R.I.P Wes Unseld

When I hear the name Wes Unseld the Washington Bullets/Wizards comes immediately to my mind. Part of it might be for the time I spent in the DC area, my age but the majority of it would be due to Wes Unseld's contribution to the organization.

His entire career in the NBA as a player, coach and executive was with one organization. The Baltimore Bullets, the Capital Bullets, Washington Bullets, and Washington Wizards. The organization changed locations and even names but Unseld was a constant.

As a player Unseld made an impact right away earning the Rookie of the Year Award and NBA MVP Award in 1969. He was a five time All-Star. He was on an NBA Championship team and was the NBA Finals MVP. His number 41 was retired by the organization and his play on the court allowed him membership into the NBA Hall of Fame.

Highlights from one of his games in 1973 against the New York Knicks...

His NBA Career was proceeded with his college playing days at Louisville. He was a three time first team all conference player. He was a two time first team All-American. His college number was retired at Louisville. His number in college was 31.

After his playing career ended he was a vice president for the organization, then a coach for seven seasons, after coaching he was the team's general manager for several years.

He made an impact on and off the court. He will be missed in the community, by the fans, and his friends and family.

Happy Birthday Michael Jordan

It was reported yesterday that Michael Jordan's net worth had reached the billion dollar mark. Today he turns 53 I suppose that is a great way to celebrate! Jordan rose to fame due to his basketball talents.

Ten of his top plays...

His Hall of Fame showcases his competitive nature..

Player, championships, endorsement magnet, to owner his career has been achievement after achievement. We wish him a Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Michael Jordan

In 2010 I wrote an article about the reasons Michael Jordan could be considered the best NBA player of all time. You can read that article here. There are some in NBA history who can challenge Michael Jordan for that top spot. Kobe Bryant is putting up a career that would challenge MJ's and Lebron James could best him when his career is over.It would be a true statement to say Michael Jordan is the best player in my memorable lifetime so far. If he was the best or not could be argued but one thing that is certain is Michael Jordan is an all time great of the NBA.

Here is a collection of some of highlights:

If you like dunks this is for you:

To this NBA Hall of Fame, NBA great, and current owner I say happy 51st!

Stay tuned to this blog for a new post soon.

Abe Pollin Dead at 85

Abe Pollin, the man behind the old Capital Centre and the new Verizon Center is dead at 85. He was the long time owner of the Washington Capitals, through the 1999 season. He was the owner of the Washington Wizards(formally of the Bullets). He was also the owner of Washington/Baltimore Ticketmaster. (I won't hold that against him)

Abe Pollin wasn't afraid to make bold moves. In basketball he changed his teams name from the Bullets to the Wizards due to the conotation of violence in a city with a high crime rate. Abe had the guts to fire Michael Jordan. He appeared to have Washington's best interest in mind in most of his decisions.

The Verizon Center did revitalize part of Washington DC. Both the Verizon Center and the Capital Center have played important roles in the sports and entertainmnet history of Washington DC>