Number five: Walt Bellamy
Bullets Stats: five seasons (327 games). 27.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists per game. Four-Time All-Star. 1961-62 Rookie of the Year.
Despite only playing five seasons with the franchise, Bellamy’s jersey is hanging in the rafters. He put up an astounding 31.6 points and 19 rebounds per game in 1961-62, helping him earn the Rookie of the Year award. Those rookie season averages were the highest of his career on the way to a Hall of Fame career. His career averages of 27. 6 points per game ranks first all-time for the Wizards in scoring. His points per game (31.6), rebounds per game (19), total points (2495) and total rebounds (1500) in 1961-62 ranks first for a Wizards season ever. He also sits first in win shares (16.3) and win shares per 48 minutes (.233) for any Wizards season. His field goals in 61-62 (973) sits first as well. Those numbers are very hard to get for a star, but he did it in just his first season in the league. Talking about being ready for the big leagues.
All four of his All-Star selections came with playing for the Wizards (at the time they were called the Chicago Packers). Bellamy was taken with the first overall pick in the 1961 draft. This just so happened to be the first draft in franchise History. Striking gold with their first ever pick means a lot! Bellamy’s pick was to set the tone for the new franchise and the sight of hope. He’s the original and that’s why he enters the top five.