In the annals of Washington Wizards history, a legendary figure looms large at the top of the team’s all-time scoring list. Elvin Hayes, a Hall-of-Famer and basketball icon, cemented his legacy through his remarkable achievements on the hardwood.
Hayes, the number one pick in the 1968 NBA Draft by the San Diego Rockets, showcased his immense talent early on by earning All-Star honors in each of his first 12 seasons in the league. Even as his career progressed, Hayes continued to dominate the game, especially when he joined the Wizards in 1972. Over the course of nine seasons with Washington, Hayes averaged an impressive 21.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game. His consistency was exemplified by the fact that he played at least 80 games in each of his 16 seasons in the league, a testament to his durability and longevity. In recognition of his illustrious career, Hayes was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990, further solidifying his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Speaking of carving out a place in Wizards history, Bradley Beal, the third overall pick in the 2012 Draft, was on the cusp of surpassing Hayes as the franchise’s leading scorer before his departure. Beal, a sharpshooting guard, spent 11 seasons with the team, showcasing his offensive prowess and earning three All-Star selections between 2017 and 2021. His scoring acumen was evident as he averaged an impressive 30 points per game in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, firmly establishing himself as a premier offensive threat in the league.
Joining Hayes and Beal in the pantheon of Wizards scoring legends is Jeff Malone, the 10th overall pick in the 1983 NBA Draft who spent his first seven seasons with Washington. Malone, a skilled guard, made two All-Star appearances for the team, averaging 20.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists during his tenure with the Bullets. His contributions to the team were invaluable, as he played a key role in shaping the franchise’s identity during his time in Washington.
Rounding out the list of Wizards scoring greats is Wes Unseld, the second overall pick in the 1968 NBA Draft by the Baltimore Bullets. Unseld, a dominant force on the court, wasted no time making a name for himself in the league by winning both Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in his debut season. Over the course of his 13-year career with the franchise, Unseld made five All-Star appearances and solidified his reputation as one of the greatest rebounders in NBA history, ranking sixth all-time with 14 rebounds per game. His impact extended beyond individual accolades, as he played a pivotal role in leading the team to a championship in 1978 and capturing Finals MVP honors along the way.
As the Wizards continue to add to their legacy and honor their past, the names of Hayes, Beal, Malone, and Unseld will forever remain etched in the annals of team history as the leading scorers who helped shape the identity of the franchise.