Editing Washington Generals (section)

==Function==
[[File:Wash gen logo.jpg|thumb|Old logo of the team]]
[[File:Washington Generals vs. Harlem Globetrotters June 2019 14 (opening tip).jpg|thumb|The Generals in action against the Globetrotters in 2019]]
[[File:Harlem Globetrotters bring their basketball talents to Camp Foster 141206-M-XX123-001.jpg|thumb|A Globetrotter [[slam dunks]] over a Washington Generals player.|alt=]]
The Generals exist primarily as a part of the Harlem Globetrotters' act, effectively being [[Straight man (stock character)|stooges]] for the Globetrotters. While the Globetrotters play tricks and perform spectacular displays of skill for the crowd, the Generals attempt to play a "normal" game of basketball. The Generals' games involve playing genuine basketball at times, but also not interfering in the Globetrotters' tricks. Almost every game has ended in a resounding win for the Globetrotters.<ref name="SB2015" /> Despite their losses, the Generals' roster consists of competent players.<ref name="SB2015" /> A recurring part of the act is the "guest General", where, for a short period, an invited person (usually a local celebrity) comes on court to play for the Generals.<ref>{{cite news|title=Harlem Globetrotters at XL Center |url= https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Harlem-Globetrotters-at-XL-Center-293328731.html|access-date=20 March 2018|work=NBC Connecticut|date=21 February 2015|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Harlem Globetrotters Tip Off|url=https://www.si.com/si-kids/photos/2016/01/12/harlem-globetrotters-tip|access-date=20 March 2018|magazine= Sports Illustrated| via= SI.com|date=7 October 2009|language=en}}</ref> There can exist multiple teams of Generals simultaneously, each following different touring Globetrotters teams.<ref name="NBA2018" /> 

While the Generals are closely associated with the Globetrotters, they were, for most of their history, an independent franchise owned by their founder, [[Red Klotz|Louis "Red" Klotz]], who also played on the Generals.<ref name= Courant /> In 2017 they were purchased from the Klotz family by Globetrotters' owners [[Herschend Entertainment]] and officially revived from a two-year hiatus.<ref name="epsn_comeback">{{cite news |last1= Rovell |first1= Darren |title=Generals make comeback as Globetrotters' foe|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/nba/story/_/id/19455306/washington-generals-purchased-herschend-entertainment|access-date=8 March 2018|work=ESPN.com|date=25 May 2017}}</ref>