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 – For sports fans, the Washington Caps are a beloved basketball team with an exciting history. The team was founded in 1961 as part of the American Basketball Association (ABA). At that time, they were known as the Chicago Majors, and their nickname was chosen to honor Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs and White Sox teams.
However, when it came time for them to move from Illinois to Washington D.C., a new name had to be found that would reflect their new home city instead of paying tribute solely to baseball teams from another state. After much deliberation among ownership and staff members, “Capitols” was selected due in part because it referenced George Washington's role in leading America during its formative years while also providing a nod toward our nation's capital city itself - hence why we now know them today as “the Caps."
In addition, some have suggested that this nickname is also meant to represent the fact that many people consider basketball players themselves like modern-day gladiators who fight on behalf of their respective cities or states – similar perhaps to how Roman soldiers once fought wearing caps made out of metal or leather back then! Whatever your interpretation might be, though, one thing is sure: no matter what year you're talking about when discussing these fantastic athletes – they always make sure to put on a quiet show every night at Capital One Arena!
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
- 1969
-
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 ...
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 Caps
The Washington Caps, formerly known as the Oakland Oaks, are a professional basketball team based in the nation’s capital. Established in 1961, the Caps have been an integral part of Washington, D.C.'s sports culture for decades, and their history is rich with success. Before joining the NBA as one of four expansion teams in 1974, they were members of two separate leagues: The Eastern Basketball Association (EBA) from 1961-1963 and the American Basketball Association (ABA) from 1963-1974.
During their time playing in the ABA as the Oakland Oaks, the team had some memorable moments that made them a fan favorite throughout this period and beyond. Most notably, they won back-to-back championships during the 1969–1970 season and the 1970–1971 season under the leadership of legendary coach Gene Shue, who was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his contributions to basketball and coaching accomplishments with various teams, including his time with the Oaks. The team featured some incredible players such as Earl Monroe, who was named MVP following the 1971 championship victory over the Indiana Pacers. Monroe was known for his signature move, the 'Earl Monroe Spin Move,' which continues to be used by modern-day players.
In 1976, after three seasons within the NBA league, the team moved away from the DC area. However, it left behind a strong legacy among fans, especially those who witnessed the golden era between 1969-1971 when the franchise won two consecutive titles under the leadership of Gene Shue. This made him the first-ever coach to win multiple championships both in the EBA and ABA, respectively, cementing his place among the greatest coaches ever produced by America's top divisional league, the National Basketball Association (NBA). Many generations still remember these remarkable achievements today, even though the franchise no longer exists, showing the lasting impact it had on the local community not only during its existence but long afterward as well!
Sports Fan Products
Coaches
1975 – 1976 / Bill Musselman
1970 – 1975 / Al Bianchi
1968 – 1969 / Alex Hannum
1967 – 1968 / Bruce Hale
*Blue is this team’s history