The Washington Wizards History

The Washington Wizards was first introduced to the NBA in the 1961-1962 season. However, did not start by using their current name. The team's name actually changed three times before they would get the name that they have today. When the team first started, they had a lot of success.

Originally, the team was known as the Chicago Packers. The following season they would be named the Zephyrs. In 1963, the team moved to Baltimore and were named the Bullets. It was not until 1995 that the owner, Abe Pollin, wanted to change the name. The reason for his decision was because he didn't think it had a positive overtone. The other reason that he wanted to change the name was because Washington had a very high homicide rate at the time. Able Pollin held a contest to change the name. The result of the contest was the changing of the team's name from the Bullets to the Wizards.

In the 1970s, the team did very well. The Bullets won six central division crowns. They also won four Eastern Conference Championships. The Bullets were in the NBA Championship series in 1973, and were even the favorites to win, but they lost a disappointing series to the Golden State Warriors.

The biggest year for the Wizards would be in the 1977-1978 season. This is when they won their first NBA championship against the Seattle Supersonics. The head coach Dick Motta used the catch phrase "it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings" as the Wizards made their way to the championship.