What’s in a name? Today’s Washington Wizards have played as the Chicago Packers, the Chicago Zephyrs, the Baltimore Bullets, the Capital Bullets, and the Washington Bullets. Interestingly, however, the team’s name change did not include a change in the city it represented. Today’s Washington Wizards are the same team as the Washington Bullets.
In 1996, Washington Bullets owner Abe Polan opted to rename the Washington NBA team. That was due to the growing number of homicides in the city, which began in the early 1990s. The Bullets feared that the name “Bullets” would encourage gun violence. Interestingly, the murder rate peaked in 2006. However, the franchise would ultimately choose “Wizards” over other finalists, including Dragons and Stallions.
The Washington Wizards played their first game under a new name, with new jerseys and shorts, and in a new arena (MCI Center) on December 2, 1997. It was a magical night for the Wizards as they defeated the Seattle Supersonics 95-78. Although the Wizards completed the regular season with a 42-40 record, they missed out on playoff qualification by a single game.
Although the Washington Wizards have made four consecutive playoff appearances between 2005 and 2008, the team achieved its greatest success in the 1970s as the Washington Bullets. During that decade, the Bullets won six division crowns and appeared in four NBA Finals. In fact, the Bullets earned a spot in the NBA Finals every year they advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals (1971, 1975, 1978, 1979).
Without a doubt, the 1977-1978 season of the Washington Bullets was particularly memorable. The Bullets finished the season with a 44-38 record and barely missed the NBA playoffs. They hammered the Atlanta Hawks (2-0), stunned the San Antonio Spurs (4-2) and then beat the Philadelphia 76ers (4-2). The Spurs series was particularly interesting. In Game 6, Spurs player Mike Gale had to wear a Bullets jersey backwards after losing his uniform.
The Bullets would face the Seattle Supersonics in the NBA Finals. Washington struggled three times to tie the series. In Game 7, Supersonics was a heavy favorite over Bullets. However, the Bullets played a solid basketball team and won their first NBA Finals, with a 101-94 victory.
Throughout their history, the Washington Bullets/Wizards have retired the jersey numbers of four players:
o Elvin Hayes – #11 (Forward): 1972/1973-1980/1981
Two-time NBA rebounding champion (1970, 1974); and 12 NBA All-Star Games
o Gus Johnson – #25 (Forward): 1963/1964-1971/1972
Five NBA All-Star and four All-NBA Second Team games with the Bullets
o Earl “The Pearl” Monroe – #10 (Guard): 1967/1968-1971/1972
Famous for haggling and passing in style; NBA Rookie of the Year
o Wes Unseld – #41 (Center): 1968/1969-1980/1981
NBA Rookie of the Year and MVP (1969); Basketball Hall of Fame (1988)
What’s in a name? Although the Washington Bullets are now the Washington Wizards, the team shares a history and tradition of excellence. Wear Washington Wizards merchandise to cheer on the team as they try to work magic in the NBA Finals again.
