The Capital Bullets marked a short but important era in NBA history between the Baltimore Bullets and the Washington Bullets. This transitional team played in Maryland during the 1973–74 season, showcasing strong performances and shaping the foundation of modern Capital Bullets basketball while preparing for the franchise’s long-term home in Washington, D.C.
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 – The Capital Bullets, now known as the Washington Wizards, have a long and storied history in the NBA. Founded in 1961 as part of the National Basketball League (NBL), they were one of four teams that joined to form what is now known as the NBA. The team was initially called "the Chicago Packers" but quickly changed their name to "the Baltimore Bullets."
So why did they choose this name? It turns out that it had everything to do with geography: at the time, Baltimore was just 25 miles away from Washington, D.C., which made them perfect rivals for each other's basketball teams! When it came time for a new nickname for their team after relocating from Chicago to Baltimore in 1963, they chose “Bullets” because it symbolized strength and power, something both cities could relate to then.
Capital Bullets Origin
In 1973 though, things changed again when owner Abe Pollin decided he wanted his team closer geographically. He moved them back up north – this time into our nation’s capital city – henceforth becoming officially named “The Capital Bullets” or simply “The Caps." This move also brought about some changes visually too, including adding red, white & blue colors representing America's flag along with stars & stripes patterns on uniforms and court designs, plus various patriotic-themed logos throughout its history until 1997, when Pollin would change names once more; this time dubbing his squad after an animal natively found within DC limits - thus introducing us all formally today as The Washington Wizards!
All these years later, we can still be proud of how far our beloved franchise has come since those early days back then, starting off firstly under NBL league play before joining up eventually into what we know today being nothing short of one big family here inside Verizon Center cheering loud every game night together during regular season contests or playoffs alike showing strong support towards our favorite players like John Wall Bradley Beal Otto Porter Jr Marcin Gortat Paul Pierce, etc. So the next chance you get, don't forget where your loyalty lies, whether it wins or loses a draw.
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
- 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.
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.
History of the Bullets
The Capital Bullets, previously known as the Baltimore Bullets, is one of the most storied teams in the history of the NBA. Founded in 1961 as part of the expansion into Baltimore and Washington D.C., they were initially 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 had 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 were 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 critical 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).
Bullets Achievements
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, the 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 can take them far beyond expectations just like their predecessors did over 40 years ago!
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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