History of the Washington Capitols Basketball Team

The Washington Capitols were one of the most successful early professional basketball franchises and one of the original teams of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), the league that eventually became the National Basketball Association (NBA). Based in Washington, D.C., the Capitols were a dominant force during the first years of professional basketball, winning division titles, reaching the BAA Finals, and establishing themselves as one of the premier teams of the post-World War II era.

Although the franchise existed for only five seasons, the Washington Capitols played an important role in the development of the NBA. They featured legendary coach Red Auerbach, Hall of Fame players such as Bob Feerick and Bones McKinney, and became one of the first teams to demonstrate that professional basketball could succeed as a major spectator sport.

The Formation of the Washington Capitols

The Washington Capitols were founded in 1946 as one of the 11 original franchises of the Basketball Association of America. The BAA was created by owners of large arenas who believed professional basketball could become a major sport alongside baseball, hockey, and boxing.

Washington was selected as one of the league's first cities because of its large population, political importance, and strong sports tradition. The franchise was owned by businessman Mike Uline, who also owned Uline Arena, the team's home court.

The team was named the Capitols in honor of Washington, D.C.'s status as the nation's capital. The name connected the franchise to the city and helped create an identity for one of the BAA's first Eastern Division teams.

The Early Years Under Red Auerbach

The Capitols hired Red Auerbach as their first head coach in 1946. Auerbach, who was only 29 years old at the time, was one of the young basketball minds who helped shape professional basketball during its early years.

Auerbach quickly built Washington into one of the best teams in the BAA. He emphasized teamwork, defense, and conditioning, creating a disciplined style that allowed the Capitols to dominate opponents.

The 1946-47 season was a historic year for Washington. The Capitols finished with a 49-11 record, the best record in the BAA, winning the Eastern Division championship. Their 49 victories remained one of the best marks in early professional basketball history.

The Capitols advanced to the BAA Finals but were defeated by the Philadelphia Warriors. Despite falling short of a championship, Washington established itself as one of the league's elite franchises.

Continued Success in the BAA

The Washington Capitols remained one of the strongest teams during the next several seasons. Led by stars such as Bob Feerick, Bones McKinney, and Fred Scolari, Washington continued to compete for championships.

During the 1947-48 season, the Capitols again won the Eastern Division title, finishing with a 28-20 record. They returned to the BAA Finals but once again fell short, losing to the Baltimore Bullets.

The following season, Washington captured another division championship during the 1948-49 BAA season. The Capitols finished with a 38-22 record and advanced deep into the playoffs before losing to the Minneapolis Lakers.

The team's consistent success made Washington one of the most respected franchises in early professional basketball. The Capitols were known for their defensive intensity and disciplined approach under Auerbach.

The Capitols Join the NBA

In 1949, the Basketball Association of America merged with the National Basketball League to create the National Basketball Association. The Washington Capitols became one of the NBA's original franchises.

The transition to the NBA was challenging for Washington. The league expanded, competition increased, and several smaller-market franchises struggled financially.

The Capitols continued to perform well during the 1949-50 NBA season, finishing with a 32-36 record and qualifying for the playoffs. However, the franchise was beginning to face financial problems.

The Final Season and Collapse

The 1950-51 season marked the end of the Washington Capitols. The team began the season under new ownership and experienced significant struggles both on and off the court.

The Capitols were unable to maintain their previous level of success and finished with a 10-25 record. Financial difficulties forced the franchise to fold during the season on January 9, 1951.

Washington became one of several early NBA franchises that disappeared during the league's first years. Other teams that folded during this era included the Chicago Stags, St. Louis Bombers, Anderson Packers, and Waterloo Hawks.

Notable Washington Capitols Players

The Capitols featured several important players who helped define the early NBA.

Bob Feerick was one of Washington's greatest stars. A talented guard and forward, Feerick was one of the league's top all-around players during the BAA era and later became a successful coach.

Bones McKinney was a fan favorite known for his scoring ability and toughness. He became one of the most recognizable players of early professional basketball.

Fred Scolari joined the Capitols after the franchise's early years and became one of the NBA's top guards. He was selected as an NBA All-Star and later won championships with the Syracuse Nationals.

Red Auerbach also deserves recognition for his role in the franchise's success. Before becoming the legendary coach of the Boston Celtics, Auerbach established his coaching philosophy with the Washington Capitols.

Legacy of the Washington Capitols

The Washington Capitols were one of the most important teams from professional basketball's founding era. They helped prove that the sport could succeed as a major professional attraction and were one of the BAA's first powerhouse franchises.

Their success also helped establish Washington, D.C., as a basketball city. Although the Capitols disappeared in 1951, professional basketball eventually returned to Washington with the Chicago Packers relocation in 1963. That franchise later became the Washington Bullets and eventually the Washington Wizards.

The Capitols' legacy remains connected to the early development of the NBA. Their championship appearances, dominant regular seasons, and association with Red Auerbach make them one of the most significant forgotten franchises in basketball history.

Washington Capitols Historical Facts