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.
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.
History of the Zephyrs
The Chicago Zephyrs, previously known as the Chicago Packers, were a professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1961 to 1963. The team was initially based in Chicago and played their home games at the International Amphitheater, now known as the United Center. The Zephyrs joined the NBA after being part of several other leagues since 1937, including stints with both the American Basketball League and National Professional Basketball League.
During their time with the NBA, the Chicago Zephyrs, formerly known as the Chicago Packers, had moderate success on the court but failed to make any deep playoff runs or capture any championships during this period. Despite having some talented players like Walt Bellamy, who led them in scoring for two consecutive seasons, they finished last place overall twice out of three years before relocating to Baltimore and becoming known as “the Bullets” before the 1964 season start date.
The legacy of the Chicago Zephyrs, previously the Chicago Packers, remains alive today through various memorabilia that can be found around the city, such as old newspaper clippings or photos featuring former stars like Bellamy playing for them. However, due to its lack of publicity compared to other teams during the same era, the Chicago Zephyrs, now the Bullets, have become one of the forgotten chapters in the history of basketball.
Sports Fan Products
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