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Move to Washington – Now the “Caps”
The Bank of America was threatening to foreclose on a $1.2 million loan to the team and in August 1969 a group of Washington, D.C. investors led by Earl Foreman bought the team and moved it to Washington for the upcoming season.
With the move came a new identity for the team as the green and gold clad Washington Caps. Al Bianchi was the team’s coach. A federal appeals court ruled in favor of the Caps regarding Rick Barry’s contract. Barry openly objected to playing in Washington, DC, and sat out the first 32 games of the season, but the courts eventually forced him to report to the team. Barry and Warren Armstrong both played in the ABA All Star game but injuries limited their playing time for the season.
The Washington Caps were an American Basketball Association team from 1969 through 1970.
Established
1967
City
Oakland – Washington D.C. – Norfolk
League History
1967 – 1976 / American Basketball Association
Team History
1970 – 1976 / Virginia Squires
1969 – 1970 / Washington Caps
1967 – 1969 / Oakland Oaks
Nickname
Caps – The nickname “Caps” is shortened from the Washington area Capitols.
Championship
ABA Championships 0
1969
Arena
*Virginia*
1971 – 1976 / Norfolk Scope
1970 – 1976 / Hampton Coliseum
1970 – 1976 / Richmond Coliseum
1971 – 1976 / Roanoke Civic Center
*Washington D.C.*
1969 – 1970 / Washington Coliseum
*Oakland*
1967 – 1969 / Oakland Arena
Owner
1970 – 1976 / Earl Foreman
1967 – 1969 / Pat Boone
Coaches
1975 – 1976 / Bill Musselman
1970 – 1975 / Al Bianchi
1968 – 1969 / Alex Hannum
1967 – 1968 / Bruce Hale
*Blue is this team’s history