Chicago Zephyrs (1961-1963)

Nickname:
A Zephyr is a westerly wind and Chicago is the windy city.

Colors:
Blue
Gold

Historical Moments:

1961/62: The NBA returned to Chicago after 11 years after the Stags who made it to the first championship series folded. The new team known as the Packers, who are the first expansion team to join the NBA in 12 years were not very good as they finished in last place with an awful 18-62 record. However, first round draft pick Walt Bellamay became an instant star winning the Rookie of the Year while finishing 2nd to Wilt Chamberlain with an impressive 31.6 ppg, and finishing 3rd in rebounds to Chamberlain and Bill Russell with a 19.0 per game.

1962/63: For their 2nd season the team changed its name to Zephyrs, but did not do much better finishing in last place again with a record of 25-55. Once again the Zephyrs would draft well salting Terry Dischinger who won the Rookie of the Year with a solid 25.5 ppg. The Zephyrs had the seed for a solid contender with back-to-back rookie of the year winners Bellamay and Dischinger. However, Chicago Fans would not get a chance to see it bear fruit as the team moved to Baltimore following the season.

1963-1966: After the Zephyrs left for Baltimore it would not take long for the NBA to return to the 2nd City as the expansion Chicago Bulls joined the NBA in 1966. The Bulls would finally go on to bring successful Professional Basketball to Chicago, winning 6 titles in 8 year in the 90's with Michael Jordan who is widely considered the best player who ever lived.

First Game Played October 19, 1961
Last Game Played March 16, 1963
Moved to Baltimore in 1963

Coaches: (3)

Jim Pollard1961/62
Jack McMahon1962/63
Bob Leonard 1962/63

Arenas: (2)

Chicago Amphither 1961/62
Chicago Coliseum 1962/63

NBA Champions:
None

NBA Finals:
None

Conference Finals:
None

Division Champions:
None

Playoff Appearences:
None

Hall of Famers: (1)

Walt Bellamy 1961/62-1962/63

Retired Numbers:
SEE WASHINGTON WIZARDS

NBA All-Star Games Hosted:
None

NBA All-Star Game MVP:

None

AWARDS
Coach of the Year:

None

Rookie of the Year: (2)

1962 Walt Bellamy C
1963 Terry Dischinger F

NBA MVP:

None

Best Season:
1962/63 (25-55)

Worst Season:
1961/62 (18-62)

�MMV Tank Productions. Stats researched by Frank Fleming, all information, and team names are property of the National Basketball Association. This site is not affiliated with the Chicago Zephyrs of the NBA. This site is maintained for research purposes only. All logos used on this page were from Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page.
Page created on April 25, 2003. Last updated on November 21, 2005 at 11:30 pm ET.
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