The Washington Wizards haven't had a taste of success in several years as the franchise continues to fall short and now finds themselves in the midst of a [much-needed rebuild](https://wizofawes.com/should-washington-wizards-take-a-chance-untapped-potential-former-lottery-pick).
Not only have the Wizards not appeared in the NBA Finals since 1979, but their last appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals has been just as long.
The fans of Washington haven't seen their team have a realistic shot at winning a championship in decades, and looking ahead towards the forseeable future, that trend is expected to continue.
However, the fanbase has gotten the bittersweet fortune of watching former players that played for the Wizards move on to new squads and find success.
In fact, so much success that a former Wizards player has been apart of each of the last nine NBA Championship teams.
Following the Indiana Pacers series win against the New York Knicks on Saturday night, [the streak lives on](https://wizofawes.com/washington-wizards-mind-blowing-nba-finals-streak-guaranteed-continue-this-season).
Pacers keep Wizards NBA Finals streak alive
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As mentioned above, a former Wizards has been apart of the winning squad in each of the last nine NBA Finals.
Looking back to years past, here's a look at the players who have been apart of this not so bizarre trend that has helped Wizards' fans realize just how unlucky they've been in years past.
**2024 -** Boston Celtics: Kristaps Porzingis (Daniel Gafford also appeared for Dallas Mavericks)
**2023 -** Denver Nuggets: Jeff Green, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Ish Smith, Thomas Bryant
**2022 -** Golden State Warriors: Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr., Chris Chiozza
**2021** \- Milwaukee Bucks: Bobby Portis
**2020 -** Los Angeles Lakers: JaVale McGee, Dwight Howard, Markieff Morris
**2019 -** Toronto Raptors: Jodie Meeks
**2017-18 -** Golden State Warriors: JaVale McGee, Shaun Livingston
Now, with the Pacers advancing to the NBA Finals to represent the Eastern Conference, the streak has a chance to stay alive with both Thomas Bryant and Quenton Jackson as part of Indiana's roster.
While this trend shows just how unfortunate the Wizards luck has been over the years assembling championship contending rosters, it also goes to show that the team has managed to see many talents capable of impacting winning walk through their doors over the years.
Whether the trend lives on or comes to an end in the coming month is to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the Wizards hope to be competing on this stage sooner rather than later.