The Chicago Zephyrs history marks a brief but memorable chapter in the NBA. This team represented Chicago during the early 1960s, showcasing talent and promise despite a short lifespan. Known for their resilience, the franchise played a pivotal role in shaping the path for future Chicago Zephyrs basketball identities.
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
Zephyrs – The Chicago Zephyrs were an NBA franchise that existed from 1962-1963. Although the team only lasted for one season, it left a legacy of its unique nickname. “Zephyrs” represented the city’s solid winds and breezes coming off Lake Michigan. It was also meant to invoke a sense of speed and power, which would be fitting for a professional basketball team in one of America's most populous cities.
Chicago Zephyrs Origin
The original logo featured an orange tornado with white lettering spelling "Chicago Zephyrs." This symbolized both the windy city atmosphere and the fast-paced nature of professional basketball at that period in history. Furthermore, many believe this logo may have been inspired by Greek mythology since zephyrs are considered to be gods or spirits associated with winds and breezes in ancient Greece culture.
Although they are now long gone from Chicago's sports scene, their unique nickname still lives on today through various memorabilia such as jerseys and hats bearing their iconic logo design. Even though they didn't make much noise during their brief stay in pro basketball, fans can never forget them fondly when wearing any clothing featuring this classic emblem paying homage to Chicago's short-lived but never forgotten NBA team - The Zephyrs!
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
- 1962
-
Zephyrs Team Formation
After only one year, the organization changed its name to the Chicago Zephyrs and played its home games at the Chicago Coliseum.
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.
Chicago Zephyrs History
The Chicago Zephyrs history began when the franchise, originally the Chicago Packers, joined the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the 1961–62 season. Playing home games at the International Amphitheater, the team aimed to build a strong presence in Chicago. Before entering the NBA, the organization had roots in earlier leagues, including the American Basketball League and the National Professional Basketball League. This background helped shape the identity of early Chicago Zephyrs basketball.
During their two NBA seasons, the Chicago Zephyrs history reflected both promise and struggle. While the team attracted fans with star center Walt Bellamy, who won NBA Rookie of the Year in 1962 and was an All-Star both seasons, the franchise could not make deep playoff runs. The Zephyrs finished near the bottom of the standings in both years, showing flashes of potential but lacking the depth needed to contend for titles in the competitive 1960s NBA.
Zephyrs Achievements
The Chicago Zephyrs basketball franchise achieved notable individual milestones despite its short existence. Bellamy’s dominant scoring and rebounding placed him among league leaders and gave the team national attention. The franchise also helped set the stage for future Chicago basketball by demonstrating that the city could sustain a professional team, which later contributed to the environment for the Chicago Bulls’ arrival in 1966.
In 1963, the Chicago Zephyrs history took a new turn when the team relocated to Baltimore and became the Baltimore Bullets. This move preserved the core of the roster and gave the franchise a new chance to compete. While the Zephyrs never won a championship or division title in Chicago, their legacy lives on through memorabilia, historic clippings, and the enduring contributions of players like Walt Bellamy, making the Chicago Zephyrs basketball story a key but often overlooked chapter in NBA history.
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