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==History== ===Team creation=== [[File:1961 Chicago Packers vs. Boston Celtics.jpeg|thumb|left|150px|Bellamy (No. 8) averaged 31.6 points per game and 19.0 rebounds per game during his rookie season]] The Wizards began playing as the ''Chicago Packers'' in 1961, as the NBA's first [[expansion team]], an expansion prompted by [[Abe Saperstein]]'s [[American Basketball League (1961β63)|American Basketball League]]. Rookie [[Walt Bellamy]] was the team's star, averaging 31.6 points per game, 19.0 rebounds per game, and leading the NBA in field goal percentage. During the All-Star Game, Bellamy represented the team while scoring 23 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. Bellamy was named the league Rookie of the Year,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/history/awards/_/year/1962|title=NBA History - 1962 Awards|work=ESPN|access-date=December 6, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206134619/http://www.espn.com/nba/history/awards/_/year/1962|url-status=live}}</ref> but the team finished with the NBA's worst record at 18β62.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1962_standings.html|title=1961-62 NBA Standings|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 6, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206134618/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1962_standings.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The team's original name was a reference to Chicago's meatpacking industry; their home arena, the [[International Amphitheater]], was next door to the [[Union Stock Yards]]. However, it was extremely unpopular since it was the same name used by the NFL's [[Green Bay Packers]], [[BearsβPackers rivalry|bitter rivals]] of the [[Chicago Bears]]. After only one year, the organization changed its name to the ''Chicago Zephyrs'' and played its home games at the [[Chicago Coliseum]] (Saperstein's ABL [[Chicago Majors|Majors]] prevented the team from playing in the larger [[Chicago Stadium]]). In their only season as the Zephyrs, former [[Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball|Purdue]] star [[Terry Dischinger]] was on the roster, and went on to win Rookie of the Year honors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1963_rookies.html|title=1962-63 NBA Rookies|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 7, 2022|archive-date=December 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207035640/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1963_rookies.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1963 the franchise moved to [[Baltimore]], Maryland, and became the ''Baltimore Bullets'', taking their name from a 1940sβ1950s [[Baltimore Bullets (1944β54)|Baltimore Bullets]] BAA/NBA franchise and playing their home games at the [[Baltimore Civic Center]]. The NBA returned to Chicago in 1966 when the [[1966β67 Chicago Bulls season|Chicago Bulls]] began play. In their first year in Baltimore, the Bullets finished fourth in a fiveβteam Western Division.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20121012081621/http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teampage.htm?tm=bal Baltimore Bullets (1963β1972)]}}, databasebasketball.com, accessed June 23, 2011.</ref> Prior to the [[1964β65 NBA season|1964β65 season]] the Bullets pulled off a blockbuster trade, sending Dischinger, [[Rod Thorn]] and [[Don Kojis]] to the [[1964β65 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit Pistons]] for [[Bailey Howell]], [[Don Ohl]], [[Bob Ferry]] and [[Wali Jones]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/10/archives/howell-of-pistons-traded-to-bullets-in-8player-deal.html|title=Howell of Pistons Traded To Bullets in 8-Player Deal|agency=The Associated Press|location=Baltimore|work=The New York Times|date=June 10, 1964|access-date=December 7, 2022|archive-date=December 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207035640/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/10/archives/howell-of-pistons-traded-to-bullets-in-8player-deal.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The trade worked out well; Howell proved to be a hustler and a fundamentally sound player. He helped the Bullets reach the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. In the [[1965 NBA playoffs]], the Bullets stunned the [[1964β65 St. Louis Hawks season|St. Louis Hawks]] 3β1, and advanced to the Western Conference finals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1965-nba-western-division-semifinals-bullets-vs-hawks.html|title=1965 NBA Western Division Semifinals Bullets vs. Hawks|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 7, 2022|archive-date=December 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207035640/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1965-nba-western-division-semifinals-bullets-vs-hawks.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the finals, Baltimore managed to split the first four games with the [[1964β65 Los Angeles Lakers season|Los Angeles Lakers]] before losing the series 4β2.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1965-nba-western-division-finals-bullets-vs-lakers.html|title=1965 NBA Western Division Finals Bullets vs. Lakers|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 7, 2022|archive-date=December 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207035643/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1965-nba-western-division-finals-bullets-vs-lakers.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Within the first two months of that season, the Bullets were purchased from original franchise managing partner Dave Trager by [[Abe Pollin]], [[Earl Foreman]] and real estate investor and former NBA referee Arnold Heft for $1.1 million, on November 23, 1964.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OCEiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BnQFAAAAIBAJ&pg=926%2C3632741 ''The Associated Press'' (AP) Wirephoto of Earl Foreman, Arnold Heft and Abe Pollin after their $1.1 million purchase of the Baltimore Bullets on Monday, November 23, 1964.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306002631/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OCEiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BnQFAAAAIBAJ&pg=926,3632741 |date=March 6, 2023 }} Retrieved March 5, 2023.</ref><ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/magazine/1991/02/17/holding-back-the-shadows/ec266007-c31f-46d0-959c-f330ede47f5f/ Williams, Juan. "Holding Back the Shadows," ''The Washington Post'', Sunday, February 17, 1991.] Retrieved March 5, 2023.</ref> ===1967β1981: The Wes Unseld era=== [[File:Wes Unseld 1975.jpeg|225px|right|thumb|[[Wes Unseld]], who won the NBA Rookie of the Year, NBA Regular Season MVP, and NBA Finals MVP awards, played all 13 seasons of his career with the Bullets.]] In the late 1960s, the Bullets drafted two future Hall of Fame members: [[Earl Monroe]], in the [[1967 NBA draft|1967 draft]], number two overall, and [[Wes Unseld]], in the [[1968 NBA draft|following year's draft]], also number two overall.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1967.html|title=1967 NBA Draft|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 7, 2022|archive-date=August 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807035313/http://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1967.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1968.html|title=1968 NBA Draft|access-date=December 7, 2022|work=Basketball Reference|archive-date=December 7, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207224737/http://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1968.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The team improved dramatically, from 36 wins the previous season to 57 in the [[1968β69 Baltimore Bullets season|1968β69 season]], and Unseld received both the rookie of the year and MVP awards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1969.html|title=1968-69 NBA Season Summary|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 7, 2022|archive-date=October 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018142031/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1969.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bullets hosted the [[1969 NBA All-Star Game]] and reached the playoffs with high expectations, but they were eliminated by the [[1968β69 New York Knicks season|New York Knicks]] in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1969-nba-eastern-division-semifinals-knicks-vs-bullets.html|title=1969 NBA Eastern Division Semifinals Knicks vs. Bullets|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 7, 2022|archive-date=December 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207041756/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1969-nba-eastern-division-semifinals-knicks-vs-bullets.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The next season the two teams met again in the first round, and although this one went to seven games, the Knicks emerged victorious again.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1970-nba-eastern-division-semifinals-bullets-vs-knicks.html|title=1970 NBA Eastern Division Seminfinals Bullets vs. Knicks|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 7, 2022|archive-date=December 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207041752/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1970-nba-eastern-division-semifinals-bullets-vs-knicks.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[1970β71 Baltimore Bullets season|1970β71 season]], the 42β40 Bullets again met the [[1970β71 New York Knicks season|Knicks]], this time though in the Eastern Conference finals. With the Knicks team captain [[Willis Reed]] injured in the finals, the injury-free Bullets took advantage of his absence, and in game seven, at New York's [[Madison Square Garden]], the Bullets' [[Gus Johnson (basketball)|Gus Johnson]] made a critical basket late in the game to lift the Bullets over the Knicks 93β91 and advance to their first [[NBA Finals]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1971-nba-eastern-conference-finals-bullets-vs-knicks.html|title=1971 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Bullets vs. Knicks|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 7, 2022|archive-date=December 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207041800/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1971-nba-eastern-conference-finals-bullets-vs-knicks.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They were swept in four games by the powerful [[1970β71 Milwaukee Bucks season|Milwaukee Bucks]] led by future Hall of Fame members [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] (known in 1971 as Lew Alcindor) and [[Oscar Robertson]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1971-nba-finals-bullets-vs-bucks.html|title=1971 NBA Finals Bullets vs. Bucks|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 7, 2022|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419200218/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1971-nba-finals-bullets-vs-bucks.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Even after the trades of Earl Monroe (to the Knicks) and [[Gus Johnson (basketball)|Gus Johnson]] (to the Suns), the Bullets remained a playoff contender throughout the 1970s. Following a less than spectacular [[1971β72 Baltimore Bullets season|1971β72 season]], Baltimore acquired [[Elvin Hayes]] from the [[1971β72 Houston Rockets season|Houston Rockets]] and drafted [[Kevin Porter (basketball, born 1950)|Kevin Porter]] in the third round of the [[1972 NBA draft]], out of [[Saint Francis Red Flash men's basketball|St. Francis]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/06/24/archives/rockets-hayes-sent-to-bullets-center-who-didnt-fit-in-is-traded-for.html|title=Rockets' Hayes Sent to Bullets|date=June 24, 1972|access-date=December 9, 2022|work=The New York Times|agency=United Press International|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209060409/https://www.nytimes.com/1972/06/24/archives/rockets-hayes-sent-to-bullets-center-who-didnt-fit-in-is-traded-for.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1972.html|title=1972 NBA Draft|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 9, 2022|archive-date=January 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125074623/https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1972.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After a slow start in [[1972β73 Baltimore Bullets season|1972β73]], Baltimore made their charge in December, posting a 10β4 record on the way to capturing the Central Division title for the third straight year. The Bullets again faced the [[1972β73 New York Knicks season|Knicks]] in the [[1973 NBA playoffs]], losing for the fourth time in five series against New York.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1973-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-bullets-vs-knicks.html|title=1973 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Bullets vs. Knicks|access-date=December 7, 2022|work=Basketball Reference|archive-date=December 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207145149/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1973-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-bullets-vs-knicks.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 1973, the team announced its pending move {{convert|30|mi|-1}} southwest to the [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]] in [[Landover, Maryland|Landover]], a Washington, D.C. suburb, and became the Capital Bullets.<ref name=bfstbcb>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nKUzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dTgHAAAAIBAJ&pg=4727%2C577353 |newspaper=Bangor Daily News |location=Maine |agency=Associated Press |title=Baltimore five set to become Capital Bullets |date=February 17, 1973 |page=21 |access-date=December 19, 2015 |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222214432/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nKUzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dTgHAAAAIBAJ&pg=4727%2C577353 |url-status=live }}</ref> After that [[1973β74 Capital Bullets season|1973β74 season]], they changed their geographic identifier name to the Washington Bullets.<ref name=bchnmagn>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZxBIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qQANAAAAIBAJ&pg=5269%2C3317003 |newspaper=Morning Record |location=Meriden, Connecticut |agency=Associated Press |title=Bullets change name again |date=April 23, 1974 |page=15 |access-date=December 19, 2015 |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222210808/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZxBIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qQANAAAAIBAJ&pg=5269%2C3317003 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=bchnmagup>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tWE0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=UQoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5770%2C5657117 |newspaper=Wilmington Morning Star |location=North Carolina |agency=UPI |title=Bullets change name |date=April 23, 1974 |page=16 |access-date=December 19, 2015 |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222173320/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tWE0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=UQoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5770%2C5657117 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Bullets would return to [[Baltimore]] to play a few home games per season during the late 1980s and 1990s.<ref name="baltimoresun.com">[https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1997-03-30-1997089160-story.html "Bullets leave Baltimore with win Mavericks fall, 94β87"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810151106/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1997-03-30-1997089160-story.html |date=August 10, 2023 }} ''The Baltimore Sun''</ref> During November 1973, while waiting for the completion of their new arena in Landover, the Bullets played their home games at [[Cole Field House]] on the campus of the [[University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland]] in [[College Park, Maryland|College Park]]. The [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]] (later known as the US Airways Arena) opened on December 2, 1973, with the Bullets defeating the [[1973β74 Seattle SuperSonics season|SuperSonics]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/reminiscing-about-abe-pollins-capital-idea-the-capital-centre/2017/04/19/36a53baa-250d-11e7-a1b3-faff0034e2de_story.html|title=Reminiscing about Abe Pollin's Capital idea: The Capital Centre|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 19, 2017|access-date=December 9, 2022|last=Kelly|first=John|archive-date=July 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704083049/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/reminiscing-about-abe-pollins-capital-idea-the-capital-centre/2017/04/19/36a53baa-250d-11e7-a1b3-faff0034e2de_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:Elvin Hayes 1975.jpeg|thumb|160px|left|During his nine seasons with the Bullets, [[Elvin Hayes]] averaged 21.3 points per game and 12.7 rebounds per game. He led the NBA in rebounding in the 1973β74 season with an average of 18.1 rebounds per game.]] The 60β22 Bullets made it back to the [[1975 NBA playoffs]]. In the [[1974β75 Washington Bullets season|regular season]], Washington posted a 36β5 home record at the Capital Centre.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1974-75|title=1974-75 NBA Season Summary|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 9, 2022|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209060416/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1974-75|url-status=live}}</ref> In the first round of the playoffs, they survived a seven-game series against the [[1974β75 Buffalo Braves season|Buffalo Braves]] as both teams won all of their games at home.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1975-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-braves-vs-bullets.html|title=1975 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Braves vs. Bullets|access-date=December 9, 2022|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209060430/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1975-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-braves-vs-bullets.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the Eastern Conference finals, they beat the defending NBA champion [[1974β75 Boston Celtics season|Boston Celtics]] in six games to advance to the [[1975 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1975-nba-eastern-conference-finals-bullets-vs-celtics.html|title=1975 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Bullets vs. Celtics|access-date=December 9, 2022|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209060426/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1975-nba-eastern-conference-finals-bullets-vs-celtics.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bullets were favorites to win the NBA championship, but were swept by the Al Attles-led [[1974β75 Golden State Warriors season|Golden State Warriors]] in four games, losing games one and four at the Capital Centre.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-finals-moments-rick-barry-underdog-warriors-sweep-bullets|title=Top NBA Finals moments: Rick Barry, underdog Warriors sweep Bullets|work=NBA|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=December 9, 2022|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209060409/https://www.nba.com/news/history-finals-moments-rick-barry-underdog-warriors-sweep-bullets|url-status=live}}</ref> The loss at the NBA Finals lingered into the [[1975β76 Washington Bullets season|1975β76 season]], as they won 12 fewer games than last year, and in the playoffs they were eliminated by the [[1975β76 Cleveland Cavaliers season|Cleveland Cavaliers]] in seven games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1976-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-bullets-vs-cavaliers.html|title=1976 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Bullets vs. Cavaliers|access-date=December 9, 2022|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209060423/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1976-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-bullets-vs-cavaliers.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After the season, the Bullets fired head coach [[K.C. Jones]], despite having a career 62 percent winning percentage as the Bullets head coach.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/08/archives/kc-jones-discharged-as-bullets-coach-kc-jones-dismissed-by-bullets.html|title=K.C. Jones Discharged as Bullets' Coach|work=The New York Times|date=May 8, 1976|access-date=December 9, 2022|last=Goldaper|first=Sam|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209060411/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/05/08/archives/kc-jones-discharged-as-bullets-coach-kc-jones-dismissed-by-bullets.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[1976β77 Washington Bullets season|1976β77]], under new head coach [[Dick Motta]], the Bullets again fell short of the Central Division title for the second straight year. Elvin Hayes finished sixth in the league in rebounds with 12.5 rebounds per game. After opening the [[1977 NBA playoffs]] with a three-game series victory over the [[1976β77 Cleveland Cavaliers season|Cleveland Cavaliers]], the Bullets took a 2β1 series lead in the second round against the [[1976β77 Houston Rockets season|Houston Rockets]]. With a chance to take a 3β1 series lead at home, the Bullets lost 107β103, and the Rockets took the series in six games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1977.html|title=1977 NBA Playoffs Summary|access-date=December 9, 2022|work=Basketball Reference|archive-date=July 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711100930/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1977.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ====1977β78: NBA championship season==== <!-- This section is linked from [[Nils Lofgren]] --> Although they had future hall of famers [[Elvin Hayes]] and [[Wes Unseld]] on the team, the Bullets finished the [[1977β78 Washington Bullets season|1977β78 season]] 44β38 and were a longshot to win the [[NBA Finals]], but San Antonio journalist [[Dan Cook]] used the famed phrase "[[It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings]]".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/fat-lady-sings-for-sports-icon-dan-cook-1.306659|title=Fat Lady sings for sports icon Dan Cook|work=CTV News|agency=The Associated Press|date=July 4, 2008|access-date=December 7, 2022|archive-date=December 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207041756/https://www.ctvnews.ca/fat-lady-sings-for-sports-icon-dan-cook-1.306659|url-status=live}}</ref> This became the rallying cry for the Bullets as they finished a playoff run that led to the [[NBA Finals]], defeating the [[1977β78 Seattle SuperSonics season|Seattle SuperSonics]] in seven games to bring a professional sports championship to Washington, D.C. for the first time in 36 years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-season-review-1977-78|title=Season Review: 1977-78|work=NBA.com Staff|publisher=NBA|date=September 13, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2022|archive-date=December 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207041750/https://www.nba.com/news/history-season-review-1977-78|url-status=live}}</ref> It remains the only NBA title won by the team as of 2025. ====1978β79: Finalists==== In the [[1978β79 Washington Bullets season|1978β79 season]] the Bullets moved to the Atlantic Division, capturing the title in their first season there.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1979.html|title=1978-79 NBA Season Summary|access-date=December 9, 2022|archive-date=October 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014055415/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1979.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They entered the [[1979 NBA playoffs]] having lost eight of the final 11 games to finish the regular season at 54β28. In the playoffs the Bullets nearly blew a 3β1 series lead against the [[1978β79 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta Hawks]], but managed to hold off the Hawks in seven games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1979-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-hawks-vs-bullets.html|work=Basketball Reference|title=1979 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Hawks vs. Bullets|access-date=December 9, 2022|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209060417/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1979-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-hawks-vs-bullets.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the Eastern Conference finals, they trailed the [[1978β79 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio Spurs]] 3β1, but they mounted a comeback by winning two straight games to force a game seven at the Capital Centre. The Bullets rallied again, overcoming a fourthβquarter deficit to beat [[George Gervin]] and the Spurs 107β105 in one of the NBA's all-time greatest games and advance to the NBA Finals and a rematch with the [[1978β79 Seattle SuperSonics season|Seattle SuperSonics]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1979-nba-eastern-conference-finals-spurs-vs-bullets.html|work=Basketball Reference|title=1979 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Spurs vs. Bullets|access-date=December 9, 2022|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209060412/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1979-nba-eastern-conference-finals-spurs-vs-bullets.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In Game 1 of the finals, the Bullets defeated the SuperSonics, 99β97, on two game-winning free throws. They lost the next four games, and the series, to Seattle. The Bullets were the only team to play in the NBA Finals four times during the 1970s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1979-nba-finals-supersonics-vs-bullets.html|title=1979 NBA Finals|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 9, 2022|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112042643/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1979-nba-finals-supersonics-vs-bullets.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ===1979β1988: Playoff disappointments=== In August 1979, the Bullets became the first NBA team to visit China, where they defeated the [[Bayi Rockets]] and the [[Shanghai Sharks]].<ref name=":Minami">{{Cite book |last=Minami |first=Kazushi |title=People's Diplomacy: How Americans and Chinese Transformed US-China Relations during the Cold War |date=2024 |publisher=[[Cornell University Press]] |isbn=9781501774157 |location=Ithaca, NY}}</ref>{{Rp|page=156}} Age and injuries finally caught up with the Bullets. In the [[1979β80 Washington Bullets season|1979β80 season]], they [[1980 NBA playoffs|barely made the playoffs]] as they captured the sixth and final playoff spot via a tiebreaker despite posting a 39β43 record. In the playoffs, they were swept by the [[1979β80 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia 76ers]] in a two-game playoff series.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1980-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-bullets-vs-76ers.html|title=1980 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Bullets vs. 76ers|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 12, 2022|archive-date=December 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212132428/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1980-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-bullets-vs-76ers.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The following year the Bullets failed to make the playoffs for the first time in 13 years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1980-81|title=NBA 1980-81 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 12, 2022|archive-date=December 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212132422/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1980-81|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Wes Unseld]] retired<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/02/sports/basketball/wes-unseld-dead.html|title=Wes Unseld, Powerful Hall of Fame N.B.A. Center, Dies at 74|work=The New York Times|last=Sandomir|first=Richard|date=June 2, 2020|access-date=December 12, 2022|archive-date=June 3, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200603062307/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/02/sports/basketball/wes-unseld-dead.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Elvin Hayes]] was traded back to the [[1980β81 Houston Rockets season|Houston Rockets]] the following season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1981/06/09/bullets-send-hayes-to-rockets-for-draft-choices/5099f5cc-b66e-49c9-ad9a-0cc5f58bcb5f/|title=Bullets Send Hayes to Rockets for Draft Choices|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=June 9, 1981|access-date=December 12, 2022|last1=Richmond|first1=Peter|last2=DuPree|first2=David|last3=Staff Writer|first3=Washington Post|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827165259/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1981/06/09/bullets-send-hayes-to-rockets-for-draft-choices/5099f5cc-b66e-49c9-ad9a-0cc5f58bcb5f/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:Washington Bullets at Charlotte Hornets 1988-11-26 (ticket).jpg|thumb|left|75px|A ticket for a [[1988β89 Washington Bullets season|1988β89]] game between the Bullets and the [[1988β89 Charlotte Hornets season|Hornets]].]] In [[1981β82 NBA season|1981β82]], Washington played strong under the coaching of [[Gene Shue]] and [[Don Moran]], finishing the regular season with a 43β39 record, and although they advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals in the playoffs, they had clearly lost the power of the late 1970s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1981-82|title=NBA 1981-82 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 12, 2022|archive-date=December 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212132423/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1981-82|url-status=live}}</ref> The 1983 Bullets continued to play with the same talent they had in the previous year. They finished with a winning record, but in a highly competitive Atlantic Division they finished last and missed the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1982-83&GroupBy=div|title=NBA 1982-83 Regular Season Standings (Division)|work=NBA|access-date=December 12, 2022|archive-date=December 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212132428/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1982-83&GroupBy=div|url-status=live}}</ref> The next two years saw the Bullets continue to play mediocre basketball as they finished with losing records but they made the playoffs in the new expanded [[NBA Playoffs]] format that involved the 16 best teams to make the playoffs; the Bullets were eliminated in both years in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1984.html|title=1984 NBA Playoffs Summary|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 12, 2022|archive-date=July 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711140927/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1984.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1985.html|title=1985 NBA Playoffs Summary|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 12, 2022|archive-date=April 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404191546/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1985.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[1984β85 Washington Bullets season|1985]], the Bullets acquired [[Manute Bol]] in the [[1985 NBA draft]], whose specialty was blocking shots.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1985.html|title=1985 NBA Draft|access-date=December 12, 2022|work=Basketball Reference|archive-date=July 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704084519/http://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1985.html|url-status=live}}</ref> That year, he blocked 397 shots (a Bullets record), part of a team that blocked 716 shots (a Bullets team record).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1986_totals.html#totals_stats::blk|title=1985-86 NBA Player Stats: Totals|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 12, 2022|archive-date=December 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212132428/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1986_totals.html#totals_stats::blk|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the Bullets finished with a disappointing 39β43 record, and were eliminated by the 76ers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1986.html|title=1986 NBA Playoffs Summary|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 12, 2022|archive-date=May 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517130653/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1986.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bullets acquired center [[Moses Malone]] from the [[1985β86 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia 76ers]] for center [[Jeff Ruland]] the following season for hope of improvement.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1986/06/18/bullets-trade-ruland-robinson-get-malone/40273c6b-e5e7-4b5b-9325-4782229c3f5d/|title=Bullets Trade Ruland, Robinson, Get Malone|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=June 18, 1986|access-date=December 12, 2022|last=Cotton|first=Anthony}}</ref> Malone would lead the team in scoring with a 24.1 points per game as he would be joined by [[Jeff Malone]] who averaged 22.0 points per game.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WSB/1987.html|title=1986-87 Washington Bullets Roster and Stats|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 12, 2022|archive-date=December 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212132428/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WSB/1987.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bullets' 42β40 record would be their last winning season until [[1996β97 Washington Bullets season|1996β97]]. Washington was eliminated by the [[1986β87 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit Pistons]] in three games in the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1987/04/30/pistons-oust-bullets-on-foul-shot-by-mahorn/aeac8a04-3200-45d8-b53b-ea16e753c840/|title=PISTONS OUST BULLETS ON FOUL SHOT BY MAHORN|last=Cotton|first=Anthony|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 30, 1987|access-date=December 12, 2022}}</ref> Twelfth overall in the [[1987 NBA draft]], the Bullets selected [[Muggsy Bogues]], who at {{convert|5|ft|3|in|cm}} is the shortest player in NBA history.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jun/22/muggsy-bogues-shortest-nba-player-charlotte-hornets-basketball|title='I changed kids' perspectives': Muggsy Bogues, the 5ft 3in star who broke NBA norms|work=The Guardian|date=June 22, 2022|access-date=December 12, 2022|last=Palmer|first=Joseph|archive-date=December 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212132428/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jun/22/muggsy-bogues-shortest-nba-player-charlotte-hornets-basketball|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bullets would get off to a slow start as coach [[Kevin Loughery]] was fired 27 games into the season with the Bullets holding an 8β19 record. To replace Loughery, the Bullets hired former [[Most valuable player|MVP]] Wes Unseld.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1988/01/04/bullets-dismiss-loughery-pick-unseld-coach/a49478ae-7b99-4142-b311-a267b3bd19c0/|title=BULLETS DISMISS LOUGHERY, PICK UNSELD COACH|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=January 4, 1988|access-date=December 12, 2022|first=Anthony|last=Cotton}}</ref> Under Unseld, the Bullets improved as they were able to reach the playoffs again with a record of 38β44. After losing the first two games on the road in the first round of the [[1988 NBA playoffs]] to the [[1987β88 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit Pistons]], the Bullets fought back and forced a fifth game with two home wins. They would lose game 5 by 21 points.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1988-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-bullets-vs-pistons.html|title=1988 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Bullets vs. Pistons|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 12, 2022|archive-date=December 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212135841/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1988-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-bullets-vs-pistons.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It would be nine seasons before Washington would return to the NBA Playoffs. ===1989β1997: End of the Bullets=== The Bullets got off to a 5β1 start in 1988β89, but they lost 16 of 18 games from mid-December to mid-January. On January 6, 1989,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/01/29/The-last-time-the-Washington-Bullets-played-in-Baltimore/7587602053200/|title=The last time the Washington Bullets played in Baltimore|work=United Press International|date=January 29, 1989|access-date=December 12, 2022|archive-date=May 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509072422/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/01/29/The-last-time-the-Washington-Bullets-played-in-Baltimore/7587602053200/|url-status=live}}</ref> the Bullets franchise played its first regular season game in [[Baltimore]] since [[1972β73 Baltimore Bullets season|1973]]; this would be the first of 35 regular season "home" games the Bullets played in Baltimore from 1989 to 1997.<ref name="baltimoresun.com"/> They finished with a 31β51 record despite stellar seasons by Jeff Malone and [[Bernard King]], who averaged 24.3 and 22.3 points per game respectively to lead the team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WSB/1990.html|title=1989-90 Washington Bullets Roster and Stats|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 12, 2022|archive-date=December 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212133713/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WSB/1990.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The lone highlight of the Bullets' 30-win 1990β91 season was the successful comeback effort by Bernard King as he recovered from knee surgery he suffered while playing for the Knicks in the [[1984β85 New York Knicks season|1984β85 season]] to finish third in the NBA in scoring with a 28.4 points per game.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1991_per_game.html|title=1990-91 NBA Player Stats: Per Game|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 12, 2022|archive-date=December 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212133706/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1991_per_game.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1990, the team named [[Susan O'Malley]] as its president, the first female president of a franchise in the history of the NBA, who is the daughter of Peter O'Malley, the prominent lawyer from Maryland and former president of the [[Washington Capitals]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-05-10-9102110669-story.html|title=BULLETS' NEW PRESIDENT MAKES HISTORY|work=Chicago Tribune|date=May 10, 1991|access-date=December 12, 2022|location=Baltimore|archive-date=December 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212133712/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-05-10-9102110669-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bullets continued to struggle due to injuries and inconsistent play. They posted a 25β57 record in the 1991β92 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1991-92|title=NBA 1991-92 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213092844/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1991-92|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Pervis Ellison]] was named 1992 [[NBA Most Improved Player Award|Most Improved Player of The Year]], averaging 20.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. Undrafted rookie [[Larry Stewart (basketball)|Larry Stewart]] became the first undrafted player in NBA history to make an All-Rookie Team, being selected to the All-Rookie Second Team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/history/awards/_/year/1992|title=1992 NBA Awards|work=ESPN|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221150032/http://www.espn.com/nba/history/awards/_/year/1992|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bullets drafted [[Tom Gugliotta]] with their sixth overall pick in the [[1992 NBA draft]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1992.html|title=1992 NBA Draft|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=April 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408184819/https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1992.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They finished the 1992β93 season with a 22β60 record.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1992-93|title=1992-93 NBA Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213092843/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1992-93|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the season, the Bullets traded [[Harvey Grant]] to the [[1993β94 Portland Trail Blazers season|Portland Trail Blazers]] for former All-Star center [[Kevin Duckworth]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1993/06/25/bullets-trade-grant-to-get-duckworth/87d6e66f-c63d-4693-8dd7-594fddade5a0/|title=BULLETS TRADE GRANT TO GET DUCKWORTH|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=June 25, 1993|access-date=December 13, 2022|last=Aldridge|first=David}}</ref> In 1993, the Bullets did a rap music video of their version of [[Naughty by Nature]]'s rap single "[[Hip Hop Hooray]]", featuring the rap trio themselves.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ball-dont-lie/naughty-nature-1993-94-washington-bullets-teamed-promo-220741771--nba.html|title=Naughty by Nature and the 1993-94 Washington Bullets teamed up for a promo video (VIDEO)|work=Yahoo! Sports|date=August 17, 2012|access-date=December 13, 2022|last=Freeman|first=Eric|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213092842/https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ball-dont-lie/naughty-nature-1993-94-washington-bullets-teamed-promo-220741771--nba.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Injuries continued as key players [[Rex Chapman]] and [[Calbert Cheaney]] (the club's first-round draft pick) missed significant stretches, and Ellison missed almost the entire season. The result was a {{Win-loss record|w=24|l=58}} record for the 1993β94 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1993-94|title=1993-94 NBA Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213092844/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1993-94|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Don MacLean (basketball)|Don MacLean]] was named 1994 Most Improved Player of the season, leading the Bullets with 18.2 points per game (tied with Chapman).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/history/awards/_/year/1994|title=1994 NBA Awards|work=ESPN|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213092844/http://www.espn.com/nba/history/awards/_/year/1994|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bullets selected [[Juwan Howard]] in the [[1994 NBA draft]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1994.html|title=1994 NBA Draft|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201223833/https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1994.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and traded Gugliotta along with three first-round draft picks to the [[1994β95 Golden State Warriors season|Golden State Warriors]] for the rights to [[Chris Webber]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Warriors-send-Gugliotta-packing-3151194.php|title=Warriors send Gugliotta packing|work=SFGATE|date=February 19, 1995|location=Oakland|access-date=December 13, 2022|last=Hillyer|first=John|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213092847/https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Warriors-send-Gugliotta-packing-3151194.php|url-status=live}}</ref> While the season started out with promise, a shoulder injury to Chris Webber (ironically against the Warriors) caused him to miss 19 games,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1994/12/23/webber-dislocates-shoulder-bullets-lose/9092f247-a093-4e4d-bf44-a784befdc9bc/|title=WEBBER DISLOCATES SHOULDER, BULLETS LOSE|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=December 23, 1994|access-date=December 13, 2022|last=Justice|first=Richard}}</ref> and the Bullets struggled through the rest of the season finishing a then franchise-worst (percentage-wise) 21β61.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1994-95|title=1994-95 NBA Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213092843/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1994-95|url-status=live}}</ref> Webber averaged 20.1 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, but declined surgery for his dislocated shoulder.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1995/10/24/webber-will-seek-medical-advice-independent-of-bullets/5480807d-4884-48ca-bb15-f8df5c55ea09/|title=WEBBER WILL SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE INDEPENDENT OF BULLETS|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=October 24, 1995|access-date=December 13, 2022|last=Justice|first=Richard}}</ref> This would prove costly for the next season. The Bullets released a holiday video, "You da Man, You da Man, that's the reason I'm a Bullets Fan!" in 1994, which featured all 12 Bullets dancing in front of the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2017/05/04/bullets-classic-you-da-man-video-gets-a-wizards-makeover/|title=Bullets' classic 'You Da Man' video gets a Wizards makeover|last=Allen|first=Scott|date=May 4, 2017|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=March 10, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310135640/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2017/05/04/bullets-classic-you-da-man-video-gets-a-wizards-makeover/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://wtop.com/washington-wizards/2017/05/da-man-video-revives-legendary-dc-basketball-anthem/|title='You Da Man!' video revives legendary DC basketball anthem|last=Moore|first=Jack|date=May 8, 2017|work=WTOP|access-date=March 10, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310135733/https://wtop.com/washington-wizards/2017/05/da-man-video-revives-legendary-dc-basketball-anthem/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2014/05/13/the-top-10-moments-of-the-bullets-you-the-man-video/|title=The top 10 moments of the Bullets' 'You the Man' video|last=Allen|first=Scott|date=May 13, 2014|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=March 10, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=February 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215080221/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2014/05/13/the-top-10-moments-of-the-bullets-you-the-man-video/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the Bullets' 1995β96 season Webber suffered a dislocated left shoulder in a preseason game against the [[1995β96 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana Pacers]] on October 21, and opened the season on the injured list. He was activated on November 27, but strained his shoulder against the [[1995β96 New York Knicks season|New York Knicks]] on December 29. After hoping the injury would get better with rest, Webber finally underwent surgery on Feb 1 which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/02/02/webber-undergoes-surgery-on-injured-left-shoulder/3f4096cd-427c-4025-933c-274bdec81d03/|title=WEBBER UNDERGOES SURGERY ON INJURED LEFT SHOULDER|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=February 2, 1996|access-date=December 13, 2022|last=Justice|first=Richard}}</ref> The Bullets were 9β6 with Webber in the lineup as he averaged a team-high 23.7 points plus 7.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.80 steals in 37.2 minutes per game when he was able to play. Other players injured included [[Mark Price]] (who only played in seven games) and [[Robert Pack (basketball)|Robert Pack]] (31 games played out of 82). Bright spots of the season included the selection of [[Rasheed Wallace]] in the 1995 NBA draft and the All-Star play of Howard. Howard averaged a career-best 22.1 ppg and 8.1 rpg and kept the Bullets slim playoff hopes alive until the end of the season. Center [[Gheorghe MureΘan]] was named Most Improved Player of The Year, averaging 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/history/awards/_/year/1996|title=1996 NBA Awards|work=ESPN|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213092847/http://www.espn.com/nba/history/awards/_/year/1996|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bullets improved to {{Win-loss record|w=39|l=43}} but just missed the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1995-96|title=1995-96 NBA Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213092841/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1995-96|url-status=live}}</ref> Washington, boasting the league's tallest player (MureΘan, whose height is {{convert|7|ft|7|in|cm|disp=or}}), two very athletic forwards (Howard and Webber) and one of the league's top point guards ([[Rod Strickland]]), started the 1996β97 season at 22β24. That led to the dismissal of head coach [[Jim Lynam]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1997-02-06-1997037066-story.html|title=Lynam fired as Bullets coach Unseld: 'It wasn't happening'; Staak will serve as fill-in|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=February 6, 1997|access-date=December 13, 2022|location=Herndon|last=Schmuck|first=Peter|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213092842/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1997-02-06-1997037066-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Bernie Bickerstaff]], an assistant coach with the Bullets when they won their only NBA championship in 1978, was called upon to resurrect his former team.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-02-10-sp-27331-story.html|title=Bullets Reportedly Have Hired Bickerstaff as Coach|work=Los Angeles Times|date=February 10, 1997|access-date=December 13, 2022|agency=The Associated Press|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213092841/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-02-10-sp-27331-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bullets responded, winning 16 of their final 21 games to finish {{Win-loss record|w=44|l=38}}, their best record since 1978β79. The late surge enabled the Bullets to climb within reach of the [[1996β97 Cleveland Cavaliers season|Cleveland Cavaliers]] for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. In a win-or-go-home game with the Cavaliers on the season's final day, the Bullets squeezed past Cleveland 85β81 to end the franchise's longest playoff drought.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1996-97|title=1996-97 NBA Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213092842/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1996-97|url-status=live}}</ref> Whilst the Bullets were swept by the Bulls in the first round, they lost the three games by a total of 18 points.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-bullets-vs-bulls.html|title=1997 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Bullets vs. Bulls|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213092842/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-bullets-vs-bulls.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Webber led the way in scoring (20.1 ppg), rebounding (10.3) and blocks (1.9) and shot 51.8 percent from the floor to make his first All-Star team. Howard averaged 19.1 ppg and 8.0 rpg, while Strickland averaged 17.2 ppg and 1.74 spg and finished fifth in the league in assists with 8.9 per game. MureΕan dominated the middle and led the NBA in field goal percentage (.599). Washington received contributions from [[Calbert Cheaney]] (10.6 ppg) and [[Tracy Murray]] (10.0 ppg).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WSB/1997.html|title=1996-97 Washington Bullets Roster and Stats|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=September 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908063250/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WSB/1997.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ====Becoming the Wizards==== [[File:Verizon Center 12-05-2007.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The Wizards moved to the MCI Center (later Verizon Center and then [[Capital One Arena]]) in 1997.]] In November 1995, owner [[Abe Pollin]] announced he was changing the team's nickname,<ref name=bwchtmnn>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=K7wfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FNgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1117%2C1048322 |via=Google News Archive |newspaper=Gadsden Times |location=Alabama |agency=Associated Press |title=Bullets will change nickname |date=November 10, 1995 |page=D4 |access-date=August 3, 2016 |archive-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226024730/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=K7wfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FNgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1117%2C1048322 |url-status=live }}</ref> because ''Bullets'' had acquired violent overtones that had made him increasingly uncomfortable over the years, particularly given the high homicide and [[Gun laws in Washington, D.C.|crime]] rate in the early 1990s in Washington, D.C. The name change was widely and incorrectly believed to be related to the [[Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin|assassination]] of Pollin's longtime friend, [[Prime Minister of Israel|Israeli prime minister]] [[Yitzhak Rabin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/02/why_abe_pollin_went_from_bulle.html|title= Why Abe Pollin went from Bullets to Wizards|website=D.C. Sports Bog |publisher=The Washington Post |first1= Dan |last1=Steinberg |date= February 2, 2010 |access-date=June 30, 2015|archive-date=August 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812071813/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/02/why_abe_pollin_went_from_bulle.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> A contest was held to choose a new name and the choices were narrowed to the ''Dragons'', ''Express'', ''Stallions'', ''Sea Dogs'', and the ''Wizards''.<ref name="Peterseim">{{cite news |last=Peterseim |first=Locke |title=Like magic, Wizards' name becomes cool |work=Page 2 Goes to Washington |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/page2/wash/s/closer/020316.html |access-date=July 7, 2006 |archive-date=June 28, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060628195135/http://espn.go.com/page2/wash/s/closer/020316.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On May 15, 1997, the Bullets officially became the Wizards. The new name generated some controversy because "[[Imperial Wizard|wizard]]" is a rank in the [[Ku Klux Klan]], and Washington has a large [[African American]] population.<ref name="Peterseim" /> A new logo was unveiled and the team colors were changed from the traditional red, white and blue to a lighter shade of blue, black and bronze, the same colors as the [[Washington Capitals]] of the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL), also owned by Pollin and changed from red, white and blue before the 1995β96 season. Washington forward [[Juwan Howard]] sat on the committee that decided on the logo design.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bembry |first1=Jerry |title=Wizards officially assume NBA identity Bullets name put to rest; logos, colors are unveiled |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1997-05-16-1997136067-story.html |website=baltimoresun.com |access-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128181758/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1997-05-16-1997136067-story.html |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |date=May 16, 1997}}</ref> That same year the Wizards moved to the then MCI Center ([[Capital One Arena]]), also home to the Capitals and the [[Georgetown Hoyas men's basketball|Georgetown Hoyas men's college basketball team]].<ref name="washingtonpost.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/general/mciarticles/launch/opening.htm|title=MCI Center Opens Its Doors For Inaugural Game|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=December 2, 1997|access-date=December 13, 2022|last1=Heath|first1=Thomas|last2=Montgomery|first2=David|archive-date=September 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913151743/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/general/mciarticles/launch/opening.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1998, they became the brother team to the [[Washington Mystics]] of the [[Women's National Basketball Association]], and remained officially thus until 2005 when the Mystics were sold to Lincoln Holdings (headed by [[Ted Leonsis]]), parent company of the Capitals.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/news/story?id=2067522|title=Johnson a partner in Lincoln Holdings|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|location=Washington|date=May 25, 2005|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213092842/https://www.espn.com/wnba/news/story?id=2067522|url-status=live}}</ref> However, upon the purchase of the Wizards by Leonsis in 2010, the Wizards and Mystics again became sibling teams.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/leonsis_acquisition_100610.html|title=Ted Leonsis-Led Group Completes Acquisition of Washington Wizards|date=June 10, 2010|work=Washington Wizards|access-date=December 13, 2022|publisher=NBA|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213092847/https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/leonsis_acquisition_100610.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ===1997β2001: Rebranded as the Wizards=== The newly named Wizards began the 1997β98 season playing five home games at the [[Capital Centre (Landover, Maryland)|Capital Centre]] before moving to the new MCI Center on December 2, 1997.<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/> The Wizards finished the season with a {{Win-loss record|w=42|l=40}} record including four straight victories to end the season but just missed the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1997-98|title=1997-98 NBA Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213094237/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1997-98|url-status=live}}</ref> Highlights of the season included [[Chris Webber]] leading the team in scoring (21.9 ppg) and rebounding (9.5 rpg). Strickland led the league in assists (10.5 apg) before suffering an injury near the end of the season. He was also named on the All-NBA Second Team. Tracy Murray averaged 15.1 ppg off the bench including a 50-point game against Golden State. Off-court distractions led to the trade of Webber to the [[1998β99 Sacramento Kings season|Sacramento Kings]] for [[Mitch Richmond]] and [[Otis Thorpe]] in May 1998.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1998/05/15/webber-traded-to-sacramento/55b294a5-ed9a-41db-8dc0-0623453790ed/|title=WEBBER TRADED TO SACRAMENTO|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=May 15, 1998|access-date=December 13, 2022|last=Bucher|first=Ric|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114211854/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1998/05/15/webber-traded-to-sacramento/55b294a5-ed9a-41db-8dc0-0623453790ed/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wizards finished the lockout-shortened season of [[1998β99 Washington Wizards season|1998β99]] with a record of {{Win-loss record|w=18|l=32}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1998-99|title=1998-99 NBA Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213094238/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1998-99|url-status=live}}</ref> Mitch Richmond led the team in scoring with a 19.7 ppg average. In the [[1999β2000 Washington Wizards season|1999β2000 season]], the Wizards finished with a {{Win-loss record|w=29|l=53}} record.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1999-00|title=1999-00 NBA Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213094237/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=1999-00|url-status=live}}</ref> Mitch Richmond led the team with 17.4 ppg. In the [[2000β01 NBA season|2000β01 season]], under newly hired coach [[Leonard Hamilton]], [[1999 NBA draft]] pick [[Richard Hamilton (basketball)|Richard Hamilton]] led the team in scoring with 18.1 ppg, but the team finished with a {{Win-loss record|w=19|l=63}} record, the most losses the team had ever suffered in one season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2000-01|title=2000-01 NBA Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213094246/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2000-01|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 23, 2001, the Wizards were involved in a blockbuster trade days before the trading deadline. The team sent [[Juwan Howard]], [[Obinna Ekezie]] and [[Calvin Booth]] to the [[2000β01 Dallas Mavericks season|Dallas Mavericks]]. In return, Washington received [[Hubert Davis]], [[Courtney Alexander]], [[Christian Laettner]], [[Loy Vaught]] and [[Etan Thomas]] along with $3 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2001/0222/1102754.html|title=Mavs, Wizards complete eight-player deal|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|date=February 23, 2001|access-date=December 13, 2022|location=Washington|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404030716/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2001/0222/1102754.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ===2001β2003: The Michael Jordan era=== [[File:Michael Jordan.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Michael Jordan]] served as president of basketball operations and was a minority owner.]] ====2001β02 season==== After retiring from the [[1998β99 Chicago Bulls season|Chicago Bulls]] in early 1999, [[Michael Jordan]] became the Washington Wizards' vice president of basketball operations as well as a minority owner in January 2000.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/wizards/daily/jan00/20/jordan20.htm|title=Jordan Joins Wizards' Front Office|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=January 20, 2000|access-date=December 13, 2022|last=Wyche|first=Steve|archive-date=January 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127224125/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/wizards/daily/jan00/20/jordan20.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2001, Jordan came out of retirement at age 38 to play for Washington.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/day-michael-jordan-came-out-retirement-again-play-wizards|title=On this day: Michael Jordan came out of retirement (again) to play for the Wizards|work=NBC Sports|date=September 25, 2019|access-date=December 13, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213095255/https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/day-michael-jordan-came-out-retirement-again-play-wizards|url-status=live}}</ref> Jordan stated that he was returning "for the love of the game".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/ct-michael-jordan-otd-september-25-2011-story.html|title=Sept. 25, 2001: At 38, Michael Jordan returns 'to the game I love'|work=Chicago Tribune|date=September 25, 2016|access-date=December 14, 2022|last=Smith|first=Sam|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214065303/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/ct-michael-jordan-otd-september-25-2011-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Because of NBA rules, he had to divest himself of any ownership of the team.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-players-interested-in-negotiating-for-ownership-stakes-in-teams-in-next-cba-says-michele-roberts/|title=NBA players interested in negotiating for ownership stakes in teams in next CBA, says Michele Roberts|work=CBC Sports|date=January 22, 2021|access-date=December 14, 2022|last=Quinn|first=Sam|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214065307/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-players-interested-in-negotiating-for-ownership-stakes-in-teams-in-next-cba-says-michele-roberts/|url-status=live}}</ref> Before the All-Star break, Jordan was one of only two players to average more than 25 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds<ref name=dupree>{{cite news|last=DuPree|first=David|title=NBA's brightest stars set to collide|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/jordan/2002-02-12-jordan-bryant.htm|access-date=July 14, 2011|newspaper=USA Today|date=February 12, 2002|archive-date=February 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110212024331/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/jordan/2002-02-12-jordan-bryant.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> as he led the Wizards to a 26β21 record. After the All-Star break, Jordan's knee could not handle the workload of a full-season as he ended the season on the injured list,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2002/0403/1362784.html|title=Wizards place Jordan on injured list|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|date=April 3, 2002|access-date=December 14, 2022|location=Washington|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326025954/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2002/0403/1362784.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and the Wizards concluded the season with a {{Win-loss record|w=37|l=45}} record but could not make the Eastern Conference playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2001-02|title=NBA 2001-02 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214065301/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2001-02|url-status=live}}</ref> ====2002β03 season==== Jordan announced he would return for the [[2002β03 Washington Wizards season|2002β03 season]], and this time he was determined to be equipped with reinforcements, as he traded for All-Star [[Jerry Stackhouse]] and signed budding star [[Larry Hughes]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2002/0911/1430627.html|title=All-Star Stackhouse traded to Wizards|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|date=September 12, 2002|access-date=December 14, 2022|location=Washington|archive-date=September 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903205847/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2002/0911/1430627.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/535c38f35ba949baf377c4dac41ca51c|title=Wizards Sign Guard Larry Hughes|agency=The Associated Press|work=The Associated Press|date=July 19, 2002|access-date=December 14, 2022|location=Washington|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214070450/https://apnews.com/article/535c38f35ba949baf377c4dac41ca51c|url-status=live}}</ref> Jordan even accepted a sixth-man role on the bench in order for his knee to survive the rigors of an 82-game season. A combination of numerous team injuries and uninspired play led to Jordan's return to the [[starting lineup]], where he tried to rebound the franchise from its early-season struggles. By the end of the season, the Wizards finished with a {{Win-loss record|w=37|l=45}} record once again.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2002-03|title=NBA 2002-03 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214070451/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2002-03|url-status=live}}</ref> Jordan ended the season as the only Wizard to play in all 82 games, as he averaged 20.0 points,<ref name=20points>{{cite news|title=Jordan's top 10 countdown|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2003-04-17-jordan_x.htm|access-date=July 14, 2011|newspaper=USA Today|date=April 17, 2003|archive-date=January 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119074701/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2003-04-17-jordan_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> 6.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals in 37.0 minutes per game. Jordan retired from playing for a third and final time after the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/17/sports/pro-basketball-jordan-bows-out-for-a-third-time.html|title=PRO BASKETBALL; Jordan Bows Out for a Third Time|first=Chris|last=Broussard|date=April 17, 2003|access-date=February 16, 2019|website=[[The New York Times]]|archive-date=February 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214002607/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/17/sports/pro-basketball-jordan-bows-out-for-a-third-time.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ====Jordan's departure==== After the season, majority owner Pollin fired Jordan as team president, much to the shock of players, associates, and the public. Jordan felt betrayed, thinking that he would get his ownership back after his playing days ended, but Pollin justified Jordan's dismissal by noting that Jordan had detrimental effects on the team, such as benching Hughes for [[Tyronn Lue]], making poor trades, and using the team's first-round draft pick on high schooler [[Kwame Brown]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1644389|title=Pollin: 'Bad situation' had to end|date=October 23, 2003|access-date=December 14, 2022|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|location=Washington|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214071525/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1644389|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2009-09-10-0909100001-story.html|title=Washington, D.C.|work=Chicago Tribune|date=September 10, 2009|access-date=December 14, 2022|last=Morrissey|first=Rick|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214071527/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2009-09-10-0909100001-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wizards replaced Jordan's managerial role with general manager [[Ernie Grunfeld]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/grunfeld_hired.html|title=Wizards Hire Ernie Grunfeld|date=June 30, 2003|access-date=December 14, 2022|last=Hernandez|first=E.|work=Washington Wizards|publisher=NBA|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214071508/https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/grunfeld_hired.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ===2003β2010: The Gilbert Arenas era=== [[File:Wizards G-Man.jpg|thumb|The Wizards G-Man, one of the team's mascots]] ====2003β04: The arrival of Gilbert Arenas==== Without Jordan in the fold the following year, the Washington Wizards were not expected to win, and they did not. Despite the signing of future All-Star point guard [[Gilbert Arenas]], in a move that was ironically made possible by Jordan's prior cap-clearing maneuvers as a team executive,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2003-07-23-0307230179-story.html|title=Arenas accepts Wizards' $65M offer|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=July 23, 2003|access-date=December 14, 2022|last=Kent|first=Milton|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214085154/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2003-07-23-0307230179-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> the team stumbled to a {{Win-loss record|w=25|l=57}} record in the [[2003β04 Washington Wizards season|2003β04 season]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2003-04|title=NBA 2003-04 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214085159/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2003-04|url-status=live}}</ref> ====2004β05: Return to the playoffs==== In the off-season, the team traded Stackhouse, [[Christian Laettner]], and the draft rights to [[Devin Harris]] to the [[2004β05 Dallas Mavericks season|Dallas Mavericks]] for [[Antawn Jamison]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/e48e6c1ed1a4efe0e322f60c3e456aa4|title=Mavs Send Jamison to Wizards for Players|work=The Associated Press|agency=The Associated Press|last=Aron|first=Jaime|date=June 24, 2004|access-date=December 14, 2022|location=Dallas|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214090158/https://apnews.com/article/e48e6c1ed1a4efe0e322f60c3e456aa4|url-status=live}}</ref> During the regular season, the scoring trio of Arenas, Jamison and Hughes was the highest in the NBA and earned the nickname of "The Big Three". Hughes led the NBA in steals with 2.89 per game.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2005_per_game.html#per_game_stats::stl_per_g|title=2004-05 NBA Player Stats: Per Game|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214090222/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2005_per_game.html#per_game_stats::stl_per_g|url-status=live}}</ref> Arenas and Jamison were both named to the 2005 Eastern Conference All-Star team, marking the first time Washington had two players in the All-Star game since [[Jeff Malone]] and Moses Malone represented the Bullets in the 1987 All-Star Game.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-2005|title=2005 NBA All-Star recap|work=NBA|date=September 13, 2021|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214090221/https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-2005|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[2004β05 Washington Wizards season|2004β05 season]] saw the team (now in the new Southeast Division) post its best regular season record in 26 years ({{Win-loss record|w=45|l=37}}) and marked the first time the franchise had ever made the playoffs as the Wizards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2004-05&GroupBy=div|title=NBA 2004-05 Regular Season Standings (By Conference)|access-date=December 14, 2022|work=NBA|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214090220/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2004-05&GroupBy=div|url-status=live}}</ref> With a 93β82 win over the [[2004β05 Chicago Bulls season|Chicago Bulls]] on April 13, 2005, the Wizards clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 1996β97.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsline.com/nba/gamecenter/recap/NBA_20050413_CHI@WAS|title=NBA β CBSSports.com|work=CBSSports.com|access-date=June 30, 2015|archive-date=March 12, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312013250/http://www.sportsline.com/nba/gamecenter/recap/NBA_20050413_CHI@WAS|url-status=dead}}</ref> Long-suffering fans celebrated by buying over 16,000 playoff tickets in two and a half hours the day tickets went on sale.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsline.com/nba/gamecenter/recap/NBA_20050409_PHI@WAS|title=NBA β CBSSports.com|work=CBSSports.com|access-date=June 30, 2015|archive-date=March 12, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312013241/http://www.sportsline.com/nba/gamecenter/recap/NBA_20050409_PHI@WAS|url-status=dead}}</ref> In game three of the [[2005 NBA playoffs|first round]] against the Bulls, the Wizards won their first playoff game since 1988.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wizards Run Past Bulls|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050430/CHIWAS/recap.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=April 30, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050502155733/http://www.nba.com/games/20050430/CHIWAS/recap.html|archive-date=May 2, 2005|access-date=October 30, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Adding to the "long-overdue" feeling was that game three was the first NBA playoff game to be held within Washington, D.C. city limits.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sereno|first=Brian A.|title=All You Ever Wanted to Know About the 2004β05 Wizards|url=http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/0405_recap_1.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=WashingtonWizards.com|date=June 7, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107204919/http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/0405_recap_1.html|archive-date=January 7, 2007|access-date=October 30, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the Wizards' game five victory in Chicago, Arenas hit a buzzer-beater to win the game<ref>{{cite news|title=Wizards Win at the Buzzer|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050504/WASCHI/recap.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=May 4, 2005|access-date=October 30, 2018|archive-date=September 5, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905144850/http://www.nba.com/games/20050504/WASCHI/recap.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and the Wizards took their first lead in a playoff series since 1986. In game six, at the MCI Center, [[Jared Jeffries]] picked up a loose ball and went in for an uncontested tie-breaking dunk with 32 seconds left, giving the Wizards a 94β91 win and the team's first playoff series win in 23 years. They were only the 12th team in NBA history to win a playoff series after being down 0β2.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wizards' Late Heroics End Playoff Drought|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050506/CHIWAS/recap.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=May 6, 2005|access-date=October 30, 2018|archive-date=December 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228041241/http://www.nba.com/games/20050506/CHIWAS/recap.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This playoff series victory ended the [[List of NBA franchise post-season droughts|second longest streak with no postseason series wins]] in NBA history. In the conference semifinals, the Wizards were swept by the [[2004β05 Miami Heat season|Miami Heat]], the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/250514027|title=Wade sets Heat scoring mark in clincher|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|date=May 15, 2005|access-date=December 14, 2022|location=Washington|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214090158/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/250514027|url-status=dead}}</ref> ====2005β06==== [[File:JamisonWizards.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Antawn Jamison]] shooting a free throw in 2006 while wearing the team's gold alternate jersey.]] The [[2005β06 Washington Wizards season|2005β06 season]] was filled with ups and downs. During the off-season, Washington acquired [[Caron Butler]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/butler-atkins_050803.html|title=Wizards Acquire Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins|work=Washington Wizards|publisher=NBA|date=July 29, 2005|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214095359/https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/butler-atkins_050803.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Antonio Daniels]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/daniels_050802.html|title=Wizards Sign Guard Antonio Daniels|date=July 29, 2005|access-date=December 14, 2022|work=Washington Wizards|publisher=NBA|last=Hernandez|first=E.|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214095401/https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/daniels_050802.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During the regular season, the Wizards again had the best scoring trio in the NBA, this time consisting of Arenas, Jamison and Butler as the "Big Three".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/big-3-back-in-d-c-gilbert-arenas-caron-butler-and-antawn-jamison-reunite|title=Big 3 back in D.C.: Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler, and Antawn Jamison reunite|work=Washington Wizards|date=November 19, 2022|access-date=December 14, 2022|last=Askew|first=Luke|publisher=NBA|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214090158/https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/big-3-back-in-d-c-gilbert-arenas-caron-butler-and-antawn-jamison-reunite|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wizards started the 2005β06 season at 5β1, but went on an 8β17 funk to go to 13β18 through 31 games. Then, they went 13β5 in the next eighteen games. On April 5, 2006, the team was 39β35 and looking to close in on the 45-win mark achieved the previous year, until Butler suffered a thumb sprain and the Wizards lost all five games without him.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2006/04/16/butler-is-still-out-with-ailing-thumb/cdb3dd73-34b1-41c8-9a0c-13170289fcee/|title=Butler Is Still Out With Ailing Thumb|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 16, 2006|access-date=December 14, 2022|location=Chicago|last=Carter|first=Ivan|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827193956/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2006/04/16/butler-is-still-out-with-ailing-thumb/cdb3dd73-34b1-41c8-9a0c-13170289fcee/|url-status=live}}</ref> Butler returned and the team pulled out their final three games, against the Pistons, Cavaliers and Bucks, all playoff-bound teams, to finish the year at {{Win-loss record|w=42|l=40}} and clinch the fifth seed in the [[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Conference]]. They averaged 101.7 points a game, third in the NBA and best in the East and clinched a playoff berth for the second consecutive season for the first time since 1987.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WAS/2006.html|title=2005-06 Washington Wizards Roster and Stats|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214095404/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WAS/2006.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Their first-round match-up with Cleveland was widely seen as the most evenly matched series in the [[2006 NBA playoffs]]. The teams exchanged wins during the first two games in Cleveland, with game two highlighted by the Wizards holding [[LeBron James]] to 7β25 shooting from the floor while [[Brendan Haywood]] gave James a hard foul in the first quarter that many cited as the key to shaking up the rest of James's game. In game three at the Verizon Center, James hit a 4-footer on the way down with 5.7 seconds left to take the game and the series lead for the Cavs with a 97β96 win. Arenas missed a potential game-winning three-pointer on the other end to seal the win for the Cavs. Game 4 saw the Wizards heat up again, as Arenas scored 20 in the fourth quarter after claiming he changed his jersey, shorts, shoes and tights in the room and the Wizards won 106β96. Yet in games five and six, the Cavs took control of the series, both games decided by one point in overtime. In game five, despite the Wizards being down 107β100 with 1:18 to play, the team drove back and eventually tied the game on Butler's layup with 7.5 seconds remaining to send the game to overtime, where James scored with 0.9 seconds left to send the Cavs to a 121β120 win. The series returned to the Verizon Center for game six, where the game went back and forth all night. The Wizards blew a 14-point first-quarter lead, then for 24 minutes, from early in the second quarter to early in the fourth, neither team led by more than five points at any time. The Wizards blew a seven-point lead with just under five to play and needed Arenas to hit a 31-foot shot at the end of regulation to take the game to overtime. In overtime, Arenas missed two key free throws. Cleveland rebounded the ball, went downcourt and [[Damon Jones]] hit a 17-foot baseline jump shot with 4.8 seconds remaining to give the Cavs the lead for good. Butler missed a three-pointer on the other end to seal the game, and the series, for the Cavaliers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2006-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-wizards-vs-cavaliers.html|title=2006 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Wizards vs. Cavaliers|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214095359/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2006-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-wizards-vs-cavaliers.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ====2006β07==== [[File:washington wizards toronto raptors.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The Wizards in a home game against the [[2006β07 Toronto Raptors season|Toronto Raptors]], March 30, 2007.]] The 2006β07 season started out very promisingly for the Wizards. In the off-season they signed free agents [[DeShawn Stevenson]] and [[Darius Songaila]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2538921|title=Wizards sign former Magic guard Stevenson|work=ESPN|date=August 4, 2006|access-date=December 14, 2022|last=Ford|first=Chad|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214102211/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2538921|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/songaila_060719.html|title=Wizards Sign Forward Darius Songaila|work=Washington Wizards|publisher=NBA|last=Hernandez|first=E.|date=July 19, 2006|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214102205/https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/songaila_060719.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Etan Thomas beat out Haywood for the starting center job.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2643912|title=Wizards tab Thomas as starting center|work=ESPN|date=October 31, 2006|access-date=December 14, 2022|location=Washington|agency=The Associated Press|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214102205/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2643912|url-status=live}}</ref> After starting the season 0β8 on the road, Washington rebounded to win 6 of 7 away from Verizon Center. After a November 4β9, Washington went 22β9 through December and January. Arenas scored a franchise-record 60 points against the [[2006β07 Los Angeles Lakers season|Lakers]] on December 17.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/261217013|title=Arenas sets franchise record with 60 points in overtime shootout|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|date=December 18, 2006|access-date=December 14, 2022|location=Los Angeles|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214102212/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/261217013|url-status=dead}}</ref> He and Eddie Jordan were named player of the month and coach of the month for December, respectively. On January 3 and again on January 15, Arenas hit buzzer-beating three-pointers to beat [[2006β07 Milwaukee Bucks season|Milwaukee]] and [[2006β07 Utah Jazz season|Utah]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/washington-wizards/ranking-wildest-wizards-buzzer-beaters-2000|title=Ranking the wildest Wizards buzzer-beaters since 2000|work=NBC Sports|date=February 7, 2017|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214102211/https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/washington-wizards/ranking-wildest-wizards-buzzer-beaters-2000|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 30, Jamison went down with a sprained left knee in a win against [[Detroit Pistons|Detroit]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2748873|title=Jamison leaves Wizards game vs. Pistons with injury|date=January 31, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2022|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|location=Washington|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214102213/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2748873|url-status=live}}</ref> Washington went 4β8 in the 12 games without him. On February 3, Songaila made his Wizards debut against the Lakers. On February 18, Eddie Jordan became the first Wizards/Bullets coach to coach in the [[NBA All-Star Game]] since [[Dick Motta]] in 1978β1979. Arenas played in his third straight All-Star game and Butler made his [[All-Star Game]] debut.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-2007|title=2007 NBA All-Star recap|work=NBA|date=September 13, 2021|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214102212/https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-2007|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 14, Butler went out with a knee injury that kept him out of the lineup for six games.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2007/03/16/Knee-injury-sidelines-Caron-Butler/40841174081090/|title=Knee injury sidelines Caron Butler|work=United Press International|date=March 16, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2022|agency=United Press International|location=Washington}}</ref> He returned for only three games until he fractured his right hand on April 1 against Milwaukee.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2821580|title=Broken hand could force Butler out of lineup for year|work=ESPN|date=April 2, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2022|agency=The Associated Press|location=Milwaukee|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214102211/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2821580|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 4, Arenas suffered a season-ending knee injury, of the meniscus. An April 15 article in ''[[The Washington Post]]'' pointed out that with Arenas and Butler gone, the team had lost 42.3% of their offensive production, quite possibly "the most costly" loss for any team in the midst of a playoff hunt in NBA history.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2007/04/15/GR2007041500137.html | newspaper=The Washington Post | title=A Big Piece of the Pie | access-date=May 27, 2010 | date=April 15, 2007 | archive-date=November 4, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104182655/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2007/04/15/GR2007041500137.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Despite their late-season struggles without Arenas and Butler, the Wizards still managed to make the Eastern Conference playoffs, taking the 7th seed at {{Win-loss record|w=41|l=41}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2006-07|title=NBA 2006-07 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214102207/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2006-07|url-status=live}}</ref> They were swept four games to none in a rematch of the previous year's first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite a depleted roster, the Wizards still managed to keep things close in every game in the series and only lost the final three games by a combined 20 points.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/270430027|title=James, Ilgauskas steer Cavs into 2nd round with sweep of Wiz|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|date=May 1, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2007|location=Washington|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214102207/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/270430027|url-status=dead}}</ref> The team enjoyed their best attendance figures in the post-Jordan era with a season attendance of 753,283 (18,372 per game).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/attendance?year=2007|title=2006β2007 NBA Attendance β National Basketball Association|publisher=ESPN|access-date=June 30, 2015|archive-date=January 5, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105024528/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/attendance?year=2007|url-status=live}}</ref> ====2007β08==== The Wizards retained a majority of their roster from the 2006β07 season, only losing [[Jarvis Hayes]] to [[2007β08 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]], Calvin Booth to the [[2007β08 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia 76ers]], and Michael Ruffin to the [[2007β08 Milwaukee Bucks season|Milwaukee Bucks]] as free agents.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2978003|title=Pistons sign free-agent forward Hayes|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|date=August 17, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2022|location=Auburn Hills|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214104831/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2978003|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2008_transactions.html|title=2007-08 Philadelphia 76ers Transactions|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214104830/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2008_transactions.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story?id=3031647&src=desktop|title=Bucks sign forward Michael Ruffin to free-agent contract|date=September 23, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2022|agency=The Associated Press|work=ESPN|location=Milwaukee|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214104830/https://www.espn.com/nba/story?id=3031647&src=desktop|url-status=live}}</ref> Washington signed [[Oleksiy Pecherov]], the team's first-round pick in 2006, as well as 2007 picks [[Nick Young (basketball)|Nick Young]] and [[Dominic McGuire]]. Etan Thomas missed the regular season after undergoing open-heart surgery.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3057843|title=Thomas requires heart surgery to repair leaking valve|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|date=October 11, 2007|access-date=October 14, 2022|location=Washington|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214104834/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3057843|url-status=live}}</ref> The team began the season starting 0β5, but rebounded to win six straight. After eight games, Arenas underwent surgery to repair a torn medial meniscus in his left knee,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/sep/18/gilbert-arenas-injury-timeline/|title=Gilbert Arenas' injuries|work=The Washington Times|date=September 18, 2008|access-date=December 14, 2022|last=Jones|first=Mike|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214104830/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/sep/18/gilbert-arenas-injury-timeline/|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as a microfracture surgery.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/nba/news/story?id=3122656|title=MRI shows damage so Wizards guard has knee surgery|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|date=November 22, 2007|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214104839/https://www.espn.co.uk/nba/news/story?id=3122656|url-status=live}}</ref> This was the same knee he had injured the previous year. The injury forced Arenas out for a total of 68 games. Midway through the season, Butler was forced to the sidelines for a total of 20 games with what initially was a strained hip flexor, but turned out to be a labral tear.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3268617|title=Exam reveals labral tear in Butler's left hip|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|date=February 28, 2008|access-date=December 14, 2022|location=Washington|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214104833/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3268617|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite all of the injuries, the Wizards managed to finish {{Win-loss record|w=43|l=39}} on the regular season, good for 5th place in the Eastern Conference and a first-round playoff matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the third straight season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2007-08|title=NBA 2007-08 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214104833/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2007-08|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the Wizards lost that series in six games.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/280502027|title=LeBron, Cavs turn lights out on Wizards|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|date=May 3, 2008|access-date=October 14, 2022|location=Washington|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214104835/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/280502027|url-status=dead}}</ref> ====2008β2010==== During the off-season, Arenas signed a six-year, $111 million contract, while Jamison signed a four-year, $50 million contract.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/12645/stuck-together-gilbert-arenas-and-the-wizards|title=Stuck together: Gilbert Arenas and the Wizards|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|date=January 28, 2010|access-date=December 14, 2022|last=Abbott|first=Henry|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214105255/https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/12645/stuck-together-gilbert-arenas-and-the-wizards|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/wizsignjamison_080630.html|title=Wizards Sign Jamison to Contract Extension|date=June 30, 2008|work=Washington Wizards|publisher=NBA|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214105303/https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/wizsignjamison_080630.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wizards did not re-sign guard [[Roger Mason (basketball)|Roger Mason]], who signed with the [[2008β09 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio Spurs]]. The Wizards added guards [[Dee Brown (basketball, born 1984)|Dee Brown]] and [[Juan Dixon]], and drafted [[JaVale McGee]] 18th overall<ref>{{cite news|title=Washington Wizards Draft JaVale McGee|url=http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/mcgee18_080626.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=WashingtonWizards.com|date=June 26, 2008|access-date=June 26, 2015|archive-date=May 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504122318/http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/mcgee18_080626.html|url-status=live}}</ref> in the 2008 NBA Draft. In September, Arenas underwent a third operation on his surgically repaired left knee to clean out fluid and debris, and was expected to miss at least the first month of the season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3593256|title=Arenas has knee surgery, says he'll be back in December|work=ESPN|location=Washington|date=September 18, 2008|access-date=December 15, 2022|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215100543/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3593256|url-status=live}}</ref> The forecast came in longer than expected, as Arenas missed five months of action due to concerns about his knee, before returning on March 29, 2009.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.in/nba/recap/_/gameId/290328027|title=Arenas' game-winning attempt blocked in Wizards' latest loss|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|location=Washington|date=March 29, 2009|access-date=December 15, 2022|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215100544/https://www.espn.in/nba/recap/_/gameId/290328027|url-status=live}}</ref> In the first game of the preseason, Jamison suffered a right knee contusion, and was expected to miss the rest of the preseason.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3631686|title=Jamison leaves preseason opener with strained right knee|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|location=Dallas|date=October 8, 2008|access-date=December 15, 2022|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215100538/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3631686|url-status=live}}</ref> Haywood announced that he would undergo surgery on his right wrist and was expected to miss four to six months.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3637083|title=Wizards' Haywood to miss 4-6 months; Jamison day to day|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|location=Washington|date=October 11, 2008|access-date=December 15, 2022|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215100535/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3637083|url-status=live}}</ref> The preseason marked the return of Etan Thomas who had missed all of the 2007β2008 season while recovering from open-heart surgery. The Wizards added guard Fenny Falmagne from the Dakota Wizards on August 23, 2008, who was later waived by the team after a knee injury. [[File:Gilbert Arenas dribbling November 2010.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Gilbert Arenas in November 2010]] The Wizards opened the season on October 29 with a loss against [[2008β09 New Jersey Nets season|New Jersey]], and dropped fifteen of their first nineteen games. Head coach [[Eddie Jordan (basketball)|Eddie Jordan]] was fired on November 24 after a 1β10 start, and was replaced by interim coach [[Ed Tapscott]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/85353-eddie-jordan-fired-by-the-washington-wizards-after-1-10-start|title=Eddie Jordan Fired by the Washington Wizards After 1-10 Start|work=Bleacher Report|date=November 24, 2008|access-date=December 15, 2022|last=Floyd|first=Dusty|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215100543/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/85353-eddie-jordan-fired-by-the-washington-wizards-after-1-10-start|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 10, Washington acquired guards [[Javaris Crittenton]] and [[Mike James (basketball, born 1975)|Mike James]] in a three-team deal that sent Antonio Daniels to [[New Orleans Hornets|New Orleans]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/crittenton_james_081210.html|title=Wizards Acquire Javaris Crittenton and Mike James|work=Washington Wizards|publisher=NBA|date=December 10, 2008|access-date=December 15, 2022|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215100548/https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/crittenton_james_081210.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The team waived guard [[Dee Brown (basketball, born 1984)|Dee Brown]]. They won just 14 of their first 60 games and in the end tied a franchise-worst record of {{Win-loss record|w=19|l=63}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2008-09|title=NBA 2008-09 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 15, 2022|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215100549/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2008-09|url-status=live}}</ref> One of the few high points of the season came on February 27 when recently inaugurated President Barack Obama attended a Wizards game against the Chicago Bulls, sitting in a northeast court-side seat. The Wizards produced their second-biggest victory margin of the season with a 113β90 win; Jamison paced the side with 27 points.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-obama-basketball-022809-2009feb28-story.html|title=Obama watches Wizards defeat his hometown Bulls|work=The San Diego Union-Tribute|agency=The Associated Press|date=February 28, 2009|access-date=December 15, 2022|location=Washington|last=Simmons|first=Christine|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215100537/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-obama-basketball-022809-2009feb28-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/290227027|title=Obama watches Wizards embarrass hometown team in Washington|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|location=Washington|date=February 28, 2009|access-date=December 15, 2022|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215100547/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/290227027|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 2, the Wizards shut down the Cleveland Cavaliers, who came in with a record of 61β13, and ended Cleveland's franchise-best winning streak at 13.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/290402027|title=Agent Zero, Wizards pull upset of LeBron, Cavs|work=ESPN|date=April 3, 2009|access-date=December 15, 2022|location=Washington|agency=The Associated Press|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215100549/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/290402027|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Flip Saunders]] reached an agreement to become the new coach of the team in mid-April 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/basketball/bal-sp.digest231apr23,0,3531161.column|title=Wizards confirm Saunders is new coach|website=Baltimoresun.com}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Despite having the second-best chance at obtaining the number one overall pick in the 2009 draft, the Wizards were randomly chosen to pick fifth overall in the NBA Draft Lottery.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601079&sid=aJjibIGSkj4Q&refer=home|title=Clippers Win NBA's Draft Lottery; Blake Griffin May Go First|website=Bloomberg.com|date=May 20, 2009|access-date=March 12, 2017|archive-date=February 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210115241/https://mb.moatads.com/yi/v2?ol=0&qn=%604%7BZEYwoqI%24%5BK%2BdLLU)%2CMm~tQSe.%5BMhS%3A15.snxNz3%2B1bmlLntoDUj%7B!%3CFeid%5BOV%7C%2B2x%3D(%3Ce7%25%7DSlx%3Am4%2C..8WLdA1%3BxTiWio8bYLaXBjA%3AmQ)%3CF!tAbjrzJ%3BgoVYGVxc%40lQQV%23tc3%2Fh%7C%3FVKV%3BaBgS%3F%2BWx%3Ba5%2F%5BGI%3F4YNmD%3Dn%3Cy)%23*R%23tw98YCC2J.bq!CASw%5EXm0okt%24b_o%3FtVD%5D%5BpN%7CQF%40Sy7%7B%2CNr1U*%26ujMUU8fvb%26%22B&tf=1_nMzjG---CSa7H-1SJH-bW7qhB-LRwqH-nMzjG-&vi=111111&rc=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1%2C0%2C0%2Cprobably%2Cprobably&rb=1-LHtF2yVmV3wnsnFPZ0SLG0D32f%2FM0IEN6ypOGLOPg%2Fj24vqluabr2V04&rs=1-IUrPtvYVxBSdPA%3D%3D&sc=1&os=1-4Q%3D%3D&qp=00000&is=BBBBB2BBEYBvGl2BBCBBtUTE1RmsqbKW8BsrBu0rCFE48CRBeeBS2hWTMBBQeQBBn2soYggyUig0CBlWZ0uBBCCCCCCOgRBBiOfnE6Bkg7OxCb8MxOtJYHCBdm5kBhBBC9Y8oBXckXBR76iUUsJBCBBBBBBBBBWBBBj3BBBZeGV2BBBCMciUBBBjgEBBBBBB94UMgTdJMtEcpMBBBQBBBniOccBBBBBB47kNBBBBBBBBBBBBBhcjG6BBJM2L4Bk8BwCBQmIoRBBCzBz1BBCTClBBrbGBC4ehueB57NG9aJeRzBqEKiuwBBBB&iv=8&qt=0&gz=0&hh=0&hn=0&tw=&qc=0&qd=0&qf=1400&qe=900&qh=1400&qg=900&qm=0&qa=1400&qb=900&qi=1400&qj=900&to=000&po=1-0020002000002120&vy=ot%24b%5Bh%40%22oDgO%3DLlE6%3AYnIBMwqCf%5D)4%5Dz%2C%5B%26u9L%2F%2F%24b4%5DIAIbzbld%7Dt00%7Ca_BB%3FVxyEO%22zf4%5D%24cr16Zh5YigBghs%7ClTr1W*d%5B4kf%2FLyUoRdByZ%3C99Ks(I%7DY(T0c%7BDQ3MY.NjDby7p%26C&qr=0&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bloomberg.com%2Fpolitics%3Fpid%3D20601079%26refer%3Dhome%26sid%3DaJjibIGSkj4Q&pcode=bloombergprebidheader853620778109&rx=717838323854&callback=MoatNadoAllJsonpRequest_7013126|url-status=live}}</ref> This pick was later traded to the [[Minnesota Timberwolves]], along with Songaila, Thomas, and [[Oleksiy Pecherov]], in exchange for [[Randy Foye]] and [[Mike Miller (basketball, born 1980)|Mike Miller]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4282279|title=Source: Foye, Miller head to Wiz|website=[[ESPN]]|date=June 23, 2009|access-date=June 25, 2009|archive-date=November 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102185341/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4282279|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 21, 2009, Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld announced that the team had named [[Randy Wittman]] and [[Sam Cassell]] as assistant coaches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/59305/20090521/wizards_name_sam_cassell_assistant_coach/|title=Wizards Name Sam Cassell Assistant Coach|website=Realgm.com|access-date=May 22, 2009|archive-date=May 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090526214116/http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/59305/20090521/wizards_name_sam_cassell_assistant_coach|url-status=dead}}</ref> Then on August 11, 2009, the Wizards signed [[Fabricio Oberto]], many weeks after he committed to signing with the team.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/23/AR2009072303442.html | newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] | title=Fabricio Oberto Agrees to Sign With Washington Wizards, Adding to Team's Front Court | first=Michael | last=Lee | date=July 24, 2009 | access-date=May 27, 2010 | archive-date=July 2, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702183743/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/23/AR2009072303442.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In November, majority owner Abe Pollin died at the age of 85. At the time of his death, he was the longest-tenured owner in NBA history.<ref name="HP2009">{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/24/abe-pollin-dead-wizards-o_n_369646.html|title=Abe Pollin Dead: Wizards Owner Dies At 85|last=White|first=Joseph|date=November 24, 2010|work=Huffington Post|location=USA|access-date=March 27, 2011|archive-date=November 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091128105846/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/24/abe-pollin-dead-wizards-o_n_369646.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Control of the franchise passed to his widow Irene, though minority owner [[Ted Leonsis]] was known to be preparing a takeover bid.<ref name="HP2009"/> On December 24, 2009, it was revealed that Arenas had admitted to storing unloaded firearms in his locker at [[Capital One Arena|Verizon Center]] and had surrendered them to team security. In doing so, Arenas violated both NBA rules against bringing firearms into an arena and D.C. ordinances.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4771109|title=Wizards: Arenas had firearms in locker|website=[[ESPN]]|date=December 24, 2009|access-date=January 9, 2010|archive-date=November 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104032558/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4771109|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 1, 2010, it was reported that Arenas and teammate Javaris Crittenton had unloaded guns in the Wizards' locker room during a Christmas Eve argument regarding gambling debts resulting in Arenas's suspension.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/nba-players-reportedly-drew-guns-in-christmas-eve-argument | publisher=Fox News | title=NBA Players Reportedly Drew Guns in Christmas Eve Argument | website=Foxnews.com | date=January 1, 2010 | access-date=January 9, 2010 | archive-date=October 24, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024011036/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,581718,00.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Despite Stern's longstanding practice of not disciplining players until the legal process played out, he felt compelled to act when Arenas' teammates surrounded him during pregame introductions prior to a game with the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] and he pantomimed shooting them with guns made from his fingers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Gilbert-Arenas-continues-to-take-gun-case-in-str?urn=nba,212006|title=Gilbert Arenas continues to take gun case in stride|website=Sports.yahoo.com|access-date=November 20, 2015|archive-date=October 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022142839/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Gilbert-Arenas-continues-to-take-gun-case-in-str?urn=nba,212006|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wizards issued a statement condemning the players' pregame stunt as "unacceptable".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4802267|title=Arenas suspended indefinitely|website=[[ESPN]]|date=January 6, 2010|access-date=January 9, 2010|archive-date=October 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016233418/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4802267|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 13, 2010, after a 17β33 record at the season's midway point, The Wizards traded Butler, Haywood, and Stevenson to the Mavericks in exchange for [[Josh Howard]], Drew Gooden, Quinton Ross and [[James Singleton (basketball)|James Singleton]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4912262|title=Butler to Mavs, Wiz get Howard|work=ESPN|date=February 14, 2010|access-date=December 15, 2022|last=Stein|first=Marc|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215100549/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4912262|url-status=live}}</ref> Three days later, the Wizards traded [[Antawn Jamison]] to the Cavaliers in exchange for [[Zydrunas Ilgauskas]] and obtained [[Al Thornton]] from the [[2009β10 Los Angeles Clippers season|Los Angeles Clippers]] in a three-team deal.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/trade_100217.html|title=Cavaliers Acquire All-Star Forward Antawn Jamison in Three-Team Trade|date=February 17, 2010|access-date=December 15, 2022|work=Cleveland Cavaliers|publisher=NBA|location=Cleveland|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215100544/https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/trade_100217.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Ilgauskas reported long enough to take a physical (to make the trade official). His contract was immediately bought out, making him a free agent.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-wizards-buy-out-c-zydrunas-ilgauskas-waive-him-2010feb25-story.html|title=Wizards buy out C Zydrunas Ilgauskas, waive him|work=The San Diego Union-Tribune|agency=The Associated Press|date=February 25, 2010|access-date=December 15, 2022|location=Washington|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215100543/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-wizards-buy-out-c-zydrunas-ilgauskas-waive-him-2010feb25-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 26, 2010, the Wizards signed [[Shaun Livingston]] to a 10-day contract.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/livingston_100226.html|title=Wizards Sign Guard Shaun Livingston|date=February 26, 2010|access-date=December 15, 2022|work=Washington Wizards|publisher=NBA|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215100546/https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/livingston_100226.html|url-status=live}}</ref> With Gilbert Arenas suspended and Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison being traded, the Wizards finished the season at {{Win-loss record|w=26|l=56}}, posting an abysmal 9β23 record to finish the season. They were the only [[Southeast Division (NBA)|Southeast Division]] team not to make the postseason.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2009-10&GroupBy=div|title=NBA 2009-10 Regular Season Standings (By conference)|work=NBA|access-date=December 15, 2022|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215100536/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2009-10&GroupBy=div|url-status=live}}</ref> ===2010β2019: The John Wall era=== ====2010β2013: The beginning and the arrival of John Wall==== Leonsis completed his takeover of the Wizards and Verizon Center in June through his newly-formed holding company, [[Monumental Sports & Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Heath|first=Thomas|title=Leonsis holdings under new Monumental Sports include Wizards, Verizon Center|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/10/AR2010061002827.html|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=June 10, 2010|access-date=October 30, 2018|archive-date=October 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030131243/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/10/AR2010061002827.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He had previously purchased the [[Washington Capitals]] and [[Washington Mystics|Mystics]] from the Pollin family.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ted Leonsis-Led Group Completes Acquisition of Washington Wizards|url=http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/leonsis_acquisition_100610.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=WashingtonWizards.com|date=June 10, 2010|access-date=October 30, 2018|archive-date=October 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030131501/https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/leonsis_acquisition_100610.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Leonsis took a fan-centric approach to running the franchise, by listening and responding to the concerns of Wizards supporters through his email and personal website.<ref name="Lee2010">{{cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2010/10/ted-leonsis-hints-at-a-possibl.html|title=Ted Leonsis says name change to Bullets is 'under consideration'|last=Lee|first=Michael|date=October 6, 2010|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=March 27, 2010|archive-date=January 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105193159/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2010/10/ted-leonsis-hints-at-a-possibl.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He wrote a manifesto of 101 changes he hoped to implement during his ownership, including changing the team's colors back to the red, white and blue of the Bullets era, and possibly changing the team nickname back to "Bullets" as well.<ref name="Lee2010" /> Team president [[Ernie Grunfeld]] later confirmed that the franchise's colors would revert to red, white and blue from the 2011β12 season onwards. The team also adopted new uniforms that were very similar to the ones they wore from 1974 to 1987. Although the Wizards did not change their name to the Bullets again, they adopted a variation of the 1969β1987 Bullets logo with "wizards" spelled in all lowercase letters like the "bullets" logo was printed.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/pick-roll/grunfeld-says-wizards-changing-colors-2011-12| work=[[Washington Examiner]]| title=Grunfeld says Wizards changing colors in 2011β12| date=September 23, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Despite having only the fifth-best odds of obtaining the No. 1 pick (10.3%), the Wizards won the [[2010 NBA draft]] lottery and selected All-American Kentucky point guard [[John Wall]] with the first overall pick.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2010-05-18-nba-draft-lottery_N.htm|title=Wizards pull upset in NBA draft lottery, grab No. 1 overall pick|work=USA Today|date=May 19, 2010|access-date=March 14, 2018|archive-date=February 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202213440/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2010-05-18-nba-draft-lottery_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Later in the off-season, the team acquired the [[Chicago Bulls]]' all-time leader in three-point field goals, [[Kirk Hinrich]] and the draft rights to forward [[Kevin Seraphin]] in exchange for the draft rights to [[Vladimir Veremeenko]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/hinrich_traded_100708.html|title=Bulls trade Hinrich to Washington|work=Chicago Bulls|publisher=NBA|date=July 7, 2010|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051557/https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/hinrich_traded_100708.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:John Wall (12274911544).jpg|thumb|Hyper-athletic point guard [[John Wall]] led the Wizards to 4 playoff appearances during the 2010s]] In a blockbuster trade, the Wizards sent Gilbert Arenas to the [[2011β12 Orlando Magic season|Orlando Magic]] in return for [[Rashard Lewis]] on December 18.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=5932861|title=Magic get Gilbert Arenas in banner day|work=ESPN|date=December 19, 2010|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051556/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=5932861|url-status=live}}</ref> Kirk Hinrich and [[Hilton Armstrong]] were traded to the Atlanta Hawks for [[Jordan Crawford]], [[Maurice Evans (basketball)|Maurice Evans]], [[Mike Bibby]], and a 2011 first-round pick that became [[Chris Singleton (basketball, born 1989)|Chris Singleton]], although Mike Bibby bought out his contract after playing two games and eventually signed with the [[2011β12 Miami Heat season|Miami Heat]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=6152388|title=Hawks add Kirk Hinrich, deal Mike Bibby|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|location=Atlanta|date=February 24, 2011|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051557/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=6152388|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wizards finished with a {{Win-loss record|w=30|l=52}} record, once again occupying the bottom of the Southeast Division. After a poor start to the [[2011β12 Washington Wizards season|2011β12 season]], head coach [[Flip Saunders]] was fired and replaced by assistant [[Randy Wittman]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/NBA-Randy-Wittman-to-return-as-Washington-Wizards-coach/articleshow/13825546.cms|title=Randy Wittman|access-date=June 28, 2012|work=The Times Of India|archive-date=June 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606015423/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/NBA-Randy-Wittman-to-return-as-Washington-Wizards-coach/articleshow/13825546.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 15, the Wizards were involved in a three-way trade that sent [[JaVale McGee]] and [[Ronny Turiaf]] to the Nuggets and [[Nick Young (basketball)|Nick Young]] to the Clippers in exchange for [[NenΓͺ]] and [[Brian Cook (basketball)|Brian Cook]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/wizards_acquire_nene_031512.html|title=WIZARDS ACQUIRE NENE FROM DENVER|location=Washington|work=Washington Wizards|publisher=NBA|date=March 15, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051602/https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/wizards_acquire_nene_031512.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After ending the season on a six-game win streak, the Wizards finished with a record of {{Win-loss record|w=20|l=46}} (season was shortened due to the [[2011 NBA Lockout]]) and the second-worst record in the NBA, comfortably ahead of the {{Win-loss record|w=7|l=59}} [[2011β12 Charlotte Bobcats season|Charlotte Bobcats]] who set an NBA record for the lowest win percentage in a season with .106. On June 20, the Wizards sent Lewis and a pick to the Hornets for [[Emeka Okafor]] and [[Trevor Ariza]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Wizards trade Rashard Lewis, No. 46 draft pick to New Orleans for Emeka Okafor, Trevor Ariza|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/post/2012/06/20/gJQAN5EjqV_blog.html|last=Lee|first=Michael|date=June 20, 2012|newspaper=Washington Post|language=en-US|access-date=May 25, 2020|archive-date=May 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527022040/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/post/2012/06/20/gJQAN5EjqV_blog.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ====2012-2013: The arrival of Bradley Beal==== In the 2012 NBA Draft, the Wizards selected [[Bradley Beal]] and [[TomΓ‘Ε‘ SatoranskΓ½]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/wizards-select-beal-third-pick-2012-nba-draft-0|title=Wizards Select Beal With Third Pick In 2012 NBA Draft|work=Washington Wizards|publisher=NBA|location=Washington|date=June 29, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051557/https://www.nba.com/wizards/wizards-select-beal-third-pick-2012-nba-draft-0|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 17, 2012, the Wizards exercised the amnesty provision from the 2011 CBA to release [[Andray Blatche]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Washington Wizards use amnesty clause on troubled forward Andray Blatche|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8174865/washington-wizards-use-amnesty-clause-troubled-forward-andray-blatche|publisher=ESPN|date=July 17, 2012|access-date=November 10, 2015|archive-date=January 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123194947/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8174865/washington-wizards-use-amnesty-clause-troubled-forward-andray-blatche|url-status=live}}</ref> They also signed [[A. J. Price]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/wizards-sign-aj-price|title=Wizards Sign A.J. Price|work=Washington Wizards|publisher=NBA|date=July 24, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051557/https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/wizards-sign-aj-price|url-status=live}}</ref> Then, on August 29, 2012, Martell Webster was signed to the Wizards for one year on a $1.6 million contract.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/washington-wizards-officially-sign-martell-webster/|title=Washington Wizards officially sign Martell Webster|work=CBS Sports|date=August 29, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2022|last=Golliver|first=Ben|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051601/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/washington-wizards-officially-sign-martell-webster/|url-status=live}}</ref> He played well for what he was signed for and had a .422 average for three-point shots and a .442 field goal percentage. On April 30, 2013, [[Jason Collins]], who joined the team in February, announced his homosexuality as a member of the Wizards. His announcement made him the first openly gay member of a North American team sport.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/29/sport/collins-gay/index.html|title=NBA's Jason Collins comes out as gay|work=CNN|date=April 30, 2013|access-date=December 16, 2022|first1=Joe|last1=Sterling|first2=Steve|last2=Almasy|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051557/https://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/29/sport/collins-gay/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wizards ended the season with a {{Win-loss record|w=33|l=49}} record, finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference and fourth in the Southeast Division, 10 games ahead of the [[2012β13 Orlando Magic season|Orlando Magic]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2012-13&GroupBy=conf|title=NBA 2012-13 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051601/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2012-13&GroupBy=conf|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 21, 2013, the Wizards went up five spots in the [[NBA draft lottery]] to make the number three overall selection for the second year in a row.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-05-21/sports/39420274_1_wizards-president-ernie-grunfeld-washington-wizards-john-wall | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528103937/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-05-21/sports/39420274_1_wizards-president-ernie-grunfeld-washington-wizards-john-wall | url-status=dead | archive-date=May 28, 2013 | newspaper=The Washington Post | first=Michael | last=Lee | title=Wizards/NBA | date=May 22, 2013}}</ref> They used that pick to draft [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|Consensus All-American]] [[Otto Porter]] of [[Georgetown University]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-06-27/sports/40234435_1_washington-wizards-nba-draft-wizards-president-ernie-grunfeld | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718095239/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-06-27/sports/40234435_1_washington-wizards-nba-draft-wizards-president-ernie-grunfeld | url-status=dead | archive-date=July 18, 2013 | newspaper=The Washington Post | first=Michael | last=Lee | title=Wizards/NBA | date=June 28, 2013}}</ref> On October 25, 2013, Wizards' center [[Emeka Okafor]] and a top-12 protected 2014 first-round pick were traded to the [[2013β14 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix Suns]] for the center [[Marcin Gortat]], [[Shannon Brown]], [[Malcolm Lee (basketball)|Malcolm Lee]] and [[Kendall Marshall]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/wizards/2013/10/28/shannon-brown-malcolm-lee-kendall-marshall-waivers-released-cut-washington/3290569/ | title=Wizards cut Shannon Brown, Malcolm Lee, Kendall Marshall | work=USA Today | date=October 28, 2013 | access-date=October 29, 2013 | archive-date=November 1, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101111550/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/wizards/2013/10/28/shannon-brown-malcolm-lee-kendall-marshall-waivers-released-cut-washington/3290569/ | url-status=live }}</ref> ====2013β14: Return to playoffs==== [[File:Capital One Arena interior 2017-04-19.jpg|250px|thumb|The Wizards returned to the playoffs in the 2014 season.]] On February 3, 2014, the Wizards defeated the [[2013β14 Portland Trail Blazers season|Portland Trail Blazers]] to improve to a 24β23 record. The win marked the first time the team had held a winning record since 2009.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-vs-trail-blazers-washington-wins-to-top-500-for-first-time-since-2009/2014/02/03/e203376c-8d40-11e3-833c-33098f9e5267_story.html | title=Wizards vs. Trail Blazers: Washington wins to top .500 for first time since 2009 | newspaper=Washington Post | date=February 3, 2014 | access-date=February 3, 2014 | first=Michael | last=Lee | archive-date=February 4, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204073240/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-vs-trail-blazers-washington-wins-to-top-500-for-first-time-since-2009/2014/02/03/e203376c-8d40-11e3-833c-33098f9e5267_story.html | url-status=live }}</ref> On April 2, 2014, the Wizards defeated the [[2013β14 Boston Celtics season|Boston Celtics]] by a score of 118β92 to clinch the team's first playoff berth since the 2007β08 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489992|title=Wizards clinch first playoff berth since 2008|work=ESPN|date=April 2, 2014|access-date=April 2, 2014|archive-date=April 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403122955/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489992|url-status=live}}</ref> Led by first time All-Star John Wall, on April 29, 2014, the Wizards defeated the [[2013β14 Chicago Bulls season|Chicago Bulls]] in game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals by a score of 75β69 to win the series 4β1. This was the Wizards first series victory since the [[2005 NBA playoffs]] when they defeated the same team in 6 games.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400553103 | title=Wizards knock out Bulls for rare postseason series victory | work=ESPN | date=April 29, 2014 | access-date=May 2, 2014 | archive-date=May 1, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140501231057/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400553103 | url-status=live }}</ref> The Wizards advanced to the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Indiana Pacers. The Wizards won game one 102β96. In Game 2, the Wizards lost a 19-point second-half lead, as they dropped the game 88β82. After being routed by Indiana in game three 85β63, they also lost game four 95β92. They showed grit and determination as they staved off elimination with a 102β79 game five win. They were behind most of game 6, but battled back to take the lead late in the game. However, Indiana closed out the series with a 93β80 win.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400556180|title=Pacers pull away from Wizards, advance to conference finals|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|date=May 16, 2014|access-date=December 16, 2022|location=Washington|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216052846/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400556180|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Trevor Ariza]] would leave in the off-season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/rockets/rockets-land-ariza-three-team-deal|title=Rockets Land Ariza & Valuable First Round Pick|location=Houston|work=Houston Rockets|publisher=NBA|date=July 15, 2014|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216052901/https://www.nba.com/rockets/rockets-land-ariza-three-team-deal|url-status=live}}</ref> ====2014β15==== [[File:Bradley Beal Wizards cropped.jpg|thumb|Bradley Beal in 2013]] After the departure of [[Trevor Ariza]], the Wizards signed veteran small forward [[Paul Pierce]] to a two-year contract.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11208931/paul-pierce-washington-wizards-agree-two-year-deal|title=Paul Pierce to Wizards on 2-year deal|work=ESPN|date=July 13, 2014|access-date=December 16, 2022|last=Stein|first=Marc|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216053709/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11208931/paul-pierce-washington-wizards-agree-two-year-deal|url-status=live}}</ref> Pierce's veteran leadership proved to be a major factor on and off the court in the team's improvement. On November 12, 2014, the Wizards defeated the Detroit Pistons 107β103, extending their record to 6β2 for the first time since the 1975β76 season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wall's 27 points lead Wizards over Pistons 107β103|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20141112/DETWAS/gameinfo.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=November 13, 2014|access-date=October 30, 2018|archive-date=September 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915014140/http://www.nba.com/games/20141112/DETWAS/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The following game three days later, the Wizards defeated the Orlando Magic 98β93 as they won their third straight and moved to 7β2, their best start since opening 7β1 during the 1974β75 season.<ref>{{cite news|last=Valentine|first=Harvey|title=Bench key as Wizards defeat Magic 98β93|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20141115/ORLWAS/gameinfo.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=November 15, 2014|access-date=October 30, 2018|archive-date=April 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417004050/http://www.nba.com/games/20141115/ORLWAS/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> With a 104β96 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on December 12, the Wizards moved to an 11β2 record at home to start the season for the first time in franchise history.<ref>{{cite news|last=White|first=Joseph|title=Wall, Wizards end Clippers' 9-game streak, 104β96|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20141212/LACWAS/gameinfo.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=December 13, 2014|access-date=October 30, 2018|archive-date=April 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416082328/http://www.nba.com/games/20141212/LACWAS/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They would struggle throughout the later months of the season but the Washington Wizards would finish the season with a {{Win-loss record|w=46|l=36}} record, their best record since the 1978β1979 season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wall-less-wizards-are-on-target/2015/04/08/59d0102e-de37-11e4-a500-1c5bb1d8ff6a_story.html|title=John Wall sits, but red-hot Wizards roll to 119-90 win at Philadelphia|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 8, 2015|access-date=December 16, 2022|last=Castillo|first=Jorge|location=Philadelphia|archive-date=February 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204155627/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wall-less-wizards-are-on-target/2015/04/08/59d0102e-de37-11e4-a500-1c5bb1d8ff6a_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They played the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the NBA Playoffs and won in four games, marking their first sweep in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400790931|title=Bradley Beal steers Wizards into 2nd round with sweep of Raptors|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|location=Washington|date=April 27, 2015|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216053708/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400790931|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the victory over Toronto, the Wizards next had to play the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks. The Wizards managed to take the first game in the series, but suffered the loss of Wall due to a fractured wrist.<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 8, 2015|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2015/story/_/id/12841935/john-wall-washington-wizards-fractured-left-wrist-hand|title=Wizards' John Wall has fractures in left wrist, hand|access-date=December 16, 2022|work=ESPN|location=Washington|first=Ohm|last=Youngmisuk|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216053737/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2015/story/_/id/12841935/john-wall-washington-wizards-fractured-left-wrist-hand|url-status=live}}</ref> Although small forward Paul Pierce made several big shots throughout the series, the loss of Wall proved too much, and Atlanta took the series in six games.<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 16, 2015|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400793786|title=Hawks off to East finals for first time; Paul Pierce game-tying 3 ruled too late|access-date=December 16, 2022|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|location=Washington|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216053708/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400793786|url-status=live}}</ref> ====2015β16==== However, the 2015β16 season was much less successful. The Wizards finished 10th in the Eastern Conference with a {{Win-loss record|w=41|l=41}} record, and missed the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2015-16&GroupBy=conf|title=NBA 2015-16 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216054215/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2015-16&GroupBy=conf|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 13, 2016, the Wizards fired head coach Randy Wittman.<ref>{{cite news|title=WIZARDS PART WAYS WITH WITTMAN|url=https://wizardstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/2016/04/14/wizards-part-ways-with-wittman|work=WizardsToday.MonumentalSportsNetwork.com|date=April 14, 2016|access-date=April 14, 2016|archive-date=October 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010153553/https://wizardstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/2016/04/14/wizards-part-ways-with-wittman|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Wizards fire coach Randy Wittman after team misses playoffs|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/15200611/wizards-fire-coach-randy-wittman-team-misses-playoffs|publisher=ESPN|date=April 14, 2016|access-date=April 14, 2016|archive-date=April 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416002930/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/15200611/wizards-fire-coach-randy-wittman-team-misses-playoffs|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 21, 2016, [[Scott Brooks]], the former head coach of the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]], agreed to a five-year, $35 million deal to be the head coach of the Wizards.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fendrich|first1=Howard|last2=Krawczynski|first2=Jon|title=Report: Wizards, Brooks agree on five-year deal|url=http://www.nba.com/2016/news/04/21/washington-wizards-agree-to-deal-with-scott-brooks.ap/|agency=Associated Press|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=April 21, 2016|access-date=April 25, 2016|archive-date=March 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314105120/http://www.nba.com/2016/news/04/21/washington-wizards-agree-to-deal-with-scott-brooks.ap/|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 8, 2016, the team unveiled new alternative jerseys.<ref>{{cite news|last=Whitacre|first=Jake|title=Washington Wizards unveil alternate uniform|url=http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/9/8/12848518/washington-wizards-alternate-uniform-2016-2017-nba-stars-stripes|publisher=[[SB Nation|Bullets Forever]]|date=September 8, 2016|access-date=September 8, 2016|archive-date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909172312/http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/9/8/12848518/washington-wizards-alternate-uniform-2016-2017-nba-stars-stripes|url-status=live}}</ref> From 2015 on, their logo was the "monument ball" with "Navy Blue, Red, Silver, White" colors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sportsteamhistory.com/washington-wizards |title=Wizards logos |website=Sportsteamhistory |access-date=September 24, 2016 |archive-date=September 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927002420/http://sportsteamhistory.com/washington-wizards |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2016, they were ranked 93rd of 122 worst franchises in major sports by Ultimate Standings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/10/21/13358158/wizards-espn-ultimate-rankings-2016-analysis |title=Wizards ranked 93rd of 122 worst franchises in major sports |last=Lee |first=Alberta |date=October 21, 2016 |access-date=October 21, 2016 |archive-date=October 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022094633/http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/10/21/13358158/wizards-espn-ultimate-rankings-2016-analysis |url-status=live }}</ref> [[File:Scott Brooks (Hornets at Wizards 12-14-16).jpg|thumb|left|upright|Scott Brooks served as head coach from 2016 to 2021.]] ====2016β17==== The 2016β17 season would prove to be the most successful in recent Wizards history, following a {{Win-loss record|w=49|l=33}} record and winning the Southeast Division for the first time since 1979.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/tennis/wizards-clinch-southeast-division-title-with-rally-past-lakers/2017/03/29/a6e396d8-13dc-11e7-ada0-1489b735b3a3_story.html|title=Wizards clinch Southeast Division title with rally past Lakers|newspaper=The Washington Post|location=Los Angeles|date=March 29, 2017|access-date=December 16, 2022|last=Buckner|first=Candace|archive-date=September 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908112641/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/tennis/wizards-clinch-southeast-division-title-with-rally-past-lakers/2017/03/29/a6e396d8-13dc-11e7-ada0-1489b735b3a3_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This came off the breakout of Bradley Beal who averaged a then career-high 23.1 points. Beal's rise matched the continued All-Star play of John Wall who averaged career highs in points and assists with 23.1 and 10.7, respectively, earning him an All-NBA team spot.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WAS/2017.html|title=2016-17 Washington Wizards Roster and Stats|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216055210/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WAS/2017.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite starting the season 1β5, the Wizards would defeat the Boston Celtics 118β93 on November 9.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400899557|title=Porter scores career-best 34 as Wizards rout Celtics 118-93|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|date=November 9, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2022|location=Washington|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214142732/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400899557|url-status=live}}</ref> After mediocre play through much of the early part of the season, after December the Wizards would turn their season around, holding a record of 34β21 at the All-Star break. The Wizards finished the season 49β33, their highest win total since 1979. In the first round of the playoffs the 4-seed Wizards were matched against the 5-seed Atlanta Hawks. After winning the first two games at home, the Wizards struggled on the road as the Hawks tied the series 2β2. The Wizards went on to win the next two games to close out the series at home behind stellar play from their backcourt of Wall and Beal who dropped a combined 73 points in the closeout Game 6 win.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/playoffs/2017/04/28/wizards-eliminate-hawks-nba-playoffs-game-6-road-win/101054482/|title=Wizards eliminate Hawks from NBA playoffs with Game 6 road win|work=USA Today|date=April 28, 2017|access-date=December 16, 2022|last=Zillgitt|first=Jeff|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216055209/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/playoffs/2017/04/28/wizards-eliminate-hawks-nba-playoffs-game-6-road-win/101054482/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the second round, the Wizards faced the first-seeded Boston Celtics. They would go on to lose the series in 7 games.<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 16, 2017|access-date=December 16, 2022|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400952532|title=Celtics power past Wizards in Game 7, 115-105|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|location=Boston|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216055208/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400952532|url-status=live}}</ref> ====2017β18==== For the [[2017β18 Washington Wizards season|2017β18 season]], the Wizards would play their next season in the newly named [[Capital One Arena]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Verizon Center renamed Capital One Arena|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/aug/9/verizon-center-renamed-capital-one-arena/|work=The Washington Times|access-date=August 31, 2017|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115165409/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/aug/9/verizon-center-renamed-capital-one-arena/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2017/08/09/washington-wizards-verizon-center-renamed-capital-one-arena/552221001/|title=Washington Wizards' Verizon Center renamed Capital One Arena|work=USA TODAY|access-date=August 31, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905033142/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2017/08/09/washington-wizards-verizon-center-renamed-capital-one-arena/552221001/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wizards finished with a 43β39 record, which was good for the 8th seed, but lost the first round in six games to the top-seeded [[2017β18 Toronto Raptors season|Toronto Raptors]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=2017β18 Washington Wizards Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WAS/2018.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=May 25, 2020|archive-date=May 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530144419/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WAS/2018.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Bradley Beal made his first All-Star team this season along with John Wall, who made his fifth in a row and last. ====2018β19==== In the off-season, the Wizards picked up [[Thomas Bryant (basketball)|Thomas Bryant]] off waivers and Troy Brown in the draft with the 15th pick in the [[2018 NBA draft]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/meet-wizards-draft-troy-brown|title=Get to know Wizards rookie Troy Brown Jr.|work=Washington Wizards|publisher=NBA|date=July 26, 2018|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216060320/https://www.nba.com/wizards/meet-wizards-draft-troy-brown|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite Bryant becoming a valuable asset and [[Bradley Beal]] having a career season, the season would end up being an underwhelming one full of turmoil and on-court troubles. The Wizards also went through injuries, including [[Dwight Howard]] playing 9 games before missing the rest of the season due to back problems and losing [[John Wall]] who underwent a season-ending surgery on his left Achilles which he injured while recovering from a previous injury,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/wizards/2018/12/29/john-wall-season-ending-surgery-wizards-injury-woes/2443180002/|title=Another blow for Wizards: John Wall to have season-ending surgery|work=USA Today|agency=The Associated Press|date=December 29, 2018|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216060320/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/wizards/2018/12/29/john-wall-season-ending-surgery-wizards-injury-woes/2443180002/|url-status=live}}</ref> while trading [[Kelly Oubre Jr.]], [[Otto Porter Jr.]], and [[Markieff Morris]] at the same time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/wizards-acquire-trevor-ariza-suns-official-release|title=Wizards trade Oubre Jr., Rivers to Suns for Ariza|work=NBA|publisher=NBA|date=December 17, 2018|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216060326/https://www.nba.com/news/wizards-acquire-trevor-ariza-suns-official-release|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25940828/bulls-get-otto-porter-wizards-bobby-portis-jabari-parker|title=Bulls get Otto Porter Jr. from Wizards for Bobby Portis, Jabari Parker|work=ESPN|date=February 7, 2019|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216060321/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25940828/bulls-get-otto-porter-wizards-bobby-portis-jabari-parker|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25942173/wizards-agree-trade-markieff-morris-pelicans-wesley-johnson|title=Wizards send Markieff Morris to Pelicans for Wesley Johnson|date=February 7, 2019|access-date=December 16, 2022|work=ESPN|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216060318/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25942173/wizards-agree-trade-markieff-morris-pelicans-wesley-johnson|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, the Wizards would miss the playoffs for the first time since the [[2015β16 Washington Wizards season|2015β16 season]]. Bradley Beal made his second All-Star Team. ==== 2019-20 ==== In April 2019, the Wizards fired general manager [[Ernie Grunfeld]], who had been with the team since 2003, with [[Tommy Sheppard (basketball)|Tommy Sheppard]] taking over as interim general manager until being officially hired fulltime in July 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=Grunfeld fired as president of Wizards |url=https://www.nba.com/article/2019/04/02/washington-wizards-ernie-grunfeld-fired-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722235821/https://www.nba.com/article/2019/04/02/washington-wizards-ernie-grunfeld-fired-report |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |access-date=July 22, 2019 |website=NBA.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kaskey-Blomain |first1=Michael |date=July 22, 2019 |title=Wizards promote Tommy Sheppard to general manager, add former NFL exec Sashi Brown to front office |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/wizards-promote-tommy-sheppard-to-general-manager-add-former-nfl-exec-sashi-brown-to-front-office/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722235823/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/wizards-promote-tommy-sheppard-to-general-manager-add-former-nfl-exec-sashi-brown-to-front-office/ |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |access-date=July 22, 2019 |website=CBSSports.com}}</ref> Alongside other front office moves, the Wizards selected Japanese player [[Rui Hachimura]] with their 9th pick in the [[2019 NBA draft]], as well as acquiring the [[2018β19 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia 76ers]]' draft rights to 42nd pick [[Admiral Schofield]] in a trade.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 26, 2019 |title=Wizards' Admiral Schofield is already one of NBA's most interesting rookies |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/wizards-admiral-schofield-already-one-nbas-most-interesting-rookies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624044403/https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/wizards-admiral-schofield-already-one-nbas-most-interesting-rookies |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=January 14, 2022 |website=NBC Sports}}</ref> Following the [[suspension of the 2019β20 NBA season]], the Wizards were one of the 22 teams invited to the [[2020 NBA Bubble|NBA Bubble]] to participate in the final eight games of the regular season,<ref>{{cite web |date=June 4, 2020 |title=NBA Board of Governors approves competitive format to restart 2019β20 season with 22 teams returning to play |url=https://www.nba.com/article/2020/06/04/board-of-governors-approves-nba-return-official-release |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612050333/https://www.nba.com/article/2020/06/04/board-of-governors-approves-nba-return-official-release |archive-date=June 12, 2020 |access-date=October 18, 2020 |website=NBA.com}}</ref> where the Wizards went 1β7 and missed the playoffs. ===2019β2023: The Bradley Beal era=== [[File:Bradley Beal (50639153577).jpg|thumb|right|upright|220px|Bradley Beal in 2019]]In December 2020, the Wizards traded John Wall and a first-round draft pick to the [[Houston Rockets]] for [[Russell Westbrook]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Wizards acquire Russell Westbrook |url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/wizards-acquire-russell-westbrook |website=NBA.com |access-date=December 2, 2020 |date=December 2, 2020 |archive-date=December 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203022104/https://www.nba.com/wizards/wizards-acquire-russell-westbrook |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards agree to Russell Westbrook-John Wall trade |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30439266/sources-houston-rockets-washington-wizards-agree-russell-westbrook-john-wall-deal |website=ESPN.com |access-date=December 3, 2020 |date=December 2, 2020 |archive-date=December 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203012407/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30439266/sources-houston-rockets-washington-wizards-agree-russell-westbrook-john-wall-deal |url-status=live }}</ref> In the [[2020 NBA draft]], the Wizards drafted [[Deni Avdija]] and [[VΓt KrejΔΓ]];<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/wizards-select-avdija-ninth-pick-2020-nba-draft|title=Wizards select Avdija with the ninth pick in 2020 NBA Draft|date=November 19, 2020|access-date=December 16, 2022|work=Washington Wizards|publisher=NBA|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216082006/https://www.nba.com/wizards/wizards-select-avdija-ninth-pick-2020-nba-draft|url-status=live}}</ref> KrejΔΓ's draft rights were later traded to the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]] for the rights to [[Cassius Winston]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/college/michiganstate/basketball/nba-draft-2020-cassius-winston-taken-by-washington-wizards-xavier-tillman-sr/|title=NBA Draft 2020: Cassius Winston Heads To Washington Wizards|date=November 19, 2020|access-date=December 16, 2022|magazine=Sports Illustrated|location=East Lansing|last=Moberg|first=McLain|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216082014/https://www.si.com/college/michiganstate/basketball/nba-draft-2020-cassius-winston-taken-by-washington-wizards-xavier-tillman-sr|url-status=live}}</ref> Avdija fractured his ankle in April 2021, effectively ending his season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/deni-avdija-injury-update-april-22-2021|title=Deni Avdija Injury Update|work=Washington Wizards|date=April 22, 2021|access-date=December 16, 2022|publisher=NBA|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216082007/https://www.nba.com/wizards/deni-avdija-injury-update-april-22-2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Bradley Beal had a career season, making All-NBA Third Team for the first time of his career. Russell Westbrook averaged a triple double for the fourth time in his career, despite not making the All-Star team. The Wizards returned to the playoffs this season, but were defeated by the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] in five games. On June 16, 2021, Brooks and the Wizards agreed to part ways after not being able to agree to a new contract.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sources: Wizards' Brooks out as talks fall apart |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31644882/scott-brooks-washington-wizards-coach-contract-talks-fall-sources-say |website=ESPN.com |access-date=June 16, 2021 |language=en |date=June 16, 2021 |archive-date=June 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616154408/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31644882/scott-brooks-washington-wizards-coach-contract-talks-fall-sources-say |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 6, 2021, Washington Wizards traded [[Russell Westbrook]], 2024 second-round pick and 2028 second-round pick to the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] for [[Kyle Kuzma]], [[Kentavious Caldwell-Pope]] and [[Montrezl Harrell]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/nba/news/36226/12367611/russell-westbrook-traded-to-los-angeles-lakers-in-blockbuster-deal-with-washington-wizards|title=Russell Westbrook traded to Los Angeles Lakers in blockbuster deal with Washington Wizards|date=July 30, 2021|access-date=December 16, 2022|work=Sky Sports|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216082010/https://www.skysports.com/nba/news/36226/12367611/russell-westbrook-traded-to-los-angeles-lakers-in-blockbuster-deal-with-washington-wizards|url-status=live}}</ref> After a hot start to the season, the Wizards record slowly slipped. Notable losses include a 35-point lead blown to the Clippers and a loss to the 76ers which started a fight between [[Kentavious Caldwell-Pope]] and [[Montrezl Harrell]]. The Wizard's woes continued as a wrist injury that required surgery kept the team's scoring leader, Beal, out for the remainder of the season. The trade deadline of the 2021β22 season saw a major roster change. The Wizards acquired All-Star [[Kristaps PorziΕΔ£is]] in a trade for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans, a sharpshooter whose 5-year, $80 million contract yielded lackluster results during his time in Washington.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33261228/sources-dallas-mavericks-trading-kristaps-porzingis-washington-wizards-spencer-dinwiddie-davis-bertans|title=Dallas Mavericks trade Kristaps Porzingis to Washington Wizards for Spencer Dinwiddie, Davis Bertans|date=February 11, 2022|last=McMahon|first=Tim|access-date=November 29, 2022|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=November 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129103405/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33261228/sources-dallas-mavericks-trading-kristaps-porzingis-washington-wizards-spencer-dinwiddie-davis-bertans|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 19, 2023, after a consecutive season of 35-47 and missing the playoffs, the Wizards fired GM [[Tommy Sheppard (basketball)|Tommy Sheppard]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/tommy-sheppard-released-as-president-and-general-manager-of-the-washington-wizards|title=Tommy Sheppard Released as President and General Manager of the Washington Wizards|date=April 19, 2023|access-date=April 19, 2023|archive-date=April 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419233345/https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/tommy-sheppard-released-as-president-and-general-manager-of-the-washington-wizards|url-status=live}}</ref> ===2023βpresent: Rebuild=== [[File:Kyle Kuzma (51815879993) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Kyle Kuzma joined the team in 2021]] During the off-season of the 2023β24 season, the Wizards started a rebuild, trading their franchise player Bradley Beal to the [[Phoenix Suns]] for a 12-time All Star [[Chris Paul]] and traded PorziΕΔ£is to the Celtics in a three-team trade for [[Tyus Jones]], [[Danilo Gallinari]], [[Mike Muscala]] and draft picks. Chris Paul was then traded to the Warriors for [[Patrick Baldwin Jr.]], [[Jordan Poole]], draft picks and cash considerations. On January 26, 2024, head coach [[Wes Unseld Jr.]] was fired and replaced by assistant coach [[Brian Keefe]] for the rest of the season. During February, the Wizards became just the 15th team in NBA history to go winless for a month. The Wizards finished with a record of 15β67, led in scoring by [[Kyle Kuzma]] with 22.2 points per game, his career high, in 70 games. ==== 2024: Arrival of Alex Sarr ==== On June 26, 2024, the Wizards drafted [[Alex Sarr]] from France in the NBA draft with the second overall pick. They also acquired the fourteenth pick in the draft, [[Bub Carrington|Carlton Carrington]] as well as 2023 Sixth Man of The Year [[Malcolm Brogdon]] and future first round picks for [[Deni Avdija]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 6, 2024 |title=Wizards agree to trade Deni Avdija to Blazers for Malcolm Brogdon, No. 14 pick |url=https://www.nba.com/news/wizards-blazers-trade-avdija-brogdon |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=NBA.com |language=en}}</ref> Brian Keefe was also promoted from Interim Coach to full-time Head Coach.
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