The Atlanta Hawks are one of many NBA’s oldest franchises, with roots tracing again to the Tri-Cities Blackhawks in 1946. Over the many years, the group has seen quite a few ups and downs, however all through all of it, a core group of standout gamers has helped outline the franchise. Right here’s a have a look at a few of best gamers ever to put on a Hawks jersey.
1. Dominique WilkinsKnown as “The Human Spotlight Movie,” Dominique Wilkins is probably the most iconic participant in Hawks historical past. A nine-time All-Star and one of the prolific scorers of the Eighties and early ’90s, Wilkins introduced each flash and firepower to Atlanta. His high-flying dunks and fearless offensive play made him a fan favourite and solidified his place within the Basketball Corridor of Fame.
2. Bob PettitBefore the group moved to Atlanta, Bob Pettit was the star of the St. Louis Hawks. He stays one of the dominant energy forwards in league historical past. Pettit was a two-time MVP and led the Hawks to their solely NBA championship in 1958. His mixture of talent, toughness, and management set the muse for the franchise’s early success.
3. Al HorfordThe cornerstone of the Hawks throughout their resurgence within the late 2000s and early 2010s, Al Horford introduced constant excellence on each ends of the courtroom. A five-time All-Star (4 with Atlanta), Horford was recognized for his versatility, basketball IQ, and professionalism. He was a key determine within the Hawks’ 60-win season in 2014–15.
4. Joe Johnson“ISO Joe” was the offensive engine for the Hawks throughout a lot of the 2000s. A seven-time All-Star (six with Atlanta), Johnson had one of many smoothest scoring arsenals within the league. He led the group to 6 straight playoff appearances and gave Atlanta its first style of constant postseason basketball in years.
5. Dikembe MutomboThough his time in Atlanta was comparatively quick, Dikembe Mutombo made a significant impression. The four-time Defensive Participant of the Yr (two with the Hawks) was a dominant power within the paint. His shot-blocking and rebounding anchored Atlanta’s protection through the late ’90s, and his finger-wagging celebrations grew to become legendary.
6. Lou HudsonA silky-smooth scorer from the Sixties and ’70s, “Candy Lou” Hudson was a six-time All-Star with the Hawks. Recognized for his polished midrange recreation and clutch capturing, Hudson averaged over 20 factors per recreation for many of his Atlanta profession. He stays one of the underrated scorers in franchise historical past.
7. Cliff HaganAnother St. Louis-era star, Cliff Hagan paired with Bob Pettit to kind a deadly inside-outside mixture. A five-time All-Star and a Corridor of Famer, Hagan was instrumental within the Hawks’ success through the Nineteen Fifties and early ’60s. His versatility and competitiveness left an enduring impression on the franchise.
8. Mookie BlaylockAn elite defender and succesful scorer, Mookie Blaylock was the heartbeat of the Hawks within the Nineteen Nineties. He led the league in steals twice and was named to the All-Defensive Group six instances. Blaylock additionally holds the franchise report for many three-pointers made, displaying his worth on each ends of the ground.
9. Josh SmithA polarizing determine however undeniably gifted, Josh Smith was a high-flying ahead who spent 9 seasons with the Hawks. Recognized for his shot-blocking and athletic dunks, Smith may impression the sport in some ways—even when his shot choice generally drew criticism. At his finest, he was a real two-way power.
10. Trae YoungStill early in his profession, Trae Younger has already made a huge effect. A two-time All-Star and one of many league’s premier offensive playmakers, Younger led Atlanta to the Japanese Convention Finals in 2021. Along with his deep capturing, flashy passing, and fearless perspective, he’s shortly turning into the face of the franchise’s future.
