WASHINGTON BULLETS/WIZARDS
Unfortunately, the Bullets won their only NBA Championship in 1978, years before my love for basketball would begin. Since that glorious era, being a Bullets- and now Wizards fan has mostly been characterized by futility, embarrassment, and numerous cellar dweller seasons. During their horrid stretch in the late 80’s-early 90’s, Tony Kornheiser affectionately referred to them as “Les Boulez”, which epitomized the local- and national state of mockery for this once dominant franchise. My interest in basketball began in the mid 80's with the rise of Michael Jordan when he took the league, and sports world by storm. Michael Jordan became my all-time favorite NBA player. During this time, most of my friends seemed to latch on to teams like the Bulls, Lakers, Celtics, and the usual suspects- at the expense of the Bullets. And though I rooted hard for the Bulls when the playoffs rolled around (b/c of Jordan and the Bullets never in!) I would still say the Bullets, my hometown- and a perennial bottom feeder- team, were still my favorite team. In spite of all the losing, I have been fortunate to see a few brief stretches of competitive playoff teams, during the Webber and Arenas eras. I even saw Michael Jordan be a part owner- and player of my team! And now, in this John Wall/Bradley Beall (and hopefully soon to be Kevin Durant!) squad, my boys have their best shot at an NBA Finals run since the 70’s. And on a side note, I have a pact with one of my best friends (Kevin Romig) from during our high school days, that whenever the Bullets/Wiz make the NBA Finals, we will do whatever we can to go together. Here's hoping that day comes soon!
With Bullets legend- both player and long-time TV analyst, Phil Chenier