- Location: Washington D.C., USA
- Home court: Capital One Arena
- G.M: Tommy Sheppard
- Coach: Wes Unseld Jr.
- Star: G Bradley Beal
- 2021 Season: 43-39, failed to make the playoffs.
- NBA Titles: 1978
- Greatest Player : C Wes Unseld
- Factoid: The Wizards used to be known as the Bullets. The name was changed to downplay gun violence.
Like father, like son? Not even close.
Wes Unseld is arguably the greatest Washington player of all time. He was a college superstar, playing at Louisville, and selected with the 2nd pick in the 1968 NBA Draft. He was named Rookie of the Year and won MVP honors when Washington won its lone NBA title in 1978.
Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 245 pounds, moving a wildebeest would have been easier than pushing Wes Unseld off the blocks.
Unseld’s son, Wes Unseld Jr., never played a day in the NBA. He wasn’t drafted. He attended one of the great academic institutions in America – Johns Hopkins University – not a basketball factory. The closest he’s gotten to an NBA ring is the one his father owns.
Standing 6-foot-3, weight known only to his wife and doctor, Unseld Jr., who has a degree in economics, would be a tough out in a debate.
What do the two have in common, beyond father and son? Unseld is a franchise superstar. Unseld Jr. is the head coach.
“I can’t believe I’m a head coach in general, but certainly not here,” Unseld Jr., told reporters. “To know this organization inside out, growing up, and then having the opportunity to be where I’m at, back where it all started, it’s pretty cool.”
It’s hard to think of a cooler story than the son leading Washington to its second NBA Title, the first won by a team led by dad.
Washington is currently going through a rebuild. Hopefully ownership will give Unseld Jr. a chance to grow with this team as it builds talent and depth. Imagine this visual:
The Wizards enjoying a championship parade in our nation’s capital with Unseld and Unseld Jr. on the first float. Life father, like son? Closer than it seems.