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Chicago Zephyrs

Frank Fleming
Author: 
Frank Fleming
2 mins
October 25th, 2023
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Chicago Zephyrs

First Game Played October 19, 1961

Last Game Played March 16, 1963

Moved to Baltimore in 1963

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 Bellamy became an instant star winning the Rookie of the Year while finishing second to Wilt Chamberlain with an impressive 31.6 ppg, and finishing third 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 Bellamy 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 six titles in eight years in the ’90s with Michael Jordan, who is widely considered the best player who ever lived.

Arenas

Chicago International Amphither

1961/62

Chicago Coliseum

1962/63

Players

Ralph Davis, 1961/62

Barney Cable, 1961/62, 1962/63

Walt Bellamy, 1961-1963

1962 Rookie of the Year

Bob “Slick” Leonard, 1961-1963

Woody Sauldsberry, 1961-1963

Terry Dischinger, 1962/63

1963 Rookie of the Year

Charles Hardnett, 1962/63

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Author

Frank Fleming
Frank Fleming founded the Sports Ecyclopedia in 2001 & is a passionate Devils fan.