The Washington Wizards Return to China in Honor of  30 Years of U.S.-China Relations

The Washington Wizards visit the USA Pavilion site at the Shanghai Expo. Pictured from left to right, Caron Butler, a two-time NBA All Star and current Wizards,  Gheorge Muresan, the tallest player ever to play in the NBA and Wes Unseld Sr., one of the NBA’s top 50 All-Time players and a member of the original delegation that travelled to China. .

The Wizards were the first NBA team to visit China after the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1979 (at that time known as the Washington “Bullets”).  A star player from each of the three decades since the team’s historic visit to China participated in a goodwill tour in Shanghai and shot a few baskets with Shanghai World Expo 2010 mascot “Haibao” at the USA Pavilion construction site on September 7, 2009.  

Former Wizard’s player and member of delegation that visited China in 1979, Wes Unseld Sr. speaks with Shanghai media at the USA Pavilion site

Expo Deputy Director Huang and Washington Sports President Peter Biché exchange gifts at USA Pavilion site

Wes Unseld Sr. delivers remarks at Consulate reception in honor of 30 years of U.S. China diplomatic relations and the visiting Washington Wizards delegation

Wizards Delegation presents an honorary jersey to Consul General Bea Camp