Hall of Fame center Wes Unseld, who spent his entire 13-year career with the Bullets franchise, has died at the age of 74, his family announced Tuesday morning in a statement.
Unseld was one of two players in NBA history, along with Wilt Chamberlain, to win NBA MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season. Additionally, Unseld was a five-time NBA All-Star and helped lead the Bullets to its first NBA championship during the 1977-78 season.
Unseld led the Baltimore Bullets to five consecutive playoff appearances and helped continue that streak when the team moved to Washington in 1973. The Bullets made the playoffs in 12 of his 13 seasons, including four appearances in the NBA Finals.
Statement from the family of Wes Unseld.
Rest easy, Wes ♥️ pic.twitter.com/NwEtuofgG9
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) June 2, 2020
Following his playing career in 1981, Unseld worked in the Bullets’ front office for six years until he became head coach of the team. He coached until 1994 and eventually returned to the front office two years later. Unseld was the general manager of the team until 2003.
His son, Wes Unseld Jr., is an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets.