Last Updated on May 29, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
Phil Chenier was one of the most reliable scorers of his era, known for his polished offensive game and consistent production in the backcourt. His impact with the franchise helped make him a fan favorite, and his long association with the team continued well after his playing days ended.
Player Profile
Personal Information:
- Full Name: Philip Chenier
- Nationality: American
- Date of Birth: October 30, 1950
- Hometown: Berkeley, California, USA
- Height: 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters)
- Weight: 180 pounds (82 kilograms)
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Jersey Numbers: 45, 30, 15
Education:
- High School: Berkeley High School, Berkeley, California
- College: University of California, Berkeley
Professional Career:
- NBA Draft: Selected as a hardship case by the Baltimore Bullets in 1971
- Teams Played For:
- Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets (1971–1979)
- Indiana Pacers (1979–1980)
- Golden State Warriors (1980–1981)
- NBA Championship Rings: 1 (1978 with the Washington Bullets)
Career Highlights:
- NBA Champion (1978)
- Three-time NBA All-Star (1974, 1975, 1977)
- All-NBA Second Team (1975)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1972)
- Jersey number 45 retired by the Washington Wizards
Post-Retirement:
After retiring as a player, Chenier transitioned into broadcasting, serving as a color analyst for the Washington Bullets/Wizards from 1987 to 2017.
Personal Life:
- Family: Phil Chenier resides in Columbia, Maryland, with his wife, Gerry. He has two daughters and one son.
Player Archetype / Play Style
Phil Chenier fit the archetype of a polished two-way shooting guard, the kind of perimeter scorer who could carry offense without playing like a ball-dominant lead guard. Defensively, he handled a real backcourt assignment rather than a hidden one, with his reputation tied to solid perimeter work and all-around guard play. Offensively, he operated as a scoring wing first—comfortable rising into jumpers, working off the ball, and adding enough passing to keep the offense flowing. At 6’3″ and 180 pounds, Chenier had a lean guard build, and that lighter frame paired well with his quickness and smooth shooting mechanics. His overall style was sleek and controlled: a refined scorer with touch, rhythm, and balance, but also a player respected for bringing substance on both ends instead of empty volume. (NBA)
Sources: Phil Chenier player profile — NBA.com; Phil Chenier stats, height, weight, position, draft status and more — Basketball-Reference; BF #5: Phil Chenier — Bullets Forever; Phil Chenier: Can He Unseat Walt Frazier as Basketball’s Top Guard, 1975? — From Way Downtown