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Chicago Zephyrs Team History

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Chicago Zephyrs




  • 1962
  • Chicago Zephyrs 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.
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Zephyrs Primary Logo

History of the Zephyrs

The Chicago Zephyrs were a professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1961 to 1963. The team was originally based in Chicago and played their home games at the International Amphitheater, which is 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 NBA, they 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” prior to the 1964 season start date.

The legacy of Chicago Zephyrs 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, most people know nothing about this short-lived franchise due to its lack of publicity compared other teams during same era making it one forgotten chapters history within sports basketball itself.





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 – A Zephyr is a westerly wind and Chicago is known as the windy city.

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 Zephyrs?
  • 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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