Washington Wizards Information

The Washington Wizards had a lot to look forward to in 2005-06. After all, they were coming off their first playoff series win since 1982, having eliminated the Chicago Bulls, and the momentum promised to carry over into the new season. But Wizards ticket holders were stunned when Larry Hughes took the money and ran, heading for Cleveland and a fat paycheck from the Cavaliers. Now, the Wizards will fall back on NBA All-Stars Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison to carry them back to the NBA Playoffs, while trying to replace Hughes with the tandem of Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins. It’s going to be interesting times in the MCI Center, trying to exorcise Hughes’ ghost.

But the Wizards may be able to wave their wand and pull off the stunt. This is a franchise that used one fell swoop to change it’s identity in 1997, casting off its heritage as the Washington Bullets and re-emerging as the Wizards. With new uniforms, a new logo, and a new home in the MCI Center, the Wizards got off to a winning start on December 2nd by beating the Seattle SuperSonics 95-78. Washington established their new persona with a 24-12 home record that year while drawing fans at a record pace.

The Wizards made history again in 1998, although not on the court. During a 29-win season, NBA legend Michael Jordan joined the team as a vice-president. Looking to return the Wizards to NBA prominence, Jordan took the lead in determining the direction of the franchise. New head coach Leonard Hamilton got off to a rough start in a controversial season that saw Washington finish 19-63. The lackluster play resulted in Juwan Howard being traded to the Dallas Mavericks along with a slew of other roster moves. Jordan returned to the court in 2001-02, hoping to teach younger players like 1st round draft choice Kwame Brown, how to win in the NBA. Doug Collins was brought in to replace Hamilton as head coach. The moves netted the Wizards some positive results. First of all, Jordan’s presence ignited a flurry of demand for Wizards tickets and the MCI Center was sold out for 41 games. Secondly, the Wizards almost doubled their wins, going 37-45 on the year. Jordan’s presence wore thin in 2002-03 though, and the Wizards parted ways with the legend before the next season.

After hitting a franchise milestone in 2004-05, the Wizards are poised to come back as a contender in 2005-06. Sure, Larry Hughes will be missed, but what NBA team doesn’t experience some upheaval and changes in the off-season. Washington still fields a talented duo in Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, who combined for over 45 points per game in 2004-05. Will the MCI Center host another NBA Playoff game in 2006? More than likely. The emergence of 2003 #1 pick Jarvis Hayes is expected to go a long way in replacing Hughes. If Hayes can live up to expectations, and Arenas and Jamison continue their successful partnership, Washington Wizards tickets will be magical.