Washington Wizards

Guide Note

The Washington Wizards play in the Southeast Division of the NBA's Eastern Conference.

Fast Facts

1. Arena: Verizon Center
2. Team colors: Blue, Black, Gold
3. Owners: Abe Pollin, Ted Leonsis
4. General manager: Ernie Grunfeld
5. Head coach: Eddie Jordan
6. Championships: 1978
7. 1961: Established as Chicago Packers
8. Formerly known as the Washington Bullets

The franchise began play in 1961 as the Chicago Packers. The name changed to the Zephyrs the following year. After a few more moves and name changes, the Bullets moved to Landover, Maryland and became known as the Washington Bullets.

Team owner Abe Pollin announced in 1995 that the team would change its name due to the violent overtones associated with the nickname Bullets. The name of Wizards was decided on among other choices, and the team officially changed names on May 15, 1997. The team got a new logo and the team colors were changed from red, white, and blue to blue, black, and gold.

After Michael Jordan retired from the Bulls, he became president of the Wizards. He would come out of retirement in 2001 to play basketball for the Wizards for two seasons. Jordan thought he would return to his normal duties after playing, but he was fired by Wizards owner Abe Pollin instead. Jordan felt that he had been betrayed due to the firing.