The 1987–88 Washington Bullets were led by Jeff Malone’s scoring, with Moses Malone providing a dominant interior presence through elite rebounding and efficient offense. Bernard King added another high-level scoring option despite limited appearances, while Muggsy Bogues orchestrated the offense with outstanding playmaking. The Bullets combined strong frontcourt production with balanced perimeter scoring, relying on rebounding and interior efficiency as key strengths.
Impact Index = (PPG + RPG + APG + STK) ÷ 2, where STK = steals + blocks.
Player Name
Role Tier
MPG
Usage Tier
PPG
RPG
APG
STK (SPG+BPG)
Impact Index*
Notes
Awards
Moses Malone
Anchor / Veteran Star
34.1
High
20.3
11.2
1.4
1.6 (0.7 + 0.9)
17.3
Malone was the centerpiece of the Bullets’ frontcourt. In 1987–88 he was an All-Star again and averaged 20/11, using his experience and physicality to stabilize the team’s inside presence.
All-Star
Jeff Malone
Scoring Guard
33.2
High
20.5
2.6
3.0
0.8 (0.6 + 0.2)
13.5
As a primary ball-handler and scorer, Jeff Malone was the Bullets’ go-to offensive guard. He hit big shots and carried much of the scoring load.
—
Bernard King
Secondary Scorer / Veteran Wing
29.6
Medium-High
17.2
4.1
2.8
0.8 (0.7 + 0.1)
12.4
King brought veteran scoring punch. After injury setbacks earlier in his career, he provided consistent offensive production and was a go-to option in clutch moments.
—
John Williams
Multi-Tool Forward
29.6
Medium
12.8
5.4
2.8
1.8 (1.4 + 0.4)
11.4
Williams, a young forward, was a versatile piece — contributing across rebounds, playmaking, and defensive activity. According to roster sources, he played all 82 games.
—
Terry Catledge
Complementary Power Forward
23.0
Medium
10.7
5.7
0.9
0.6 (0.5 + 0.1)
9.0
Catledge was acquired in the blockbuster trade for Moses Malone. He played a strong supporting role, offering physicality in the frontcourt.
—
Steve Colter
Backup / Facilitator
24.3
Medium
8.0
2.8
4.2
1.2 (1.0 + 0.2)
8.1
Colter served as a reliable reserve guard, running the second unit, setting up teammates, and contributing on defense.
—
Muggsy Bogues
Change-of-Pace PG
20.6
Low-Medium
5.0
1.7
5.1
1.6 (1.6 + 0.0)
6.7
At just 23, Bogues provided speed, creativity, and energy off the bench. Though small, his presence disrupted defenses and allowed the Bullets to play uptempo.
—
Manute Bol
Defensive Specialist / Rim Protector
14.8
Low
2.3
3.6
0.2
2.8 (0.1 + 2.7)
4.5
Bol was the team’s defensive elite; his shot-blocking was a cornerstone of the Bullets’ identity. He ranked high in blocks, anchoring their interior deterrence.
— (tied 8th in DPOY voting)
Frank Johnson
Reserve Lead Guard
16.8
Low
7.4
1.6
2.5
1.0 (0.9 + 0.1)
6.3
Johnson backed up the starting guard line, providing steadiness, playmaking, and veteran experience to the second unit.
—
Darrell Walker
3-and-D Wing / Utility Guard-Forward
18.1
Low
6.0
2.4
1.9
1.4 (1.2 + 0.2)
5.8
Walker offered versatility, switching between guard and forward spots, contributing defensively (steals) and doing the “hustle work” for the Bullets.
—
Charles Jones
Defensive Role Big
19.0
Low
2.9
4.7
0.9
2.4 (0.8 + 1.6)
5.5
Jones played a role as a backup big, using his size to defend, rebound, and chip in with occasional blocks.
—
Mark Alarie
Bench Stretch Forward
12.2
Low
5.2
2.5
0.6
0.4 (0.2 + 0.2)
4.4
Alarie provided floor spacing and could stretch the defense; his rebounding and minutes were limited but valuable in reserve minutes.
—
Jay Murphy
Deep Reserve / Energy Forward
5.1
Very Low
2.2
1.8
0.1
0.0
2.0
Murphy saw very limited minutes, mostly in mop-up or low-leverage moments, contributing with energy and effort when called upon.
