Phil Chenier

Phil Chenier was Washington's smooth-shooting answer at guard through the 1970s, a three-time All-Star (1974, 1975, 1977) who could get a jumper off against anyone. Coming out of Cal via the 1971 hardship draft, he made an immediate mark — All-Rookie in 1972, then All-NBA Second Team in 1975, the year he poured in nearly 22 a night. His career carried a bittersweet turn: a serious back injury ended his 1977-78 season just as the Bullets marched to their 1978 title, so he earned a ring without being on the floor for it. Chenier averaged 17.2 points across his career before the injuries mounted. Fans got a second act, too — he spent three decades as the Bullets and Wizards' TV voice, and Washington retired his No. 45 in 2018.