawn Jamison 8 736 Greg Ballard 8 706 Juwan Howard 8 530 Jack Marin 8 017 Earl Monroe 7 775 Bernard King 6 516 Kevin Grevey 6 442 Caron Butler 5 889 Jeff Ruland 5 653 Harvey Grant 5 445 Other statistics regular season as of the end of the 2022 23 season 274 Most minutes playedPlayer MinutesWes Unseld 35 832Elvin Hayes 29 218Bradley Beal 24 091John Wall 20 545Gus Johnson 19 723Greg Ballard 18 687Kevin Loughery 18 677Phil Chenier 18 654Jeff Malone 17 984Juwan Howard 17 845Most reboundsPlayer ReboundsWes Unseld 13 769Elvin Hayes 9 305Gus Johnson 7 243Walt Bellamy 5 438Greg Ballard 4 094Antawn Jamison 3 735Marcin Gortat 3 697Brendan Haywood 3 648Juwan Howard 3 448Jeff Ruland 3 285Most assistsPlayer AssistsJohn Wall 5 282Wes Unseld 3 822Bradley Beal 2 972Rod Strickland 2 712Kevin Porter 2 593Kevin Loughery 2 363Gilbert Arenas 2 046Frank Johnson 1 961Michael Adams 1 844Darrell Walker 1 707 Most stealsPlayer StealsJohn Wall 976Bradley Beal 772Greg Ballard 762Elvin Hayes 736Phil Chenier 667Gilbert Arenas 636Wes Unseld 628Caron Butler 563Rod Strickland 482Antawn Jamison 469Most blocksPlayer BlocksElvin Hayes 1 558Charles Jones 1 051Manute Bol 908Brendan Haywood 865Rick Mahorn 557Pervis Ellison 492JaVale McGee 470Marcin Gortat 449Gheorghe Mureșan 443Etan Thomas 407Most three pointers madePlayer 3 pointers madeBradley Beal 1 514Gilbert Arenas 868Antawn Jamison 646John Wall 539Chris Whitney 489Otto Porter 488Davis Bertans 415Tracy Murray 410Trevor Ariza 351Nick Young 343 Individual awards Edit NBA Most Valuable Player Wes Unseld 1969NBA Finals MVP Wes Unseld 1978NBA Rookie of the Year Walt Bellamy 1962 Terry Dischinger 1963 Earl Monroe 1968 Wes Unseld 1969NBA Most Improved Player Pervis Ellison 1992 Don MacLean 1994 Gheorghe Mureșan 1996NBA Coach of the Year Gene Shue 1969 1982NBA Executive of the Year Bob Ferry 1979 1982J Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award Wes Unseld 1975 Dave Bing 1977NBA Community Assist Award John Wall 2016 Bradley Beal 2019All NBA First Team Earl Monroe 1969 Wes Unseld 1969 Elvin Hayes 1975 1977 1979All NBA Second Team Gus Johnson 1965 1966 1970 1971 Archie Clark 1972 Elvin Hayes 1973 1974 1976 Phil Chenier 1975 Bob Dandridge 1979 Moses Malone 1987 Rod Strickland 1998 Gilbert Arenas 2007All NBA Third Team Bernard King 1991 Juwan Howard 1996 Gilbert Arenas 2005 2006 John Wall 2017 Bradley Beal 2021NBA All Defensive First Team Gus Johnson 1970 1971 Bob Dandridge 1979 Larry Hughes 2005NBA All Defensive Second Team Mike Riordan 1973 Elvin Hayes 1975 Manute Bol 1986 John Wall 2015NBA All Rookie First Team Terry Dischinger 1963 Rod Thorn 1964 Gus Johnson 1964 Wali Jones 1965 Jack Marin 1967 Earl Monroe 1968 Wes Unseld 1969 Mike Davis 1970 Phil Chenier 1972 Nick Weatherspoon 1974 Mitch Kupchak 1977 Jeff Ruland 1982 Jeff Malone 1984 Tom Gugliotta 1993 John Wall 2011 Bradley Beal 2013NBA All Rookie Second Team Larry Stewart 1992 Juwan Howard 1995 Rasheed Wallace 1996 Courtney Alexander 2001 Jarvis Hayes 2004 Rui Hachimura 2020 NBA All Star weekend Edit NBA All Star Game Walt Bellamy 1962 1963 1964 1965 Terry Dischinger 1963 1964 Gus Johnson 1965 1968 1969 1970 1971 Don Ohl 1965 1966 1967 Bailey Howell 1966 Earl Monroe 1969 1971 Wes Unseld 1969 1971 1972 1973 1975 Archie Clark 1972 Jack Marin 1972 Elvin Hayes 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 Phil Chenier 1974 1975 1977 Dave Bing 1976 Bob Dandridge 1979 Jeff Ruland 1984 1985 Jeff Malone 1986 1987 Moses Malone 1987 1988 Bernard King 1991 Michael Adams 1992 Juwan Howard 1996 Chris Webber 1997 Michael Jordan 2002 2003 Gilbert Arenas 2005 2006 2007 Antawn Jamison 2005 2008 Caron Butler 2007 2008 John Wall 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Bradley Beal 2018 2019 2021 StarterNBA All Star Game head coaches Gene Shue 1969 K C Jones 1975 Dick Motta 1979 Eddie Jordan 2007 Three Point shootout Tim Legler 1996 1st 1997 2nd Tracy Murray 1998 8th Gilbert Arenas 2006 2nd 2007 5th Bradley Beal 2014 2nd 2018 5th Davis Bertans 2020 3rd Slam Dunk Contest JaVale McGee 2011 John Wall 2014Skills Challenge Gilbert Arenas 2005 4th John Wall 2011 2012 2017Rookie Rising Stars Challenge Calbert Cheaney 1994 Juwan Howard 1995 Anthony Tucker 1995 Rasheed Wallace 1996 Richard Hamilton 2001 S Brendan Haywood 2002 R Jarvis Hayes 2004 S John Wall 2011 R 2012 Bradley Beal 2013 2014Rookie Rising Stars Challenge MVP John Wall 2011 R Notes and references Edit Wizards History WashingtonWizards com NBA Media Ventures LLC Retrieved January 30 2017 History Team by Team PDF 2018 19 Official NBA Guide PDF NBA Properties Inc October 8 2018 Retrieved June 1 2019 NBA com Stats Washington Wizards seasons Stats NBA com NBA Media Ventures LLC Retrieved December 2 2022 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint url status link a b Wizards Unveil New Logos and Uniforms WashingtonWizards com NBA Media Ventures LLC May 10 2011 Retrieved June 2 2016 The Washington Wizards unveiled the team s updated look featuring a red white and blue color scheme today during a special event on the Verizon Center practice court Washington Wizards Reproduction and Usage Guideline Sheet NBA Properties Inc Retrieved December 22 2017 Monumental Sports amp Entertainment Announces GEICO as First Ever Jersey Patch Partner WashingtonWizards com Press release NBA Media Ventures LLC November 1 2018 Retrieved November 3 2018 Ted Leonsis Majority Owner Chairman and CEO WashingtonWizards com NBA Media Ventures LLC June 14 2010 Retrieved April 10 2023 a href Template Cite news html title Template Cite news cite news a CS1 maint url status link Staff Directory WashingtonWizards com NBA Media Ventures LLC Retrieved April 10 2023 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint url status link NBA History 1962 Awards ESPN Retrieved December 6 2022 1961 62 NBA Standings Basketball Reference Retrieved December 6 2022 1962 63 NBA Rookies Basketball Reference Retrieved December 7 2022 Baltimore Bullets 1963 1972 Archived October 12 2012 at the Wayback Machine databasebasketball com accessed June 23 2011 Howell of Pistons Traded To Bullets in 8 Player Deal The New York Times Baltimore The Associated Press June 10 1964 Retrieved December 7 2022 1965 NBA Western Division Semifinals Bullets vs Hawks Basketball Reference Retrieved December 7 2022 1965 NBA Western Division Finals Bullets vs Lakers Basketball Reference Retrieved December 7 2022 The Associated Press AP Wirephoto of Earl Foreman Arnold Heft and Abe Pollin after their 1 1 million purchase of the Baltimore Bullets on Monday November 23 1964 Retrieved March 5 2023 Williams Juan Holding Back the Shadows The Washington Post Sunday February 17 1991 Retrieved March 5 2023 1967 NBA Draft Basketball Reference Retrieved December 7 2022 1968 NBA Draft Basketball Reference Retrieved December 7 2022 1968 69 NBA Season Summary Basketball Reference Retrieved December 7 2022 1969 NBA Eastern Division Semifinals Knicks vs Bullets Basketball Reference Retrieved December 7 2022 1970 NBA Eastern Division Seminfinals Bullets vs Knicks Basketball Reference Retrieved December 7 2022 1971 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Bullets vs Knicks Basketball Reference Retrieved December 7 2022 1971 NBA Finals Bullets vs Bucks Basketball Reference Retrieved December 7 2022 Rockets Hayes Sent to Bullets The New York Times United Press International June 24 1972 Retrieved December 9 2022 1972 NBA Draft Basketball Reference Retrieved December 9 2022 1973 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Bullets vs Knicks Basketball Reference Retrieved December 7 2022 Baltimore five set to become Capital Bullets Bangor Daily News Maine Associated Press February 17 1973 p 21 Bullets change name again Morning Record Meriden Connecticut Associated Press April 23 1974 p 15 Bullets change name Wilmington Morning Star North Carolina UPI April 23 1974 p 16 a b Bullets leave Baltimore with win Mavericks fall 94 87 The Baltimore Sun Kelly John April 19 2017 Reminiscing about Abe Pollin s Capital idea The Capital Centre The Washington Post Retrieved December 9 2022 1974 75 NBA Season Summary Basketball Reference Retrieved December 9 2022 1975 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Braves vs Bullets Retrieved December 9 2022 1975 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Bullets vs Celtics Top NBA Finals moments Rick Barry underdog Warriors sweep Bullets NBA September 14 2021 Retrieved December 9 2022 1976 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Bullets vs Cavaliers Retrieved December 9 2022 Goldaper Sam May 8 1976 K C Jones Discharged as Bullets Coach The New York Times Retrieved December 9 2022 1977 NBA Playoffs Summary Basketball Reference Retrieved December 9 2022 Fat Lady sings for sports icon Dan Cook CTV News The Associated Press July 4 2008 Retrieved December 7 2022 Season Review 1977 78 NBA com Staff NBA September 13 2021 Retrieved December 7 2022 1978 79 NBA Season Summary Retrieved December 9 2022 1979 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Hawks vs Bullets Basketball Reference Retrieved December 9 2022 1979 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Spurs vs Bullets Basketball Reference Retrieved December 9 2022 1979 NBA Finals Basketball Reference Retrieved December 9 2022 1980 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Bullets vs 76ers Basketball Reference Retrieved December 12 2022 NBA 1980 81 Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 12 2022 Sandomir Richard June 2 2020 Wes Unseld Powerful Hall of Fame N B A Center Dies at 74 The New York Times Retrieved December 12 2022 Richmond Peter DuPree David Staff Writer Washington Post June 9 1981 Bullets Send Hayes to Rockets for Draft Choices The Washington Post Retrieved December 12 2022 NBA 1981 82 Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 12 2022 NBA 1982 83 Regular Season Standings Division NBA Retrieved December 12 2022 1984 NBA Playoffs Summary Basketball Reference Retrieved December 12 2022 1985 NBA Playoffs Summary Basketball Reference Retrieved December 12 2022 1985 NBA Draft Basketball Reference Retrieved December 12 2022 1985 86 NBA Player Stats Totals Basketball Reference Retrieved December 12 2022 1986 NBA Playoffs Summary Basketball Reference Retrieved December 12 2022 Cotton Anthony June 18 1986 Bullets Trade Ruland Robinson Get Malone The Washington Post Retrieved December 12 2022 1986 87 Washington Bullets Roster and Stats Basketball Reference Retrieved December 12 2022 Cotton Anthony April 30 1987 PISTONS OUST BULLETS ON FOUL SHOT BY MAHORN The Washington Post Retrieved December 12 2022 Palmer Joseph June 22 2022 I changed kids perspectives Muggsy Bogues the 5ft 3in star who broke NBA norms The Guardian Retrieved December 12 2022 Cotton Anthony January 4 1988 BULLETS DISMISS LOUGHERY PICK UNSELD COACH The Washington Post Retrieved December 12 2022 1988 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Bullets vs Pistons Basketball Reference Retrieved December 12 2022 The last time the Washington Bullets played in Baltimore United Press International January 29 1989 Retrieved December 12 2022 1989 90 Washington Bullets Roster and Stats Basketball Reference Retrieved December 12 2022 1990 91 NBA Player Stats Per Game Basketball Reference Retrieved December 12 2022 BULLETS NEW PRESIDENT MAKES HISTORY Chicago Tribune Baltimore May 10 1991 Retrieved December 12 2022 NBA 1991 92 Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 13 2022 1992 NBA Awards ESPN Retrieved December 13 2022 1992 NBA Draft Basketball Reference Retrieved December 13 2022 1992 93 NBA Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 13 2022 Aldridge David June 25 1993 BULLETS TRADE GRANT TO GET DUCKWORTH The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2022 Freeman Eric August 17 2012 Naughty by Nature and the 1993 94 Washington Bullets teamed up for a promo video VIDEO Yahoo Sports Retrieved December 13 2022 1993 94 NBA Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 13 2022 1994 NBA Awards ESPN Retrieved December 13 2022 1994 NBA Draft Basketball Reference Retrieved December 13 2022 Hillyer John February 19 1995 Warriors send Gugliotta packing SFGATE Oakland Retrieved December 13 2022 Justice Richard December 23 1994 WEBBER DISLOCATES SHOULDER BULLETS LOSE The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2022 1994 95 NBA Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 13 2022 Justice Richard October 24 1995 WEBBER WILL SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE INDEPENDENT OF BULLETS The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2022 Allen Scott May 4 2017 Bullets classic You Da Man video gets a Wizards makeover The Washington Post ISSN 0190 8286 Retrieved March 10 2018 Moore Jack May 8 2017 You Da Man video revives legendary DC basketball anthem WTOP Retrieved March 10 2018 Allen Scott May 13 2014 The top 10 moments of the Bullets You the Man video The Washington Post ISSN 0190 8286 Retrieved March 10 2018 Justice Richard February 2 1996 WEBBER UNDERGOES SURGERY ON INJURED LEFT SHOULDER The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2022 1996 NBA Awards ESPN Retrieved December 13 2022 1995 96 NBA Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 13 2022 Schmuck Peter February 6 1997 Lynam fired as Bullets coach Unseld It wasn t happening Staak will serve as fill in The Baltimore Sun Herndon Retrieved December 13 2022 Bullets Reportedly Have Hired Bickerstaff as Coach Los Angeles Times The Associated Press February 10 1997 Retrieved December 13 2022 1996 97 NBA Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 13 2022 1997 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Bullets vs Bulls Basketball Reference 1996 97 Washington Bullets Roster and Stats Basketball Reference Retrieved December 13 2022 Bullets will change nickname Gadsden Times Alabama Associated Press November 10 1995 p D4 D C Sports Bog Why Abe Pollin went from Bullets to Wizards Voices washingtonpost com Retrieved June 30 2015 a b Peterseim Locke Like magic Wizards name becomes cool Page 2 Goes to Washington ESPN Retrieved July 7 2006 Bembry Jerry May 16 1997 Wizards officially assume NBA identity Bullets name put to rest logos colors are unveiled baltimoresun com Archived from the original on January 28 2020 Retrieved January 28 2020 Heath Thomas Montgomery David December 2 1997 MCI Center Opens Its Doors For Inaugural Game The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2022 Johnson a partner in Lincoln Holdings ESPN Washington The Associated Press May 25 2005 Retrieved December 13 2022 Ted Leonsis Led Group Completes Acquisition of Washington Wizards Washington Wizards NBA June 10 2010 Retrieved December 13 2022 Heath Thomas Montgomery David December 2 1997 MCI Center Opens Its Doors For Inaugural Game The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2022 1997 98 NBA Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 13 2022 Bucher Ric May 15 1998 WEBBER TRADED TO SACRAMENTO The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2022 1998 99 NBA Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 13 2022 1999 00 NBA Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 13 2022 2000 01 NBA Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 13 2022 Mavs Wizards complete eight player deal ESPN Washington The Associated Press February 23 2001 Retrieved December 13 2022 Wyche Steve January 20 2000 Jordan Joins Wizards Front Office The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2022 On this day Michael Jordan came out of retirement again to play for the Wizards NBC Sports September 25 2019 Retrieved December 13 2022 Smith Sam September 25 2016 Sept 25 2001 At 38 Michael Jordan returns to the game I love Chicago Tribune Retrieved December 14 2022 Quinn Sam January 22 2021 NBA players interested in negotiating for ownership stakes in teams in next CBA says Michele Roberts CBC Sports Retrieved December 14 2022 DuPree David February 12 2002 NBA s brightest stars set to collide USA Today Retrieved July 14 2011 Wizards place Jordan on injured list ESPN Washington The Associated Press April 3 2002 Retrieved December 14 2022 NBA 2001 02 Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 14 2022 All Star Stackhouse traded to Wizards ESPN Washington The Associated Press September 12 2002 Retrieved December 14 2022 Wizards Sign Guard Larry Hughes The Associated Press Washington The Associated Press July 19 2002 Retrieved December 14 2022 NBA 2002 03 Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 14 2022 Jordan s top 10 countdown USA Today April 17 2003 Retrieved July 14 2011 Broussard Chris April 17 2003 PRO BASKETBALL Jordan Bows Out for a Third Time The New York Times Retrieved February 16 2019 Pollin Bad situation had to end ESPN Washington The Associated Press October 23 2003 Retrieved December 14 2022 Morrissey Rick September 10 2009 Washington D C Chicago Tribune Retrieved December 14 2022 Hernandez E June 30 2003 Wizards Hire Ernie Grunfeld Washington Wizards NBA Retrieved December 14 2022 Kent Milton July 23 2003 Arenas accepts Wizards 65M offer The Baltimore Sun Retrieved December 14 2022 NBA 2003 04 Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 14 2022 Aron Jaime June 24 2004 Mavs Send Jamison to Wizards for Players The Associated Press Dallas The Associated Press Retrieved December 14 2022 2004 05 NBA Player Stats Per Game Basketball Reference Retrieved December 14 2022 2005 NBA All Star recap NBA September 13 2021 Retrieved December 14 2022 NBA 2004 05 Regular Season Standings By Conference NBA Retrieved December 14 2022 NBA CBSSports com CBSSports com Retrieved June 30 2015 NBA CBSSports com CBSSports com Retrieved June 30 2015 Wizards Run Past Bulls NBA com NBA Media Ventures LLC April 30 2005 Archived from the original on May 2 2005 Retrieved October 30 2018 Sereno Brian A June 7 2005 All You Ever Wanted to Know About the 2004 05 Wizards WashingtonWizards com NBA Media Ventures LLC Archived from the original on January 7 2007 Retrieved October 30 2018 Wizards Win at the Buzzer NBA com NBA Media Ventures LLC May 4 2005 Retrieved October 30 2018 Wizards Late Heroics End Playoff Drought NBA com NBA Media Ventures LLC May 6 2005 Retrieved October 30 2018 Wade sets Heat scoring mark in clincher ESPN Washington The Associated Press May 15 2005 Retrieved December 14 2022 Wizards Acquire Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins Washington Wizards NBA July 29 2005 Retrieved December 14 2022 Hernandez E July 29 2005 Wizards Sign Guard Antonio Daniels Washington Wizards NBA Retrieved December 14 2022 Askew Luke November 19 2022 Big 3 back in D C Gilbert Arenas Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison reunite Washington Wizards NBA Retrieved December 14 2022 Carter Ivan April 16 2006 Butler Is Still Out With Ailing Thumb The Washington Post Chicago Retrieved December 14 2022 2005 06 Washington Wizards Roster and Stats Basketball Reference Retrieved December 14 2022 2006 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Wizards vs Cavaliers Basketball Reference Retrieved December 14 2022 Ford Chad August 4 2006 Wizards sign former Magic guard Stevenson ESPN Retrieved December 14 2022 Hernandez E July 19 2006 Wizards Sign Forward Darius Songaila Washington Wizards NBA Retrieved December 14 2022 Wizards tab Thomas as starting center ESPN Washington The Associated Press October 31 2006 Retrieved December 14 2022 Arenas sets franchise record with 60 points in overtime shootout ESPN Los Angeles The Associated Press December 18 2006 Retrieved December 14 2022 Ranking the wildest Wizards buzzer beaters since 2000 NBC Sports February 7 2017 Retrieved December 14 2022 Jamison leaves Wizards game vs Pistons with injury ESPN Washington The Associated Press January 31 2007 Retrieved December 14 2022 2007 NBA All Star recap NBA September 13 2021 Retrieved December 14 2022 Knee injury sidelines Caron Butler United Press International Washington United Press International March 16 2007 Retrieved December 14 2022 Broken hand could force Butler out of lineup for year ESPN Milwaukee The Associated Press April 2 2007 Retrieved December 14 2022 A Big Piece of the Pie The Washington Post April 15 2007 Retrieved May 27 2010 NBA 2006 07 Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 14 2022 James Ilgauskas steer Cavs into 2nd round with sweep of Wiz ESPN Washington The Associated Press May 1 2007 Retrieved December 14 2007 2006 2007 NBA Attendance National Basketball Association ESPN Retrieved June 30 2015 Pistons sign free agent forward Hayes ESPN Auburn Hills The Associated Press August 17 2007 Retrieved December 14 2022 2007 08 Philadelphia 76ers Transactions Basketball Reference Retrieved December 14 2022 Bucks sign forward Michael Ruffin to free agent contract ESPN Milwaukee The Associated Press September 23 2007 Retrieved December 14 2022 Thomas requires heart surgery to repair leaking valve ESPN Washington The Associated Press October 11 2007 Retrieved October 14 2022 Jones Mike September 18 2008 Gilbert Arenas injuries The Washington Times Retrieved December 14 2022 MRI shows damage so Wizards guard has knee surgery ESPN The Associated Press November 22 2007 Retrieved December 14 2022 Exam reveals labral tear in Butler s left hip ESPN Washington The Associated Press February 28 2008 Retrieved December 14 2022 NBA 2007 08 Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 14 2022 LeBron Cavs turn lights out on Wizards ESPN Washington The Associated Press May 3 2008 Retrieved October 14 2022 Abbott Henry January 28 2010 Stuck together Gilbert Arenas and the Wizards ESPN The Associated Press Retrieved December 14 2022 Wizards Sign Jamison to Contract Extension Washington Wizards NBA June 30 2008 Retrieved December 14 2022 Washington Wizards Draft JaVale McGee WashingtonWizards com NBA Media Ventures LLC June 26 2008 Retrieved June 26 2015 Arenas has knee surgery says he ll be back in December ESPN Washington September 18 2008 Retrieved December 15 2022 Arenas game winning attempt blocked in Wizards latest loss ESPN Washington The Associated Press March 29 2009 Retrieved December 15 2022 Jamison leaves preseason opener with strained right knee ESPN Dallas The Associated Press October 8 2008 Retrieved December 15 2022 Wizards Haywood to miss 4 6 months Jamison day to day ESPN Washington The Associated Press October 11 2008 Retrieved December 15 2022 Floyd Dusty November 24 2008 Eddie Jordan Fired by the Washington Wizards After 1 10 Start Bleacher Report Retrieved December 15 2022 Wizards Acquire Javaris Crittenton and Mike James Washington Wizards NBA December 10 2008 Retrieved December 15 2022 NBA 2008 09 Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 15 2022 Simmons Christine February 28 2009 Obama watches Wizards defeat his hometown Bulls The San Diego Union Tribute Washington The Associated Press Retrieved December 15 2022 Obama watches Wizards embarrass hometown team in Washington ESPN Washington The Associated Press February 28 2009 Retrieved December 15 2022 Agent Zero Wizards pull upset of LeBron Cavs ESPN Washington The Associated Press April 3 2009 Retrieved December 15 2022 Wizards confirm Saunders is new coach Baltimoresun com Clippers Win NBA s Draft Lottery Blake Griffin May Go First Bloomberg com May 20 2009 Source Foye Miller head to Wiz Sports espn go com June 23 2009 Wizards Name Sam Cassell Assistant Coach Realgm com Lee Michael July 24 2009 Fabricio Oberto Agrees to Sign With Washington Wizards Adding to Team s Front Court The Washington Post Retrieved May 27 2010 a b White Joseph November 24 2010 Abe Pollin Dead Wizards Owner Dies At 85 Huffington Post USA Retrieved March 27 2011 Wizards Arenas had firearms in locker Sports espn go com December 24 2009 NBA Players Reportedly Drew Guns in Christmas Eve Argument Foxnews com Fox News January 1 2010 Gilbert Arenas continues to take gun case in stride Sports yahoo com Arenas suspended indefinitely Sports espn go com January 6 2010 Stein Marc February 14 2010 Butler to Mavs Wiz get Howard ESPN Retrieved December 15 2022 Cavaliers Acquire All Star Forward Antawn Jamison in Three Team Trade Cleveland Cavaliers Cleveland NBA February 17 2010 Retrieved December 15 2022 Wizards buy out C Zydrunas Ilgauskas waive him The San Diego Union Tribune Washington The Associated Press February 25 2010 Retrieved December 15 2022 Wizards Sign Guard Shaun Livingston Washington Wizards NBA February 26 2010 Retrieved December 15 2022 NBA 2009 10 Regular Season Standings By conference NBA Retrieved December 15 2022 Heath Thomas June 10 2010 Leonsis holdings under new Monumental Sports include Wizards Verizon Center The Washington Post Retrieved October 30 2018 Ted Leonsis Led Group Completes Acquisition of Washington Wizards WashingtonWizards com NBA Media Ventures LLC June 10 2010 Retrieved October 30 2018 a b Lee Michael October 6 2010 Ted Leonsis says name change to Bullets is under consideration The Washington Post Retrieved March 27 2010 Grunfeld says Wizards changing colors in 2011 12 Washington Examiner September 23 2010 Wizards pull upset in NBA draft lottery grab No 1 overall pick USA Today May 19 2010 Bulls trade Hinrich to Washington Chicago Bulls NBA July 7 2010 Retrieved December 16 2022 Magic get Gilbert Arenas in banner day ESPN December 19 2010 Retrieved December 16 2022 Hawks add Kirk Hinrich deal Mike Bibby ESPN Atlanta The Associated Press February 24 2011 Retrieved December 16 2022 Randy Wittman The Times Of India Retrieved June 28 2012 WIZARDS ACQUIRE NENE FROM DENVER Washington Wizards Washington NBA March 15 2012 Retrieved December 16 2022 Lee Michael June 20 2012 Wizards trade Rashard Lewis No 46 draft pick to New Orleans for Emeka Okafor Trevor Ariza Washington Post Retrieved May 25 2020 Wizards Select Beal With Third Pick In 2012 NBA Draft Washington Wizards Washington NBA June 29 2012 Retrieved December 16 2022 Washington Wizards use amnesty clause on troubled forward Andray Blatche ESPN July 17 2012 Retrieved November 10 2015 Wizards Sign A J Price Washington Wizards NBA July 24 2012 Retrieved December 16 2022 Golliver Ben August 29 2012 Washington Wizards officially sign Martell Webster CBS Sports Retrieved December 16 2022 Sterling Joe Almasy Steve April 30 2013 NBA s Jason Collins comes out as gay CNN Retrieved December 16 2022 NBA 2012 13 Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 16 2022 Lee Michael May 22 2013 Wizards NBA The Washington Post Archived from the original on May 28 2013 Lee Michael June 28 2013 Wizards NBA The Washington Post Archived from the original on July 18 2013 Wizards cut Shannon Brown Malcolm Lee Kendall Marshall USA Today October 28 2013 Retrieved October 29 2013 Lee Michael February 3 2014 Wizards vs Trail Blazers Washington wins to top 500 for first time since 2009 Washington Post Retrieved February 3 2014 Wizards clinch first playoff berth since 2008 ESPN April 2 2014 Retrieved April 2 2014 Wizards knock out Bulls for rare postseason series victory ESPN April 29 2014 Retrieved May 2 2014 Pacers pull away from Wizards advance to conference finals ESPN Washington The Associated Press May 16 2014 Retrieved December 16 2022 Rockets Land Ariza amp Valuable First Round Pick Houston Rockets Houston NBA July 15 2014 Retrieved December 16 2022 Stein Marc July 13 2014 Paul Pierce to Wizards on 2 year deal ESPN Retrieved December 16 2022 Wall s 27 points lead Wizards over Pistons 107 103 NBA com NBA Media Ventures LLC November 13 2014 Retrieved October 30 2018 Valentine Harvey November 15 2014 Bench key as Wizards defeat Magic 98 93 NBA com NBA Media Ventures LLC Retrieved October 30 2018 White Joseph December 13 2014 Wall Wizards end Clippers 9 game streak 104 96 NBA com NBA Media Ventures LLC Retrieved October 30 2018 Castillo Jorge April 8 2015 John Wall sits but red hot Wizards roll to 119 90 win at Philadelphia The Washington Post Philadelphia Retrieved December 16 2022 Bradley Beal steers Wizards into 2nd round with sweep of Raptors ESPN Washington The Associated Press April 27 2015 Retrieved December 16 2022 Youngmisuk Ohm May 8 2015 Wizards John Wall has fractures in left wrist hand ESPN Washington Retrieved December 16 2022 Hawks off to East finals for first time Paul Pierce game tying 3 ruled too late ESPN Washington The Associated Press May 16 2015 Retrieved December 16 2022 NBA 2015 16 Regular Season Standings NBA Retrieved December 16 2022 WIZARDS PART WAYS WITH WITTMAN WizardsToday MonumentalSportsNetwork com April 14 2016 Archived from the original on October 10 2016 Retrieved April 14 2016 Wizards fire coach Randy Wittman after team misses playoffs ESPN April 14 2016 Retrieved April 14 2016 Fendrich Howard Krawczynski Jon April 21 2016 Report Wizards Brooks agree on five year deal NBA com NBA Media Ventures LLC Associated Press Retrieved April 25 2016 Whitacre Jake September 8 2016 Washington Wizards unveil alternate uniform Bullets Forever Retrieved September 8 2016 Wizards logos Sportsteamhistory Retrieved September 24 2016 Lee Alberta October 21 2016 Wizards ranked 93rd of 122 worst franchises in major sports Retrieved October 21 2016 Buckner Candace March 29 2017 Wizards clinch Southeast Division title with rally past Lakers The Washington Post Los Angeles Retrieved December 16 2022 2016 17 Washington Wizards Roster and Stats Basketball Reference Retrieved December 16 2022 Porter scores career best 34 as Wizards rout Celtics 118 93 ESPN Washington The Associated Press November 9 2016 Retrieved December 16 2022 Zillgitt Jeff April 28 2017 Wizards eliminate Hawks from NBA playoffs with Game 6 road win USA Today Retrieved December 16 2022 Celtics power past Wizards in Game 7 115 105 ESPN Boston The Associated Press May 16 2017 Retrieved December 16 2022 Verizon Center renamed Capital One Arena The Washington Times Retrieved August 31 2017 Washington Wizards Verizon Center renamed Capital One Arena USA TODAY Retrieved August 31 2017 2017 18 Washington Wizards Roster and Stats Basketball Reference com Retrieved May 25 2020 Get to know Wizards rookie Troy Brown Jr Washington Wizards NBA July 26 2018 Retrieved December 16 2022 Another blow for Wizards John Wall to have season ending surgery USA Today The Associated Press December 29 2018 Retrieved December 16 2022 Wizards trade Oubre Jr Rivers to Suns for Ariza NBA NBA December 17 2018 Retrieved December 16 2022 Bulls get Otto Porter Jr from Wizards for Bobby Portis Jabari Parker ESPN February 7 2019 Retrieved December 16 2022 Wizards send Markieff Morris to Pelicans for Wesley Johnson ESPN February 7 2019 Retrieved December 16 2022 Grunfeld fired as president of Wizards NBA com Retrieved July 22 2019 Kaskey Blomain Michael Wizards promote Tommy Sheppard to general manager add former NFL exec Sashi Brown to front office CBSSports com Retrieved July 22 2019 Wizards Admiral Schofield is already one of NBA s most interesting rookies NBC Sports June 26 2019 Retrieved January 14 2022 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint url status link NBA Board of Governors approves competitive format to restart 2019 20 season with 22 teams returning to play NBA com June 4 2020 Retrieved October 18 2020 Wizards acquire Russell Westbrook NBA com December 2 2020 Retrieved December 2 2020 Houston Rockets Washington Wizards agree to Russell Westbrook John Wall trade ESPN com December 2 2020 Retrieved December 3 2020 Wizards select Avdija with the ninth pick in 2020 NBA Draft Washington Wizards NBA November 19 2020 Retrieved December 16 2022 Moberg McLain November 19 2020 NBA Draft 2020 Cassius Winston Heads To Washington Wizards Sports Illustrated East Lansing Retrieved December 16 2022 Deni Avdija Injury Update Washington Wizards NBA April 22 2021 Retrieved December 16 2022 Sources Wizards Brooks out as talks fall apart ESPN com June 16 2021 Retrieved June 16 2021 Russell Westbrook traded to Los Angeles Lakers in blockbuster deal with Washington Wizards Sky Sports July 30 2021 Retrieved December 16 2022 McMahon Tim February 11 2022 Dallas Mavericks trade Kristaps Porzingis to Washington Wizards for Spencer Dinwiddie Davis Bertans ESPN Retrieved November 29 2022 Tommy Sheppard Released as President and General Manager of the Washington Wizards April 19 2023 Retrieved April 19 2023 Going Retro Washington Wizards NBA com NBA Media Ventures LLC August 22 2015 Retrieved August 22 2015 Behind The Name Wizards NBA com NBA Media Ventures LLC August 22 2015 Retrieved August 22 2015 Wizards to Wear Alternate Uniforms for 2014 15 Season WashingtonWizards com NBA Media Ventures LLC July 23 2014 Retrieved March 10 2017 Wizards Unveil New Primary Logo WashingtonWizards com NBA Media Ventures LLC April 15 2015 Retrieved March 10 2017 Whitaker Lang April 15 2015 WASHINGTON WIZARDS UNVEIL NEW LOGO NBA com NBA Media Ventures LLC Retrieved March 10 2017 Wizards to Wear Baltimore Pride Jerseys this Season Monumental Network September 30 2015 Retrieved November 30 2015 Wizards unveil new stars and stripes uniform to honor military NBC Sports September 8 2016 Retrieved November 16 2019 WIZARDS NIKE UNVEIL CITY EDITION UNIFORM WashingtonWizards com NBA Media Ventures LLC December 27 2017 Retrieved November 16 2019 2018 19 Wizards City uniform WashingtonWizards com NBA Media Ventures LLC Retrieved November 16 2019 Chase Hughes Wizards release new red alternate jerseys their fifth uniform NBCSports com NBC Sports Washington Retrieved November 27 2019 Unveiling the Wizards 2019 20 Statement Edition Jersey WashingtonWizards com NBA Media Ventures LLC Retrieved November 16 2019 Wizards 2019 20 City Edition Jersey WashingtonWizards com NBA Media Ventures LLC Retrieved November 21 2019 Wizards 2021 22 Nike NBA City Edition uniform pays homage to the past WashingtonWizards com NBA Media Ventures LLC Retrieved November 2 2021 Washington Wizards unveil 2022 23 NBA City Edition Uniform WashingtonWizards com NBA Media Ventures LLC Retrieved March 29 2022 Coon Larry NBA Salary Cap FAQ 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement Retrieved April 13 2014 If the player is already under contract to or signs a contract with a non NBA team the team retains the player s draft rights for one year after the player s obligation to the non NBA team ends Essentially the clock stops as long as the player plays pro ball outside the NBA Robbins Josh July 13 2022 Wizards summer league diary Yannick Nzosa visits Delon Wright excited for opportunity The Athletic Retrieved July 18 2022 Bill Russell s No 6 jersey to be retired throughout NBA NBA com August 11 2022 Retrieved August 24 2022 Golliver Ben August 11 2022 NBA permanently retires Bill Russell s No 6 Washington Post Retrieved August 24 2022 Borzello Jeff March 31 2018 Jason Kidd Steve Nash Ray Allen Grant Hill headline 2018 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class ESPN com Retrieved April 11 2019 a b Washington Wizards Players Basketball Reference July 27 2018 Retrieved July 27 2018 External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Washington Wizards Official website Portals Basketball United States Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Washington Wizards amp oldid 1150772659, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.