The Washington Wizards have announced that they will honor Wes Unseld during the rest of the games this season that the capital franchise plays in Orlando. The Wizards legend passed away last June at the age of 74. To honor his legacy, the team’s players will wear a patch with the number ’41’, used by Unseld during his time as a player, which will be placed on the right shoulder of the shirts.
“Wes was a great player and a great person whom we all admire as the backbone of this franchise for a long time,” said Ted Leonsis, owner of the team. “We are honored to be able to pay tribute to him for all the contributions, both on and off the pitch, that he has made in this organization.”
Unseld, the historic leader of the Wizards in disputed games, was the first player whose shirt was removed by the capital franchise, in a ceremony held in 1981. His number ’41’ is one of the five that currently hang from the top of the Capital One Arena.
“Our players are proud to honor Wes by wearing his number on their jerseys during our games in Orlando,” said the general manager Tommy Sheppard. “They are also committed to emulating their hard work and selfless style of play as a final tribute to a true legend of the sport.”
Unseld will also be remembered for being one of only two players to be chosen MVP of the season in his year rookie, alongside Wilt Chamberlain. In addition, he was chosen MVP of the Finals in the title won by the then Bullets in 1978.
The Washington Mystics will also honor Unseld with a commemorative black band on all jerseys during the WNBA season in Bradenton, Florida. The black band will feature Unseld’s ’41’ in white on the left shoulder of the shirt. For the 2020-21 NBA season, the Wizards will continue to wear the same commemorative black band on their jerseys.
(Washington Wizards cover photo)
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