Washington Wizards
From Hoopedia
Contents |
Franchise Name History
The Washington franchise joined the NBA in 1961 as the Chicago Packers. Owner David Trager named the club after his packing company. One year later, the team name was changed to Chicago Zephyrs.
The team moved to Baltimore in 1963 and was renamed Baltimore Bullets after the city's original team.
(When the “first” Baltimore Bullets began in the 1947-48 season, they were named after a nearby foundry that produced ammunition WWII. The team disbanded in their eighth season.) The “new” Bullets remained in Baltimore until 1973 when the team moved to Washington, D.C., and was named the Capitol Bullets. However, the team name did not fit well with the club and in 1974; the team was named Washington Bullets.
The team announced plans to re-name the team in the winter of 1995 as part of an anti-violence movement. Fans were able to vote on their favorite new nickname, and in February Wizards became the club's new name.
Washington changed their name to Wizards for the 1997-98 season. "Wizard" symbolizes one who is the best at what he or she does. The name depicts energy and an omnipresent power and brings to light the wise and magical nature of the team. It serves as a positive image for both the players and the organization.
Franchise Arenas
| Arena | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| International Amphitheatre | 1961-1962 | As Chicago Packers |
| Chicago Coliseum | 1962-1963 | As Chicago Zephyrs |
| Baltimore Civic Center | 1963-1973 | Later called the Baltimore Arena, now 1st Mariner Arena. Had a home game in College Park, MD (1970-71). As Baltimore Bullets. |
| US Airways Arena | 1973-1997 | originally Capital Centre. As Capital Bullets (1973-1974); Washington Bullets (1974-1997) |
| Verizon Center | 1997-present | formerly MCI Center |
Retired Numbers
| Number | Player |
|---|---|
| 10 | Earl Monroe |
| 11 | Elvin Hayes |
| 25 | Gus Johnson |
| 41 | Wes Unseld |
