Top 5 point guards in the history of the Washington Wizards

Number four: Rod Strickland

Strickland might be known for his time with the Portland Trailblazers, but his name will always be remembered by Washington fans.

In 1996, he was traded from the Trailblazers to the Wizards (called “Baltimore Bullets” at the time) for Rasheed Wallace and Mitchell Butler.

The Wizards made the move in hopes of improving the franchise and it almost worked.

During his first year in Washington, Strickland averaged 17 points and eight assists. He also helped them make the playoffs for the first time since 1988 but it would be the only postseason appearance he made with the team.

In the lone playoff appearance he made with them, he averaged a team-leading 19 points and eight assists.  But he was also a great component on the court when joined by Chris Webber and Juwan Howard.

Strickland’s best year with the Wizards though, came in the 1997-98 NBA season. He averaged 17 points and led the NBA in assists with 10 per game. He also became just the 25th player in NBA history to record 10,000 points and 5,000 assists.

He had arguably his best game with the Wizards on Feb. 10, 1998 against the Golden State Warriors.  Tracy Murray had 50 points but Strickland recorded one of his six career triple-doubles.  He recorded 21 points, 12 rebounds, and career-high-tying 20 assist.

Since the Wizards aren’t showing signs of improvement, his time in Washington was limited to just five years, leading to a contract buyout.

While playing with the Wizards, he averaged 15 points and eight assists.  He wasn’t the best shooter, shooting just 20 percent from the 3-point line .  But he could score the ball, averaging 15 points.  His work was recognized as he was placed on the 1998 All-NBA Second Team.