Why did the Washington Bullets change the name to the Wizards?

Answer 1

That depends on whose story you want to believe. Abe Pollin, who bought the franchise in 1964 when they were the Baltimore Bullets, had always been fond of the nickname 'Wizards'. But it is difficult to change a nickname in any professional sport, mainly because of merchandise that has been made and manufactured years in advance. But in 1996, with the crime rate in D.C. at an alarming rate, Pollin announced that he was going to change the name of the team due to the 'negative connotation' associated with the word 'bullet'. A public contest to rename the team was held and, wouldn't you know it, the name 'Wizards' won overwhemingly.

The answerer has rooted unashamedly for the Bullets since he was a child. The names Gus Johnson and Wes Unseld and Earl Monroe bring back happy childhood/teenage memories. The Bullets' mascot was a dachshund named Tiny who pulled a miniature chuckwagon around the court during halftime and timeouts. Regardless of how I view it, the owner of a franchise has the absolute right to name it whatever he wants. And that goes double when said owner is the tenured owner in the League. But the Washington NBA franchise will always be the Bullets to this man and will always be referred to as the Bullets. Please understand, I mean no disrespect to Mr. Pollin. Old habits are sometimes hard to break.

Answer 2

I don't have the answer.