The Unlikely Persistence of the Wizards’ NBA Finals Streak

Over the last decade, one NBA team has surprisingly maintained a consistent presence in the NBA Finals narrative. No, it`s not the dynasty teams you might expect. It`s the Washington Wizards.

Despite not winning a championship since 1978, the Wizards have achieved a remarkable feat: they`ve had at least one former player on the roster of every single NBA championship team for the past eight consecutive years.

This unusual trend is poised to continue in 2025. Heading into this postseason, a striking 18 former Wizards players are spread across 11 of the 16 playoff teams, contributing from both starting roles and reserve spots.

In a notable coincidence, all three NBA playoff games scheduled for a recent Friday featured former Wizards players.

First, the Orlando Magic hosted the Boston Celtics. Both teams felt the D.C. ripple effect. Orlando included veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, while Moritz Wagner, though sidelined by injury, provided support from the bench. For the top-seeded Celtics, Kristaps Porzingis anchored the paint.

Next, in Milwaukee, Bobby Portis, Ryan Rollins, and Kyle Kuzma were part of the Bucks` pursuit of a deep playoff run against the Indiana Pacers, who featured Thomas Bryant and Quenton Jackson.

Concluding the night, Rui Hachimura, Jordan Goodwin, Markieff Morris, and Alex Len suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers in their matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Elsewhere in the Western Conference playoffs, Russell Westbrook brought his experience to the Denver Nuggets, Gary Payton II played for the Golden State Warriors, and Jeff Green was with the Houston Rockets. Patrick Baldwin Jr. joined the LA Clippers, and the Memphis Grizzlies` roster included former Wizards Jay Huff and Marvin Bagley III.

Rounding out the former Wizards in the Eastern Conference was Delon Wright with the New York Knicks.

How former Wizards landed on recent championship teams

Remarkably, various paths have led players away from the nation`s capital and onto rosters that ultimately hoisted the Larry O`Brien Trophy. Here`s a look at their journeys:

2024 Boston Celtics

Kristaps Porzingis

Path to Washington: In February 2022, Porzingis arrived in Washington from Dallas as part of a trade that sent Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans to the Mavericks.

Path to Boston: He joined the Celtics in June 2023 through a three-team trade involving Boston, Washington, and the Memphis Grizzlies.

2023 Denver Nuggets

Jeff Green, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Ish Smith, Thomas Bryant

Path to Washington: Jeff Green signed a one-year deal with Washington before the 2018-19 season. Thomas Bryant was claimed off waivers from the Lakers in the same offseason. Ish Smith signed a two-year contract for the 2019-21 seasons, joining his 11th team. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope spent the 2021-22 season with the Wizards after being acquired in the trade centered around Russell Westbrook.

Path to Denver: Jeff Green signed a two-year contract with the Nuggets in August 2021, adding veteran presence. Caldwell-Pope and Smith were traded to Denver in 2022 in exchange for Monte Morris and Will Barton, bolstering the backcourt. Thomas Bryant joined Denver in February 2023 after being traded by the Lakers; he played limited regular-season and playoff games for the team.

2022 Golden State Warriors

Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr., Chris Chiozza

Path to Washington: Gary Payton II first signed a 10-day contract with the Wizards in January 2019 and later re-signed in December 2019. Otto Porter Jr. was drafted third overall by Washington in 2013 after a successful college career. Chris Chiozza, undrafted in 2018, began his career with Washington`s G League affiliate and signed a two-way contract with the Wizards in October 2019.

Path to Golden State: Payton was drafted by the Raptors 905 in the G League in 2021, where he won Defensive Player of the Year. He signed a 10-day contract with the Warriors in April 2021, was waived, and then re-signed in October. Golden State signed Otto Porter Jr. as a free agent in August 2021. Chiozza also signed a two-way deal with the team that same month.

2021 Milwaukee Bucks

Bobby Portis

Path to Washington: In 2019, Portis was traded to the Wizards by the Bulls as part of the deal for Otto Porter Jr., also involving Jabari Parker and a draft pick.

Path to Milwaukee: Portis became a free agent when the Knicks declined his team option. In November 2020, he agreed to a contract with the Bucks.

2020 Los Angeles Lakers

JaVale McGee, Dwight Howard, Markieff Morris

Path to Washington: JaVale McGee was drafted 18th overall by the Wizards in the 2008 NBA draft. Markieff Morris was traded to Washington by the Phoenix Suns in 2016. Dwight Howard signed a free agent deal with the Wizards in July 2018 after a contract buyout.

Path to Los Angeles: After winning two titles with the Warriors, McGee signed a one-year deal with the Lakers in July 2018, followed by an extension the next year. Howard returned to Los Angeles for his second stint with the Lakers, signing a veteran`s minimum contract in August 2019. Markieff Morris signed with Los Angeles in February 2020 after clearing waivers.

2019 Toronto Raptors

Jodie Meeks

Path to Washington: Meeks signed a two-year free agent deal with the Wizards in July 2017.

Path to Toronto: Meeks agreed to a 10-day contract with the Raptors in February 2019 and was signed for the rest of the season the following month.

2017-2018 Golden State Warriors

JaVale McGee, Shaun Livingston

Path to Washington: JaVale McGee was drafted by the Wizards in 2008. Shaun Livingston had two short stints with the Wizards, signing a 10-day contract in February 2010 and later a brief period in November 2012.

Path to Golden State: Livingston, a high draft pick whose career was impacted by injury, signed with Golden State as a free agent in July 2014 and was a key part of their Finals run, appearing in five consecutive Finals. He retired in 2019. McGee was invited to Golden State`s training camp in July 2016 and signed with the team in September 2016.