1996–97 Washington Bullets season

The 1996–97 NBA season was the Bullets' 36th season in the NBA, During the offseason, the Bullets acquired Rod Strickland from the Portland Trail Blazers while signing free agent Tracy Murray. With a record of 22–24 at midseason, the Bullets fired head coach Jim Lynam and hired Bernie Bickerstaff. Under Bickerstaff, the Bullets finished the season winning 16 of their final 21 games to slip into the playoffs with a 44–38 record, fourth in the Atlantic Division and ending an eight year playoff drought. Chris Webber made his first All-Star appearance as he was selected for the 1997 NBA All-Star Game.

1996–97 Washington Bullets season

The 1996–97 NBA season was the Bullets' 36th season in the NBA, During the offseason, the Bullets acquired Rod Strickland from the Portland Trail Blazers while signing free agent Tracy Murray. With a record of 22–24 at midseason, the Bullets fired head coach Jim Lynam and hired Bernie Bickerstaff. Under Bickerstaff, the Bullets finished the season winning 16 of their final 21 games to slip into the playoffs with a 44–38 record, fourth in the Atlantic Division and ending an eight year playoff drought. Chris Webber made his first All-Star appearance as he was selected for the 1997 NBA All-Star Game.