American · Louisville, Kentucky · Born 14 March 1946One of only two players to win MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season — the most physical center of his era.
Westley Sissel Unseld was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1946. Baltimore Bullets selected him second overall in the 1968 NBA Draft. His 13-season career produced averages of 10.8 points and 14.0 rebounds per game along with five All-Star appearances. He is one of only two players in NBA history — alongside Wilt Chamberlain — to win both the regular season MVP and the Rookie of the Year award in the same season (1969). He won the NBA championship with the Washington Bullets in 1978 and was named Finals MVP. He was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team in 1996. His scoring average of 10.8 points understates his impact enormously — his rebounding, his outlet passes that launched Washington's fast breaks and his physical presence in the post were the foundation of every Bullets team he played for. He was considered the strongest player in the league for most of his career. He served as head coach of the Washington Bullets from 1987 to 1994. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988. He died in June 2020 aged 74. His combination of rebounding excellence, physical strength and leadership qualities made him one of the most respected players of his generation.
Dominant center/power forward known for rebounding, outlet passes, and physical play
His "Fo, Fo, Fo" playoff prediction — meaning four sweeps — became one of sport's most celebrated and nearly accurate predictions.
Did You Know?How They Played
Physical post player with exceptional rebounding and outlet passing skills
Lasting Impact
Hall of Fame center who led Washington to their only NBA championship
Career Honours
- NBA Champion (1978)
- NBA MVP (1969)
- Rookie of the Year (1969)
- Finals MVP (1978)
- All-Star 5x
- Hall of Fame (1988)
- NBA 50th Anniversary Team
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore/Washington Bullets | 1968–1981 | 984 |
American Athletes