The Washington Wizards is a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C. They are a member of the National Basketball Association. Their name has not always been the Wizards. The team was founded in 1961 and in the early years they were the Chicago Packers. From 1962-1963 they became the Chicago Zephyrs, from 1963-1972 the Baltimore Bullets, from 1973-1974 the Capital Bullets and after that they became the Washington Wizards.
The Wizards have not always been a winning team. However, they had some "miracle years" such as 1977-1978. Coach Motta used the famed phrase "It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings'". This was their rallying cry and led the Wizards to the NBA finals. This brought a professional sports championship to Washington D.C. for the first time in 36 years.
From 1979-1997 age and injuries caught up with the Bullets and they barely made the playoffs. Useld retired and Hays was traded to the Houston Rockets. In 1995 the Bullets' name was changed and they became the Washington Wizards.
Although the team was not always a winning team they did have some famous players. Earl Monroe and Wes Unseld were two Hall of Famers. Other players of special note were Bellamy, Hayes and Malone. Michael Jordon at age 38 came out of retirement for love of the game. After he retired as a player he was not allowed to go back as team president. 2004-2005 was the finest regular season in 26 years.
Washington D.C. has had an unprecedented level of interest in their famous athletic teams, and ticket sales usually go fast.
