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Chicago Packers Team History

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Chicago Packers




  • 1961
  • Celtics-Packers Program 1961

    Packers Team Formation

    The team’s original nickname was a nod to Chicago’s meatpacking industry; their home arena, the International Amphitheater, was next door to the Union Stock Yards. However, it was extremely unpopular since it was the same nickname used by the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, bitter rivals of the Chicago Bears.
    See Full Story

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History of the Packers

The Chicago Packers have a long and storied history in the NBA. Founded in 1961, they were one of the original expansion teams that joined the league as part of an effort to increase competition among existing franchises. The team was initially known as the Zephyrs before being renamed after their owner, Dick Klein's hometown of Chicago. Throughout its first decade, it struggled to find success on the court but was able to acquire two future Hall-of-Famers—Bob Love and Chet Walker—in 1967 which helped turn things around for them.

In the 1969–70 season, under head coach Larry Costello’s guidance, they won their division title with a 48–34 record behind stellar play from Bob Love (25 points per game) and Chet Walker (20 points per game). They went on defeat Baltimore Bullets 4 games to 2 in Eastern Division Finals before facing off against Los Angeles Lakers in the 1970 NBA Finals where they, unfortunately, lost 4 games straight despite putting up a valiant fight throughout the series due largely thanks to contributions from Bob Love who averaged 28 points during playoffs run that year alone earning him All-Star selection following season despite his team not making the postseason at all back then.

Despite not having much playoff success since then until the late 90s when Michael Jordan lead the Bulls dynasty to take over the whole city, Chicago Packers still remain a beloved local franchise by many fans across the Windy City area thanks largely due both historical significance & memorable moments such Golden Era squad provided them with throughout years. From iconic players like Bob Love & Chet Walker to legendary coaches like Larry Costello or even great front-office personnel responsible for bringing young stars like Scottie Pippen into the folding way back when - there is no shortage of reasons why this particular organization has stayed so close hearts so many basketball fanatics within the region today.





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
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

Who is the greatest Chicago Packers?
  • Add your greatest player

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

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