Another NBA Finals, another chance for a former Wizards player to earn a ring

WASHINGTON (7News) — The NBA Finals begin on 7News on Thursday, bringing with it the chance to extend a streak Wizards fans know all too well.

While the Finals and, for that matter, the playoffs, have alluded Washington in recent years, former players have managed to find success in other corners of the league.

Since the 2017 NBA Finals, a former Wizards player has been a part of each championship team.

The Indiana Pacers have the chance to keep that streak alive.

Two former Wizards players are on Indiana's roster: Thomas Bryant and Quenton Jackson. Bryant played with Washington for four seasons between 2018 and 2022. He was also a part of the 2022-2023 Denver Nuggets squad who won the championship two years ago. Jackson played one season with the Wizards between 2022 and 2023.

Here's a breakdown of each former Wizard who went on to win the title with their new team:

2017-2018 Golden State Warriors: Shaun Livingston (Wizard between 2009-2010, 2012), JaVale McGee (2008-2011)

2018-2019 Toronto Raptors: Jodie Meeks (2017-2018)

2019-2020 Los Angeles Lakers: JaVale McGee (2008-2011), Dwight Howard (2018-2019), Markieff Morris (2015-2018)

2020-2021 Milwaukee Bucks: Bobby Portis (2018-2019)

2021-2022 Golden State Warriors: Otto Porter Jr. (2013-2018), Chris Chiozza (2019-2020), Gary Payton Jr. (2018-2020)

2022-2023 Denver Nuggets: Jeff Green (2018-2019), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (2021-2022), Ish Smith (2019-2021), Thomas Bryant (2018-2022)

2023-2024 Boston Celtics: Kristaps Porziis (2021-2023)

There are no former Wizards players on the Oklahoma City Thunder. So, if history is to repeat itself, the Pacers will have to win the 2025 NBA Finals. The two teams square off on Thursday on 7News at 8:30 in Game One.