R.I.P. Wes Unseld

Basketball Hall of Famer Wes Unseld, who played for the Baltimore/Washington Bullets from 1968 to 1981, died June 1st 2020 at age 74. Unseld had various health issues in recent years; an announcement from the family listed pneumonia as the cause of death.

Unseld played college basketball at Louisville, and was the 2nd overall pick in the 1969 NBA draft, chosen by the Baltimore Bullets (the franchise moved to Washington in 1973 and is currently named the Washington Wizards). As a center, Unseld was a relatively short 6’7” tall, but he was a powerfully built 245 pounder who dominated on defense and who averaged 14 rebounds per game during his career. As a rookie in the 1968-69 season, he averaged a career high 18.2 rebounds per game; he also averaged 13.8 points per game. Unseld was both the NBA Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player that year; a feat matched only by Wilt Chamberlain.

Unseld led Washington to its only NBA title in the 1977-78 season. He remained with the franchise in front office and coaching capacities after his retirement as a player.