The Washington Wizards franchise has existed for over 63 years and has undergone numerous name changes. The franchise’s first name was the Packers when it was in Chicago (1961), and then it moved to Baltimore, Maryland, as the Baltimore Bullets (1963). In 1973, the franchise moved to Washington, D.C., under the name of the Capital Bullets. In 1997, the Washington franchise then became known as the Wizards.
The Wizards franchise history may not be as rich and successful as the Los Angeles Lakers or the Boston Celtics, but it has seen a plethora of all-time great talent over the years.
The 5 Best Players In Washington Wizards History
5. Gilbert Arenas, G (2003-2010)
Gilbert Arenas arrived in Washington in 2003 as a restricted free agent and had his best statistical seasons in the nation’s capital. As a Wizard, Arenas was a three-time All-Star, a Second-Team All-NBA selection, and a two-time Third-Team All-NBA selection. Through the 2004-07 seasons, Arenas averaged 27.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game.
The former Golden State Warrior led the Wizards to four consecutive playoff appearances (’04-’07) and kept a lowly franchise relevant. Arenas’s prolific ability to score earned him the nickname of “Agent Zero.”
4. Bradley Beal, G (2012-2023)
Bradley Beal spent 11 seasons in Washington. As a Wizard, Beal ranks second in franchise history in points (15,391), steals (772), third in assists (2,972), and first in three-pointers made (1,514). In 695 games, Beal averaged 22.1 points, 4.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds across 11 seasons in D.C.
The former third-overall pick earned three All-Star selections (’18-’19, ’21) and a selection to the All-NBA Third Team in 2021. Beal, along with John Wall, were catalysts for having lifted Washington to multiple playoff appearances during their tenure together.
3. John Wall, G (2010-2020)
Wall arrived in Washington after being drafted first in the 201o NBA Draft. Wall was arguably the driving force for the Wizard’s four playoff appearances in the 2010s (’14, ’15, ’17, ’18). As a Wizard, Wall averaged 19 points, 4.3 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 1.7 steals across nine seasons. Additionally, Wall earned five All-Star selections (’14-’18) consecutively and made the All-NBA Third Team in 2017.
The former first-round pick was solid on defense by being selected to the All-Defensive Second Team in 2015. Wall ranks first in the franchise in steals (976), first in assists (5282), and fourth in points (10,879). Wall suffered a heel and Achilles injury during his tenure that played a part in his eventual trade to the Houston Rockets in 2020.
2. Elvin Hayes, C/PF (1972-1981)
Elvin Hayes is recognized as one of the greatest NBA players in history. Hayes had a prolific and accomplished tenure in Washington, which helped him land on the NBA’s 50th and 75th anniversary lists. Hayes leads the franchise in two-point field goals made (6,248), free throw attempts (3,046), offensive rebounds (2,225), defensive rebounds (5,903), blocks (1,558), and points (15,551).
Additionally, Hayes contributed to Washington winning the 1978 championship alongside NBA legend Wes Unseld. Hayes earned three All-NBA First-Team selections (’75, ’77, ’79), seven All-Star selections, and was named to the Second-Team All-Defensive team twice as a Bullet.
Hayes was a cornerstone piece during the peak of the Washington franchise.
1. Wes Unseld, C (1968-1981)
Unseld is widely regarded as the greatest Bullets/Wizards player in franchise history. He leads the franchise in games played (984), minutes played (35,832), and total rebounds (13,769) and is second in total offensive (2,085) and defensive (4,974) rebounds. Unseld was the driving force of the 1978 championship victory over the Seattle SuperSonics, the only title in Washington franchise history.
Furthermore, Unseld earned the finals MVP award of the 1978 championship series. He averaged 9 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists during the series. In fact, the Bullets made the postseason in 12 out of Unseld’s 13 campaigns, and he’s accredited for his strong rebounding and outlet passing skills.
Unseld won the MVP award as a rookie in 1969. Additionally, he earned five All-Star selections (’69, ’71-’73, ’75) and is a member of the NBA’s 50th and 75th-anniversary lists.
The Last Word
The Wizards 2023-24 season is approaching its end with about a month left. Washington avoided losing a potential franchise record of 17 consecutive losses, but the season has still been abysmal.
After 56 losses (most in the NBA), Washington’s main focus should be on the upcoming draft in June and continue to develop the young core that will be back next season under a new head coach.
