The team was founded in 1961 as the Chicago Packers, making them the first modern expansion team in the NBA.1)
They’ve had five names: Chicago Packers, Chicago Zephyrs, Baltimore Bullets, Capital Bullets, and Washington Bullets, before becoming the Washington Wizards in 1997.2)
In 1963, the franchise moved to Baltimore and became the Baltimore Bullets.3)
In 1973, the team was briefly renamed the Capital Bullets after moving to the Washington, D.C. metro area.4)
The team won its only NBA championship in 1978, led by Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes.5)
Michael Jordan came out of retirement to play for the Wizards from 2001 to 2003.6)
Before returning as a player, Jordan served as President of Basketball Operations for the Wizards.7)
The team changed its name from “Bullets” to “Wizards” in 1997 to distance itself from violent connotations.8)
The Wizards play at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C.9)
Wes Unseld is the only Wizard to win MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season (1969).10)
Elvin Hayes remains one of the top scorers in franchise history and a key part of the '70s success.11)
The Wizards (as the Bullets) appeared in four NBA Finals: 1971, 1975, 1978, and 1979.12)
The franchise has had dozens of All-Star appearances, including by Gilbert Arenas, John Wall, and Bradley Beal.13)
Gilbert Arenas was a fan favorite in the 2000s, known for his clutch shooting and eccentric personality.14)
Arenas earned the nickname “Agent Zero” due to his jersey number and cold-blooded performances.15)