Fansided

30 players who define each NBA franchise

By Adam McGee

Dec 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan unveils the new Charlotte Hornets logo at halftime during the game against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan unveils the new Charlotte Hornets logo at halftime during the game against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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#41. player. 142. . C. Washington Bullets 1968-81. Wes Unseld

Honorable Mentions: Elvin Hayes, Gus Johnson, Gilbert Arenas

From 1968 to 1981, the Bullets franchise changed their name three times (Baltimore Bullets, Capital Bullets, Washington Bullets), played in two different cities, yet the one thing that stayed as a constant for the franchise was the presence of Wes Unseld.

Unseld was the Bullets starting center for 13 seasons, and oversaw what was comfortably the most successful period of time in franchise history. Unseld was a five-time All-Star, who also picked up All-NBA First Team honors on one occasion.

Most significant of all is the fact that Unseld was one of the iconic figures who helped to earn Washington their first, and to date, their only NBA championship. A solid regular season was topped off by a victorious Finals series with the Bullets beating Seattle in seven games.

I’m a Bullet. I’ve always been a Bullet, and I always will be. – Wes Unseld

Unseld was the Finals MVP for the most important series in the history of his franchise. He leads the team overall in assists, minutes and rebounds, while also ranking top five for points and steals. Unseld was the type of one franchise player that we don’t see enough of in the modern NBA.

Next: Best All-Time Starting 5 From Every NBA Team

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