Some familiar faces will return to Washington next month when the Wizards reunite the “Big Three” of Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison to celebrate “Throwback Night” in recognition of the team’s 25th anniversary since rebranding to the Wizards.
The game will take place on Friday, November 18, when the Miami Heat come to Capital One Arena. Tipoff will be at 7:00 p.m.
As part of “Throwback Night,” the team will recognize Arenas, Butler and Jamison in a halftime celebration for their contributions to the franchise. The trio played together from 2005-06 to 2009-10 and led Washington to three consecutive playoff appearances (2006-2008).
“Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Wizards brand wouldn’t be complete without honoring the contributions of ‘The Big Three’ and having them all together on the same night makes it even more special,” Wizards President & General Manager Tommy Sheppard said.
“Gilbert, Caron and Antawn represent a definitive era for the franchise and they deserve to be recognized for the excitement they generated on the court and the impact they had in our community, both of which led to a new generation of Wizards fans.”
Arenas played for the Wizards for eight seasons, averaging 25.0 points, 5.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game. Prior to joining the Wizards, Arenas was named the 2002-03 Most Improved Player with Golden State.
Throughout Arenas’ time with Washington, he finished top-10 in the league in scoring (2004-05, 4th; 2005-06, 4th; 2006-07, 3rd) and steals (2004-05, 5th; 2005-06, 2nd; 2006-07, 4th) and top-five in three-point field goals made (2004-05, 5th; 2005-06, 2nd; 2006-07, 1st).
In five seasons with the Wizards (2005-2010), Butler averaged 19.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game, and was named an All-Star twice (2007 and 2008).
Jamison played for the Wizards for six seasons (2004-10), posting averages of 20.8 points and 8.9 rebounds and earning two All-Star selections with Washington (2005 & 2008). He is currently in his first season as the vice president of player evaluation and fourth season overall in the Wizards’ front office, after spending last season as senior director of player personnel.
The trio recently recorded an interview with Wizards legend and former broadcaster Phil Chenier, which will be featured during pre and postgame coverage of Friday’s game against the Indiana Pacers on NBC Sports Washington (the pregame show will begin at 7:00 with the game set to tip off at 7:30).
The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a hat designed by Antawn Jamison presented by FTX. A behind-the-scenes video of Jamison designing his throwback hat will be played during the game.
Throughout the game, throwback music will be played, all arena signage will be themed in the team’s “classic” style and DJ Kool’s custom Wizards intro-video will be played. Fans will also be treated to a “Get To Know Your Wizards” video with a short feature on Jamison.
Following the game, those in attendance can enjoy a postgame concert with R&B artist and producer Teddy Riley. He will be joined by Dave Hollister and Joe. They will entertain fans with classics such as “Stutter,” “I Wanna Know,” “One Woman Man” and “Don’t Leave Me.”