Abe Pollin was a prominent figure in the world of basketball, known for his contributions as an owner and executive. He was the owner of the Washington Wizards (formerly known as the Washington Bullets) and the Washington Mystics, both of which are professional basketball teams in the United States. Pollin was also a co-founder of the NBA team, the Capital Bullets, which later became the Washington Bullets.
Pollin's involvement in basketball began in the 1960s when he and his partner, Earl Foreman, purchased the Baltimore Bullets. The team was later moved to Washington, D.C. and renamed the Washington Bullets. Under Pollin's ownership, the team experienced both success and struggles. In 1978, the Bullets won the NBA championship, but in the following years, the team struggled to maintain its success.
In the 1990s, Pollin made a controversial decision to change the team's name from the Bullets to the Wizards. He cited concerns about the violent connotations of the word "bullets" and wanted to promote a more positive image for the team. The decision was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics.
Pollin was also known for his philanthropic efforts in the Washington, D.C. area. He was a strong advocate for affordable housing and was instrumental in the development of the Verizon Center, a sports and entertainment arena in downtown Washington, D.C. that is home to the Wizards and Mystics.
Pollin passed away in 2009 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of contributions to the world of basketball and the Washington, D.C. community. His dedication to the sport and his commitment to making a positive impact on the world will be remembered for years to come.
🏀