All-Time Atlanta Hawks Mount Rushmore
The four most important Hawks figures in 71 year franchise history
The Atlanta Hawks, one of the oldest franchises in league history, have a unique history starting in Molina, IL as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks in 1946 followed by Milwaukee(1951–1954) and St. Louis(1955–1967). The franchise captured its lone championship in 1958, but ever since have acquired some of the best players to walk through the NBA.
1. Dominique Wilkins
The human highlight film is by far the most renowned Atlanta Hawk. The double pump dunks, the one footed glides to the rim and the overall pace he played with put Atlanta on the map drawing more eyes than ever before. If there is any doubt just take a ride by Phillips Arena and you will find his statue standing alone by the entrance for all to marvel. Atlanta’s all time leader in points, games played and all-star appearances is synonymous with Hawks basketball. Take a look around a Hawks home game and you will find plenty of fans rocking a Wilkins jersey.
2. Bob Pettit
Pettit, the first 4-time all star MVP winner in league history, was an imposing force in this league at both the power forward and center position. No other Hawk can boast about capturing a championship ring(1958) or a league MVP let alone two like Pettit (1956 & 1959). He is revered for the workhorse mentality he approached the game with from an availability standpoint (played 792 games) and how relentless he crashed the boards, averaging 16.2 for his career. He is second on Atlanta’s all-time leading scoring list to Dominique, finishing his career averaging 26.4 points per game.
3. Lenny Wilkens
In his first of seven seasons as Atlanta’s coach he lead the team to a 57–25 record. Over his entire tenure he posted a 57.0 winning percentage. Producing at a high level was nothing new to Wilkens even before he became the head coach. The Naismith hall of fame player(and coach) averaged 15.5 points and 5.5 assist per game running the point guard position for the St. Louis Hawks (8 seasons). Wilkens currently sits at number 2 on the NBA’s all-time coaching win registry with 1332. Out of all those wins, Hawks fans cherish being apart of his 939th that bumped him ahead of the late Red Auerbach at the old Omni coliseum on January 9th.
4. Pete Maravich
It took just four seasons with the Hawks for Maravich’s legacy to forever become a staple in Atlanta’s franchise. Dubbed ‘Piston’ Maravich averaged 24 points and 5 assist while donning the lime green and blue throwbacks. On March 3, of this year the organization paid him tribute for his greatness by retiring his number 44 jersey. The Hawks and Cavaliers faced off that evening and when asked about Maravich’s legacy Lebron, Kyrie, Dennis Schroder and others raved about the flair he played the game with. Proving Maravich’s impact on younger generations remains just as influential as his playing days.
Honorable Mention
Lou Hudson
Hudson averaged 22 points and 4 rebounds in eleven seasons for both the St. Louis and Atlanta teams. Playing during an era void of the 3-point line he still sits third in points on Atlanta’s all-time scoring list.
Kevin Willis
Willis suited up for 21 seasons spending 11 of those in Atlanta as the stable inside presence. He’s Atlanta’s third best rebounder of all time and 6th in minutes played.
Al Horford
Horford’s recent departure to the rival Celtics can’t wipe away the consistent production he displayed for 9 years under three different coaches. His versatility was the key ingredient to Atlanta’s success over the years despite roster changes. In time fans will look back and be able to put into perspective just how fortunate it was to have a player like Horford.
Joe Johnson
Iso-Joe arrived to Atlanta from Phoenix a budding star and did not disappoint. In just seven seasons he currently sits 6th on Atlanta’s all-time scoring list. He was a reliable offensive weapon Atlanta needed that relished the big moments. Over the last decade he’s hit eight buzzer beaters in both the regular season and playoffs — most of any player.
Spudd Webb
Webb’s numbers won’t blow you away, but his hops will. The 5'’6 freak beat out Dominique Wilkins in the 1985 dunk contest inspiring a list of future undersized guards to play above the rim.
