Three Washington Wizards Who Deserve Jersey Retirement
The Washington Wizards recently saw one of their franchise icons, John Wall, retire after over a decade in the NBA. Wall, who wore the No. 2 jersey, recorded over 40 double-doubles and seven of his eight career triple-doubles with the team. With the franchise not having retired a number since 2018, speculation is growing about adding Wall’s jersey to the rafters alongside legends like Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes. But Wall isn’t the only candidate for this honor—several other former Wizards also made lasting impacts on the team.
- Juwan Howard
Selected fifth overall in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets, Howard quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise. After an impressive rookie season averaging 17 points per game, he followed with a career-best 22.1 points and 8.4 rebounds in 1995-96, playing nearly every game. Howard’s consistency continued into the playoffs, including the 1997 first-round series against the Chicago Bulls, where he averaged 18.7 points and shot 88.7% from the free-throw line. The only All-Star of his career, Howard’s contributions on both ends make him a strong candidate for jersey retirement. - Chris Webber
Howard’s former Michigan teammate, Chris Webber, played for the Bullets/Wizards from 1994 to 1998. Despite battling early-career injuries, Webber recorded a remarkable triple-double of 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Golden State Warriors. In 1996-97, he averaged a double-double with 20.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Webber also excelled in the playoffs, including a 1997 series against the Chicago Bulls where he shot 63.3% from the floor. His dominance during his time in Washington cemented him as one of the franchise’s greatest players. - Bernard King
A star from an earlier era, Bernard King played four seasons with the Bullets in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Even toward the end of his career, King averaged over 22 points per game and earned his fourth All-Star selection with Washington in 1991. Inducted into the Wizards Hall of Fame in 2013, King’s scoring prowess and consistent production make him a legendary figure in franchise history.
Honorable Mention: Gilbert Arenas could also merit consideration, as he helped shape the team during John Wall’s early years.
With Wall retiring, the time is right for the Wizards to consider honoring these key contributors, preserving their legacy for future generations of fans.
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