Best Players in Washington Wizards/Bullets History

The Washington Wizards have gone through many name changes during there history starting out as the Chicago Packers. Then Chicago Zyphers before moving to Baltimore where they became the Bullets, then finally made there move to Washington where they became the Wizards. The Wizards won their only NBA title in 1978.

The best point-guard  was Earl Monroe. Monroe was mostly well know for his play as a New York Knick, but statistically Monroe's best seasons were with the Baltimore Bullets. Monroe averaged more than 20 points per game each of his four seasons  with the Bullets along with Wes Unseld helped bring recognition to the Bullets team. Monroe had a modern type of game utilizing spin moves in the lane and no look passes. Monroe is what you would call a scoring point-guard as he only average four assists per game during his career. His other shortcoming was his defense.

The best shooting-guard was Phil Chenier. Chenier was great all-around player until the 1978 championship season when he was forced to sit out most of the season due to a back injury that he never really was able to recover from. However, after his rookie season Chenier went on a tear offensively  over the next five seasons he averaged around 20 points per game, picking up the slack once Monroe was traded to the Knick in 1971. Chenier was also a solid defender as he averaged around two steals per game until the back issues started occurring.

   The best small-forward was Greg Ballard. Small-forward is the weakest position in Wizards history. Ballard had a solid offensive game average 12 points and six rebounds during his career. However, Ballard's main contribution came on the defensive end as he and Unseld dominated defensively. Ballard remains the franchise leader in steals with 877 for his career with the Bullets. He was also a member of the 1978 NBA title team and play a big role in winning the title.
 
The best power-forward and best player in franchise history was Elvin Hayes. Hayes joined Unseld to form one of the most potent forward-center duos in NBA history. Hayes was a dominate force on both ends of the court as he is the franchise leader in points and blocks. Hayes put up Dwight Howard-like numbers averaging 21 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks per game. Hayes' offensive repertoire was extensive and his go to move was his turn around jumper. Hayes was given a Lebron James-like criticism for not being able to win a championship, but that changed when he helped lead the Bullets to the title in 1978. Hayes played at least 80 games every season during his 16 year NBA career.

The best center in franchise history was Wes Unseld. While Hayes was the offensive threat for the Bullets front court, while Unseld was the defensive stalwart. Unseld was one the most physically impressive players in the league and did all the small things to help the Bullets win the championship in 1978. Unseld is probably the best screen-setter in NBA history, not to mention his defensive awareness was amongst the best in the league. For his career, Unseld averaged 11 points and 14 rebounds but what made Unseld great was his ability to make a great outlet pass and his relentless pursuit on the glass. Unseld is still the franchise leader in rebounds and assists.

Four of the five players on this list were on the 1978 team that won the championship. However, the 1980s and 90s were not rough on the Washington team. There were brief turning points in 2000 when Michael Jordan came out of retirement and Gilbert Arenas was able to help get the Wizards into the playoff. Unfortunately, the Wizards were never able to reclaim the glory that those 1970s Bullets teams reached.