The Top 10 Washington Wizards of All-Time
The Top 10 Washington Wizards of All-Time
By Jason Bolton August 12, 2024 10:04
The Washington Wizards, formerly the Chicago Packers and then later as the Bullets, have a storied past with long lineups from talented players who made big impacts upon their time in DC. In this article, we look at the top 10 players who represent its greatest-ever talents, with their respective records and legends.
1. Wes Unseld
- Full Name: Wesley S. Unseld
- Position: Center
- Years Played: 1968–1981
Quick Stats / Accomplishments
Wes Unseld is arguably the greatest player in franchise history. He averaged 14.0 points and 13.7 rebounds in his career. A five-time NBA All-Star, Unseld also was named league MVP in his rookie season of 1969. He was also selected on the All-NBA First Team and has been a Hall of Famer since 1988.
Impact and Importance
Unseld has had a massive impact on the team. He is the man who led the Bullets to play in their only NBA Championship back in 1978. He was also famous for his pass ability, with an incredible rebounding skill from a player that stands just under (2.00m). His leadership, both on the floor and in the locker room, helped define what this team is like during his stint here.
2. Elvin Hayes
- Full Name: Elvin Ernest Hayes
- Position: Power Forward
- Years Played: 1972–1981
Key Stats and Highlights
Hayes finished with averages of 27 points and a 12 rebounds in Bullets gear. Johnson made 12 NBA All-Star appearances and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990. A two-time NBA scoring champion, Hayes was also a central figure in the Bullets' championship victory in 1978.
Impact and Importance
Hayes was a high-volume scorer who could take over games. His tandem with Unseld made for one of the most intimidating duos in NBA history. His scoring and playoff heroics entrenched his stardom in the annals of team history.
3. Moses Malone
- Birth Name: Moses Eugene Malone
- Position: Center
- Years Played: 1986–1988
Key Stats and Highlights
In two seasons with the Wizards, he averaged 20.3 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. He is a two-time NBA MVP and 13-time All-Star. In both seasons, Malone guided the team to the postseason and demonstrated that his natural abilities translated into raising everybody else's level of play.
Impact and Importance
The Wizards needed Malone in the paint and his rebounding. He provided the leadership of a veteran who could goad younger players and was influential in getting his teams into playoff races.
4. Gilbert Arenas
- Full Name: Gilbert Jay Arenas
- Position: Point Guard
- Years Played: 2003–2010
Key Stats and Highlights
Gilbert Arenas was a three-time NBA All-Star and averaged 22.7 points, 5.3 assists, and four rebounds per game during his time with the Wizards. Remembered for his scoring, Arenas was one of the most deadly shooters in the league during his prime years.
Impact and Importance
He quickly became a favorite as an explosive scorer and clutch performer. He was remembered for his larger-than-life personality, which won over the Washington community.
5. John Wall
- Real Name: Johnathan Hildred Wall Jr.
- Position: Point Guard
- Years Played: 2010–2022
Key Stats and Highlights
Wall is a five-time NBA All-Star and averaged 19.1 points, 9.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds over his career with the Wizards. He was drafted as the 2011 NBA Rookie of the Year and is famous for his quickness and vision.
Impact and Importance
Wall was the franchise face for well over a decade and helped Washington reach the playoffs multiple times. As a leader on the court, his energetic style of play was integral to those teams.
6. Bradley Beal
- Birth Name: Bradley Emmanuel Beal
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Years Played: 2012–present
Key Stats and Highlights
Three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal has averaged 22.6 points per game. Beal was a league scoring leader in the 2020-21 season.
Impact and Importance
Over the past few years, Beal has poured in points and carried much of the load for Washington. He is one of the league's better shooting guards and can score from anywhere on the court.
7. Antawn Jamison
- Full Name: Antawn Cortez Jamison
- Position: Power Forward
- Years Played: 2004–2010
Key Stats and Highlights
Out of North Carolina, Antawn Jamison averaged 20.8 points and 8.8 rebounds during his tenure in Washington, leading the Wizards to some respectable campaigns.
Impact and Importance
Jamison was part of a good supporting cast around Gilbert Arenas during the Wizards playoff years in the mid-2000s.
8. Rip Hamilton
- Full Name: Richard Hamilton
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Years Played: 1999–2002
Key Stats and Highlights
Hamilton was traded to Washington the next season, where he averaged 20.0 points and scored four goals over his six games as a Wizard. He was a key scorer for the team that played around bad shooting but good off-ball movement.
Impact and Importance
During his time, Hamilton became a talent the Wizards might eventually lean on for scoring while adding an invaluable work ethic. He was a cult hero and an important player in the side's success in early 2000.
9. Gus Johnson
- Full Name: Gus Johnson
- Position: Forward
- Years Played: 1963–1973
Major Stats: Achievements from this period
In his three seasons with the Bullets, Gus Johnson averaged 17.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game. On the court, he was always known for his incredible athleticism and knack for locking up opposing players defensively.
Impact and Importance
Johnson was one of the most iconic players for the Bullets since their beginning stages. He helped create a brand with his franchise. His rebounding and defense were critical for the team's success while he mastered those skills.
10. Walt Bellamy
- Full Name: Walter Bellamy
- Position: Center
- Years Played: 1961–1968
Some Key Stats and Milestones
During his time with the franchise, Walt Bellamy averaged 20.1 points and 13.0 rebounds per game for Atlanta at that position. He is a 2-time NBA All-Star known for scoring and rebounding.
Impact and Importance
One of the franchise's original stars and foundational players in its early years, Bellamy Similarly, his up IIS and rebounds have been major keys to the team's overall success during those years.
Washington Wizards have had exciting players over the years who have contributed match-winning performances. From Wes Unseld's leadership to Bradley Beal's scoring ability, every player on this list has made their mark. However, as the franchise grows and changes over time, its impact will always be felt here in D.C., helping to make up what has been a Wizards identity of recent years.
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