What’s in a name? Today’s Washington Wizards have played as the Chicago Packers, Chicago Zephyrs, Baltimore Bullets, Capital Bullets, and 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 decided to change the name of Washington’s 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 eventually 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. While the Wizards completed the regular season with a 42-40 record, they missed out on the playoffs by just one 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, in every year they advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals (1971, 1975, 1978, 1979).
Unquestionably, the 1977-1978 season for the Washington Bullets was particularly memorable. The Bullets finished the season with a 44-38 record and barely made it into the NBA playoffs. They dropped the Atlanta Hawks (2-0), upset the San Antonio Spurs (4-2) and then defeated 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 fought three times to tie the series. In Game 7, the Supersonics were a huge favorite over the Bullets. However, the Bullets played solid team basketball and earned 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 games and four second All-NBA teams with Bullets
o Earl “The Pearl” Monroe – # 10 (Guard): 1967 / 1968-1971 / 1972
Famous for his graceful passing and dribbling; 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. Use Washington Wizards merchandise to cheer on the team as it tries to redo magic in the NBA Finals.