Washington Wizards: Five things you need to know

• The Washington (Bullets) Wizards have storied history dating back to 1961
• Lone championship came in 1978 as the Washington Bullets
• Home to legends like Wes Unseld, Elvin Hayes and Earl Monroe

The Washington Wizards are a National Basketball Association team based in Washington D.C. with a rich history spanning more than 60 years. Although currently experiencing a period of struggle, the Wizards have a distinguished history winning one NBA championship and becoming a hub for basketball icons.

2024-25 NBA Season Summary

• Record: 18-64
• Finish: 15th Seed
• All-Star Selections: Nil

The 2024/-25 NBA season signalled a crucial rebuild for the Washington Wizards, who remain on the search for a franchise player to build around. The Wizards harbouring an ill-equipped roster, had the worst offensive rating in the league with only two players averaging over 15 points a game. 2024 number two overall pick and NBL standout Alex Sarr had a sound rookie season averaging 13 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. The Wizards had the second worst record in the league and were awarded the sixth pick in the draft, selecting guard Tre Johnson. In what was a tough season for the Wizards, however, some crucial stepping stones were laid with hopeful young stars earning NBA experience and rounding out their games.

Re-signing

• Marvin Bagley III agrees to 1-year deal

Additions

• Malaki Branham joins via trade with Spurs
• CJ McCollum joins via trade with Pelicans
• Blake Wesley joins via trade with Spurs
• Cam Whitmore joins via trade with Rockets

Departures

• Saddiq Bey departs via trade with Pelicans
• Malcolm Brogdon departs via free agency to New York
• Anthony Gill waived
• Richaun Holmes waived
• Kelly Olynyk departs via trade with Spurs
• Jordan Poole departs via trade with Pelicans
• Marcus Smart waived

The roster turnover experienced this offseason by the Washington Wizards encapsulates a franchise in the middle of an intense rebuild. The CJ McCollum deal stands out as it adds a veteran who could be flipped for some value later down the track, similar to Khris Middleton’s situation. They departed from the likes of Jordan Poole, which like other deals completed gives the Wizards future spending power.

It was smart business this offseason from the Wizard’s front office, with a clear intent to fortify their spending power and take on some players who could bring some upside. Cam Whitmore is one of the players still finding his feet, and the Wizards could be the perfect place for him to do that. Although Whitmore hasn’t performed at the level expected, taking on his services at a time when the franchise isn’t exactly in a competitive mindset, could be ideal for the third-year player.

2025-26 Predicted Lineup

• Point Guard: CJ McCollum
• Shooting Guard: Bilal Coulibaly
• Small Forward: Khris Middleton
• Power Forward: Kyshawn George
• Centre: Alex Sarr

Australians who have played for the Washington Wizards

Xavier Cooks: Hailing from Ballarat, Victoria, Cooks signed with the Wizards in March 2023. He appeared in 10 games averaging 3.8 points and 3.8 rebounds. In October that year, Cooks was waived by the Washington Wizards before signing for Japanese side Chiba Jets.

History of the Washington Wizards

The franchise was founded in 1961 as the first NBA expansion team. They were founded as the Chicago Packers before swiftly moving to Baltimore Maryland two years later rebranding as the Baltimore Bullets. After their stints in two states, the franchise found its home in Washington in 1973 eventually reforming to the Wizards name in 1997.

The franchise’s greatest era came after earning the number two overall pick in 1968 and taking Hall of Famer Wes Unseld. Paired with Elvin Hayes the then-Bullets made four NBA Finals appearances in the decade, winning it all in 1978.

As it stands the Wizards are experiencing a 47-year championship drought. Over the course of this tough almost five-decade falter, the Wizards have experienced unforgettable eras with NBA icons. The 2000’s saw Gilbert Arenas lead the Wizards to four straight playoff appearances from 2005-2008.

The 2010’s were one of the more exciting eras in Wizards history, spearheaded by the games of John Wall and Bradley Beal who formed an inextricable relationship on the court. As one of the NBA’s leading backcourts, Wall and Beal lead Washington to the playoffs in four of five seasons from 2014-2018.

Since moving on from the duo, the Wizards have been in an intense rebuild, with high roster turnovers and young emerging stars coming to the franchise. The young core of Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly and many more are now leading the Wizards into the next era.

Identity

The Wizards have traditionally emphasised an up-tempo, high-scoring style of play. In their championship era of the 1970s, they were known for tough defence and rebounding as well. More recently, they've built around dynamic guard play. Washington aims to push the pace and score in transition when possible. They've relied heavily on their backcourt to create offense, with an emphasis on three-point shooting in recent years.

In a down year for the Wizards, their up-tempo style was preserved with the team ranking fourth in pace and head coach Brian Keefe placing his intent on keeping to the identity of past Washington Wizards sides. The Wizards have worked to build a winning culture after years of struggles. There's a strong connection to the franchise's history, with legends like Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes remaining involved. The team has also prioritized community outreach in the D.C. area.

Five Fast Facts

1. The franchise began as the Chicago Packers in 1961, then moved to Baltimore as the Bullets in 1963 before settling in Washington D.C. in 1973.
2. They've had three different team names while in D.C. - Capital Bullets (1973-74), Washington Bullets (1974-1997), and Washington Wizards (1997-present).
3. Wes Unseld is the only player in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season (1969).
4. Michael Jordan came out of retirement to play for the Wizards from 2001-2003.
5. Bradley Beal set the franchise single season scoring record in 2020-21, averaging 31.3 points per game.

Club Timeline

• 1961: Franchise founded as Chicago Packers
• 1963: Team moves to Baltimore, becomes the Bullets
• 1969: Wes Unseld wins MVP as a rookie
• 1973: Franchise relocates to Washington D.C.
• 1978: Defeat Seattle SuperSonics to win NBA championship
• 1997: Team name changed to Wizards
• 2001: Michael Jordan comes out of retirement to play for Washington
• 2010: Team drafts John Wall first overall
• 2024: NBL Next Star Alex Sarr is drafted with the number two overall pick

The Wizards, having gone four years without a playoff qualification, continue to search for pieces to usher in a new era in Washington. As they enter another year of rebuilding, the Wizards will be hopeful that their young stars can take leaps and that they can progress from last season’s abysmal showing. Of course, the Wizards may have their sights set on a high pick in the 2026 draft, but this season could be crucial in setting a foundation in what they hope to become in future seasons.