Chicago Packers Team History

The team now known as the Wizards began playing as the Chicago Packers in 1961, as the first modern expansion team in NBA history. 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, but was the team finished with the NBA’s worst record at 18-62.

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
Packers – In the 60’s Chicago was known for their meat packing plants. So the original team was called the “Packers.”

Championship
NBA Championships  0
1978

Arena
2007 – Present / 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