Last Updated on December 24, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here’s a list of Washington Wizards Legends, including players and contributors from the franchise’s various eras (Bullets/Wizards), who have left a significant impact on the team and the NBA.

Wes Unseld

  • Position: Center / Power Forward
  • Years Played: 1968–1981 (Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets)
  • Achievements:
    • NBA Champion (1978)
    • NBA Finals MVP (1978)
    • NBA MVP (1969, rookie season)
    • 5× NBA All-Star
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (1988)
  • Unseld is widely regarded as the greatest player in franchise history. Known for his rebounding, defense, and leadership, he led the Bullets to their only NBA championship.

Elvin Hayes (“The Big E”)

  • Position: Power Forward / Center
  • Years Played: 1972–1981 (Bullets)
  • Achievements:
    • NBA Champion (1978)
    • 12× NBA All-Star (8× with Bullets)
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (1990)
    • All-time leading scorer in franchise history.
  • Hayes was a dominant scorer and rebounder, playing a key role in the team’s success during the 1970s.

Phil Chenier

  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • Years Played: 1971–1979 (Bullets)
  • Achievements:
    • 3× NBA All-Star
    • Key contributor to the Bullets’ playoff success in the 1970s.
  • Known for his smooth scoring and shooting, Chenier was one of the team’s most reliable players.

Gus Johnson

  • Position: Power Forward
  • Years Played: 1963–1972 (Bullets)
  • Achievements:
    • 5× NBA All-Star
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (2010)
  • Johnson was a high-flying, physical forward who excelled on both ends of the court and was a fan favorite.

Bradley Beal

  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • Years Played: 2012–2023 (Wizards)
  • Achievements:
    • 3× NBA All-Star
    • 2× All-NBA Team
    • 2× NBA Scoring Runner-Up (2020, 2021)
  • Beal became the face of the Wizards for over a decade, known for his elite scoring and clutch performances.

John Wall

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years Played: 2010–2020 (Wizards)
  • Achievements:
    • 5× NBA All-Star
    • NBA All-Defensive Team (2015)
    • Franchise leader in assists and steals.
  • Wall was the team’s heart and soul during his tenure, known for his speed, playmaking, and leadership.

Earl Monroe (“The Pearl”)

  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • Years Played: 1967–1971 (Bullets)
  • Achievements:
    • NBA Rookie of the Year (1968)
    • NBA All-Star (1969, with Bullets)
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (1990)
  • Monroe dazzled fans with his flashy ball-handling and scoring during his time with the Bullets.

Chris Webber

  • Position: Power Forward
  • Years Played: 1994–1998 (Bullets/Wizards)
  • Achievements:
    • NBA All-Star (1997, with Bullets)
    • NBA Rookie of the Year (1994)
  • Webber brought excitement and hope to the franchise in the mid-1990s with his versatile skills and athleticism.

Bernard King

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years Played: 1987–1991 (Bullets)
  • Achievements:
    • NBA All-Star (1991, with Bullets)
  • Despite injuries, King had a remarkable scoring resurgence with the Bullets, including a 50-point game in 1990.

Juwan Howard

  • Position: Power Forward
  • Years Played: 1994–2001 (Bullets/Wizards)
  • Achievements:
    • NBA All-Star (1996)
  • Howard was a key figure in the mid-1990s, known for his consistent scoring and leadership.

Gilbert Arenas (“Agent Zero”)

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years Played: 2003–2010 (Wizards)
  • Achievements:
    • 3× NBA All-Star
    • 3× All-NBA Team
    • Known for clutch shooting and explosive scoring, Arenas was one of the league’s most electrifying players during his peak.

Antawn Jamison

  • Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
  • Years Played: 2004–2010 (Wizards)
  • Achievements:
    • 2× NBA All-Star (with Wizards)
  • Jamison was a versatile scorer and rebounder who provided consistency during his time in Washington.

Caron Butler

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years Played: 2005–2010 (Wizards)
  • Achievements:
    • 2× NBA All-Star (with Wizards)
  • Butler was a strong two-way player and a key part of the Wizards’ playoff teams in the mid-2000s.

Moses Malone

  • Position: Center
  • Years Played: 1986–1988 (Bullets)
  • Achievements:
    • NBA Hall of Famer
    • 12× NBA All-Star (3× with Bullets)
  • Though his time in Washington was short, Malone’s impact as one of the greatest centers of all time was evident.

Manute Bol

  • Position: Center
  • Years Played: 1985–1988, 1993–1994 (Bullets)
  • Achievements:
    • Led the NBA in blocks twice.
  • Bol was a fan favorite known for his incredible shot-blocking ability and towering 7’7” height.

Rod Strickland

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years Played: 1996–2001 (Bullets/Wizards)
  • Achievements:
    • Led the NBA in assists (1998).
  • Strickland was one of the best playmakers in franchise history.

Coach Legends:

  • Dick Motta: Coached the Bullets to their only NBA Championship in 1978.
  • Gene Shue: Led the Bullets to two NBA Finals appearances (1971, 1975).

These players and contributors have played significant roles in shaping the identity and legacy of the Washington Wizards franchise, from its days as the Bullets to the modern era.