
- 1974
-
One Year Name: Capital Bullets
The Capital Bullets franchise has had a history filled with Hall of Famers and all-star players, but the franchise has never really been a powerhouse. Even with incredible players, and good coaching, the team has always fallen short of the legendary teams of their time.
History of the Bullets
The Capital Bullets, now known as the Washington Wizards, is one of the most storied teams in NBA history. Founded in 1961 as part of the expansion into Baltimore and Washington D.C., they were originally called The Chicago Packers before changing their name to The Bullets shortly after moving to Maryland’s capital city in 1973.
Throughout its existence, this team has experienced a great deal of success on both sides of the ball with multiple division titles and appearances at championship finals between 1975-1979 when they won it all against Seattle SuperSonics led by Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld who was also named MVP for that season. In the 1978-79 season alone they had an impressive record winning 44 games out of 57 total played!
During the late 70s till early 80s period Capitals have been very competitive making playoffs every year except 1982/83 which ended with them being eliminated from the first round due to lackluster performance by players like Jeff Ruland or Cliff Robinson - two key members during those years but unfortunately not enough firepower compared opponents such as Philadelphia 76ers or Boston Celtics whom eventually became champions back then respectively (76ers) & (Celtics).
Despite having some good seasons throughout the '90s including 1996 when Juwan Howard led his squad into Eastern Conference Finals only losing 4:2 against Michael Jordan's Bulls dynasty; overall decade wasn't particularly successful for the Capitals resulting in numerous changes within the organization itself starting with coaches up until general manager positions - something which ultimately resulted in relocation process towards new home arena located inside DC area thus finally becoming what we know today “Washington Wizards.”
Today this proud franchise is still striving hard trying to make playoffs again while hoping that a young core consisting of Bradley Beal & John Wall will be able to take them far beyond expectations just like their predecessors did more than 40 years ago!
Established
1961
City
Chicago – Baltimore – Washington D.C.
League History
1961 – Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
1997 – Present / Washington Wizards
1974 – 1997 / Washington Bullets
1973 – 1974 / Capital Bullets
1963 – 1973 / Baltimore Bullets
1962 – 1963 / Chicago Zephyrs
1961 – 1962 / Chicago Packers
Nickname
Bullets – Heading to Baltimore where they paid tribute to the city’s first NBA team named the Bullets, who got their name because they played in an armory.
Championship
NBA Championships 0
1978
Arena
2018 - Present / Capital One Arena
2007 – 2017 / Verizon Center
1997 – 2006 / MCI Center
1994 – 1997 / US Airways Arena
1973 – 1993 / Capital Centre
*Baltimore*
1963 – 1973 / Baltimore Civic Center
*Chicago*
1962 – 1963 / Chicago Coliseum
1961 – 1962 / International Amphitheatre
Owner
2010 – Present / Ted Leonsis
2009 – 2010 / Estate of Abe Pollin and Ted Leonsis
1999 – 2009 / Abe Pollin and Ted Leonsis
1964 – 1999 / Abe Pollin
1961 – 1964 / David Trager
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Retired Number
10 / Earl “The Pearl” Monroe
11 / Elvin Hayes
25 / Gus Johnson
41 / Wes Unseld
45 / Phil Chenier
*Blue is this team’s history