The latest talk in DC, surprisingly, is not about the Redskins or about the upcoming Congressional elections. It's not even about the end of the "Real Housewives of DC", which ended it's run this week. The talk in town is about changing the name of our NBA franchise from the Washington Wizards back to it's previous name, Bullets.
The Washington team was called the Bullets a year after they moved to their Landover Maryland location called the Capital Centre. It was also during this period (1974-1997) that this franchise had some of it's major successes. The 1975 team went 60-22 and made it to the league finals where they were upset by the Golden State Warriors, led by Hall-of-Famer Rick Barry. Three years later, the Bullets won their only team championship led by our own Hall of Famers Elvin (EEEEEE!!!) Hayes and Wes Unseld, still only one of three players that won both the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards in the same year. It was Washington's first title in 36 years.
In 1995 then owner Abe Pollin (respect) announced that he was changing the name of the team because of his increased distress with the name given the high homicide and crime rates that were plaguing DC in the 1990's. Holding a contest, the finalists were the Dragons, Express, Stallions, Sea Dogs and Wizards. Sea Dogs? I digress. On May 15, 1997, the Bullets officially became the Washington Wizards. While we have brief success here and there, it's nowhere close to the glory days.
This past year, ownership has changed to the personable Ted Leonsis (read my blog 7/23, The New Guy), who is already creating change in the organization. One major change is his attempt to reconnect the past with the present. For the last couple of weeks, he has been making attempts to integrate the players from our storied past such as Hayes, Unseld and Earl "The Pearl" Monroe with our current players. If you are John Wall, our first #1 pick in almost a decade, imagine getting tips on guard play from "The Pearl". Nothing formal, just talking.
I for one can't wait for the name change. As I said in my previous blog, one block at a time.
Have a safe and positive weekend!!! Here's this week's Friday Freeze jukebox. Another double dose (couldn't decide):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpGvipmIHNw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIjng2KQjww&feature=related
Just like the Virginia Cavaliers.......Ooooops, that college!!!
ReplyDeleteMan that would be nice "Baltimore Bullets" ooooops my fault...WASHINGTON
ReplyDeleteI know I'm real late replying GAJ, but does this mean we will finally see some real Bullets throwback memorabilia.. I'm still waiting on the Orange Wes Unseld & Earl the Pearl & Gus Johnson joints.. Gus finally made the HOF by the way.. One thing, Earl never played in DC, he was in New York by that time..
ReplyDeleteGood call on the Kleeer.. couldn't help it had to a couple more..