History of Wes Unseld in Timeline
Wes Unseld was an American basketball player who spent his entire professional career with the NBA's Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets. Drafted second overall in 1968, he won both the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards that year, a feat only previously accomplished by Wilt Chamberlain. In 1978, he led the Bullets to an NBA championship, earning Finals MVP honors. After retiring in 1981, he remained with the franchise in various roles including head coach and general manager.
March 14, 1946: Birth of Wes Unseld
Wes Unseld was born on March 14, 1946.
1963: Kentucky State Championship
Wes Unseld led his high school basketball team to a Kentucky state championship in 1963.
1964: Second Kentucky State Championship
Wes Unseld's high school basketball team won another Kentucky state championship in 1964, with Unseld playing a crucial role.
1965: Beginning of Collegiate Career at the University of Louisville
Wes Unseld started playing college basketball at the University of Louisville.
1966: Sophomore Year and NIT Appearance
During his sophomore year at the University of Louisville, Wes Unseld and his team participated in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
1966: National Invitation Tournament (NIT) Appearance
Wes Unseld and the University of Louisville basketball team competed in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
1967: Junior Year and NCAA Tournament Appearance
In his junior year at the University of Louisville, Unseld and his team competed in the NCAA tournament, marking their presence on a national stage.
1967: NCAA All-American Honors and NCAA Tournament Appearance
Wes Unseld received NCAA All-American honors and led the University of Louisville to the NCAA tournament in 1967, showcasing his exceptional talent and leadership.
1968: NCAA All-American Honors and NCAA Tournament Appearance
Wes Unseld earned NCAA All-American honors for the second consecutive year and again guided the University of Louisville to the NCAA tournament, further solidifying his place as a collegiate basketball standout.
1968: NBA Draft and Rookie Season
Wes Unseld was drafted by the Baltimore Bullets in the NBA draft and began his NBA career. This was a momentous year for Unseld, as he was named both the NBA Most Valuable Player and NBA Rookie of the Year, a feat only accomplished by him and Wilt Chamberlain.
1971: First NBA Finals Appearance
Wes Unseld and the Baltimore Bullets made their first appearance in the NBA Finals in 1971, signifying their growth as a dominant force in the league.
1974: Leading the NBA in Rebounding
Wes Unseld's dominance in rebounding was evident in the 1974-75 season when he led the NBA in rebounds, demonstrating his exceptional skill and tenacity under the basket.
1978: NBA Championship Victory and Finals MVP
Wes Unseld achieved the pinnacle of his NBA career in 1978 when he led the Washington Bullets to an NBA championship and was deservedly named Finals MVP.
1979: Fourth NBA Finals Appearance
The 1979 NBA Finals marked the fourth time Wes Unseld and the Washington Bullets reached this pinnacle of professional basketball, showcasing their consistent pursuit of a championship title.
1979: Opening of Unselds School
Wes Unseld's wife, Connie, established Unselds School in 1979, reflecting their commitment to education and community service.
March 1981: End of an Illustrious Playing Career
March 1981 marked the end of Wes Unseld's time as a player in the NBA, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and sportsmanship.
1981: Transition to Front Office Role
After retiring as a player, Wes Unseld transitioned into a front office position with the Washington Bullets in 1981, demonstrating his commitment to the team and the sport.
1981: Retirement from Playing Career
Wes Unseld retired from playing professional basketball in 1981.
1988: Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Wes Unseld was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988.
1988: Appointed Head Coach of the Washington Bullets
Wes Unseld's leadership qualities led to his appointment as head coach of the Washington Bullets in 1988, marking a new chapter in his basketball journey.
1994: Resignation as Head Coach
In 1994, Wes Unseld resigned from his position as head coach of the Washington Bullets.
1996: Becoming General Manager of the Washington Bullets
Wes Unseld took on the role of general manager for the Washington Bullets in 1996, leveraging his basketball expertise to shape the team's future.
1996: Named One of NBA's 50 Greatest Players
Wes Unseld's enduring legacy was further cemented in 1996 when he was named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players of all time, a testament to his impact on the game.
1997: Washington Bullets Become the Washington Wizards
The Washington Bullets underwent a name change in 1997, becoming the Washington Wizards.
2006: Induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame
In 2006, Wes Unseld was recognized for his stellar collegiate career with induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
June 2, 2020: Death of Wes Unseld
Wes Unseld passed away on June 2, 2020.
2021: Wes Unseld Jr. Becomes Head Coach of the Washington Wizards
Continuing the family's legacy in basketball, Wes Unseld Jr., son of Wes Unseld, was appointed head coach of the Washington Wizards in 2021.
2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team Selection
Wes Unseld was honored with a selection to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, a testament to his lasting legacy and impact on the sport.
2024: Wes Unseld Jr.'s Tenure as Head Coach Ends
Wes Unseld Jr.'s time as head coach of the Washington Wizards came to an end in 2024.
