Top Shot Blockers in Washington Wizards History

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Elvin Hayes was one of the most dominant players in the NBA during the 1970s, especially when he was controlling the paint. The Big E was the first overall pick in the 1968 NBA Draft by the San Diego Rockets, and he had an outstanding rookie season, leading the league with 28.4 points and 17.1 rebounds per game. During his time with the Washington organization, Hayes continued to put up impressive numbers, averaging 21.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.4 blocks over nine seasons. He was an eight-time All-Star during his tenure with the franchise, and even received MVP votes in five of those seasons. In total, Hayes was selected to 12 All-Star games and won a championship with Washington in 1978.

1. Elvin Hayes (1,558 Blocks)

2. Charles Jones (1,051 Blocks)

Jones had a long road ahead of him when he was the 165th pick in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. The good news is that Washington believed in him, signing with the Bullets in 1985 after playing for five different teams. That’s when he became one of the best rim protectors in the NBA, averaging 2.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in his nine seasons with the Bullets. He ranks 58th all-time with 1.6 blocks per game and won a title with the Houston Rockets in 1995.

3. Manute Bol (908 Blocks)

Bol is famous for being one of the tallest players in NBA history, standing at 7’7”. That potential made him the 31st pick in the 1985 NBA Draft, spending his first three seasons in Washington. Bol was a presence the day he showed up, leading the league with 5.0 blocks per game in his rookie season. He also finished Top 8 in Defensive Player of the Year voting in all three seasons with Washington, averaging 3.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game.

4. Brendan Haywood (865 Blocks)

Haywood is more famous for being a TV personality than he was as a player, but he was one of the best rim protectors this franchise has ever had. After a dominant career at UNC, Haywood was selected 20th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Washington traded for Haywood on draft day, and the big man spent his first seven seasons with the Wizards. He averaged 7.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks throughout his Washington career. Haywood also won a title with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.

5. Rick Mahorn (557 Blocks)

Ricky was taken 35th overall in the 1980 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets. Mahorn spent his first five seasons in Washington, averaging 9.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 blocks in the best stretch of his career. He also played for the New Jersey Nets, Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers over his final 13 seasons, closing out an 18-year career in 1999. He won a title with the Detroit Pistons in 1989 and ranks 73rd all-time with 1,117 games played.