Atlanta Hawks: Franchise Overview

Introduction

The Atlanta Hawks represent professional basketball in the heart of the South, carrying a history that spans seven decades and four cities. Originally founded as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks in 1946, the franchise has evolved from a small-market Midwestern team to an NBA fixture in one of America’s most dynamic metropolitan areas. While championships have been elusive, the Hawks have produced legendary players and memorable moments that have cemented their place in NBA history.

The Hawks’ journey from Moline, Illinois, to Milwaukee, St. Louis, and finally Atlanta reflects the growth and transformation of professional basketball in America. Along the way, the franchise has been home to some of the game’s greatest players and has experienced both exhilarating success and frustrating near-misses.

Franchise Identity

Founded: 1946 (as Tri-Cities Blackhawks) Current Location: Atlanta, Georgia (since 1968) Previous Locations: Moline, IL (1946-1951), Milwaukee (1951-1955), St. Louis (1955-1968) Arena: State Farm Arena (opened 1999 as Philips Arena) Conference: Eastern Conference Division: Southeast Division Team Colors: Red, Black, Yellow/Gold NBA Championships: 1 (1958, as St. Louis Hawks)

Historical Journey

The Early Years (1946-1955)

The franchise began as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks, named after the Sauk leader Black Hawk and representing the Illinois-Iowa quad cities area. In 1951, the team moved to Milwaukee and became the Milwaukee Hawks. The early years featured future Hall of Famer Bob Pettit, who would become the franchise’s first superstar.

The St. Louis Era (1955-1968)

The move to St. Louis in 1955 marked the beginning of the franchise’s golden era. Bob Pettit dominated the league, winning the first-ever NBA MVP award in 1956 and leading the Hawks to the NBA Finals four times in five years (1957-1961).

The 1958 NBA Championship stands as the franchise’s only title. The Hawks defeated the Boston Celtics in six games, with Pettit scoring 50 points in the decisive Game 6. This victory remains the only championship in franchise history and one of only two times the Celtics lost an NBA Finals during their dynasty era.

The Atlanta Years (1968-Present)

The Hawks arrived in Atlanta in 1968, moving to the growing Southern city seeking new markets and opportunities. The early Atlanta years featured stars like Lou Hudson and Pete Maravich, who provided excitement even as championships remained elusive.

The 1980s brought Dominique Wilkins, whose spectacular dunks and scoring prowess made him one of the NBA’s most exciting players. Wilkins led the league in scoring in 1986 and won two Slam Dunk Contests, though playoff success remained limited.

The 1990s featured competitive teams under coach Lenny Wilkens, with Dikembe Mutombo anchoring the defense. The 1994 team won 57 games and reached the second round of the playoffs, while the 1999 team reached the conference semifinals.

The 2000s brought the Joe Johnson era and the 60-win team of 2014-15, which won 19 consecutive games and reached the Eastern Conference Finals. However, the team was swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers, beginning a period of rebuilding.

The current era has seen the emergence of Trae Young as a superstar, with the 2021 team reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in a surprising playoff run.

Notable Players

The Hawks have been home to numerous Hall of Famers including Bob Pettit, Dominique Wilkins, Pete Maravich, Dikembe Mutombo, and Cliff Hagan. Current star Trae Young has established himself as one of the NBA’s premier offensive players.

Current Outlook

The Hawks continue to build around Trae Young while seeking the right supporting cast to compete in the Eastern Conference. The franchise remains committed to contention and hopes to add to the championship legacy established in St. Louis.

Atlanta Hawks: A Franchise History

The Early Years: Tri-Cities and Milwaukee (1946-1954)

The franchise began in 1946 as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks, representing Moline and Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa. Named after the Sauk leader Black Hawk, the team joined the National Basketball League (NBL) before merging into the NBA in 1949. In 1951, the franchise relocated to Milwaukee and became the Milwaukee Hawks.

The early years featured future Hall of Famer Bob Pettit, who joined the team in 1954 and would become the franchise’s first superstar. The Milwaukee era struggled to find success, and in 1955, the team moved again, this time to St. Louis.

The St. Louis Glory Years (1955-1968)

The move to St. Louis marked the beginning of the franchise’s golden era. Bob Pettit dominated the NBA, winning the first-ever MVP award in 1956 and leading the Hawks to the NBA Finals four times in five years (1957-1961).

The 1958 NBA Championship stands as the franchise’s only title. The Hawks defeated the Boston Celtics in six games, with Pettit scoring 50 points in the decisive Game 6. This victory was one of only two times the Bill Russell-led Celtics lost an NBA Finals during their dynasty era.

The rivalry with the Celtics produced classic basketball, with Pettit battling Russell in memorable Finals matchups. Despite the championship, the Hawks could not sustain their success against the dominant Celtics, losing in the Finals in 1957, 1960, and 1961.

Arrival in Atlanta (1968-1982)

The Hawks moved to Atlanta in 1968, becoming the NBA’s first franchise in the Deep South. The early Atlanta years featured stars like Lou Hudson, who provided scoring punch, and Pete Maravich, whose flashy style entertained fans even as the team struggled to win consistently.

The 1970s brought little success, with the Hawks making the playoffs occasionally but never advancing past the second round. The franchise searched for an identity in its new home, with coaching changes and roster turnover preventing sustained success.

The Dominique Wilkins Era (1982-1994)

The acquisition of Dominique Wilkins transformed the Hawks and made them one of the NBA’s most exciting teams. “The Human Highlight Film” dazzled fans with spectacular dunks and prolific scoring. Wilkins won the scoring title in 1986, averaging 30.3 points per game, and won two Slam Dunk Contests.

The Wilkins era featured competitive teams under coach Mike Fratello, with the 1986-87 team winning 57 games. However, playoff success remained elusive, with the team repeatedly falling to the Celtics, Pistons, or Bulls in the early rounds.

The most memorable series of this era was the 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics. Wilkins and Larry Bird engaged in an epic scoring duel in Game 7, with Bird’s Celtics prevailing 118-116. Wilkins scored 47 points in the losing effort.

The Dikembe Mutombo Years (1994-2001)

The trade for Dikembe Mutombo in 1996 brought a defensive anchor to the Hawks. Mutombo’s shot-blocking and rebounding made the Hawks competitive, and the 1997 team won 56 games under coach Lenny Wilkens. The 1998-99 team reached the conference semifinals during the lockout-shortened season.

Steve Smith provided offensive leadership, and Mookie Blaylock anchored the backcourt defense. The late 1990s were competitive but ultimately frustrating, as the team could not overcome the Bulls dynasty or the emerging Eastern Conference powers.

The Joe Johnson Era (2005-2012)

The signing of Joe Johnson in 2005 signaled a new direction for the franchise. Johnson became a five-time All-Star and led the Hawks back to respectability. The 2007-08 team won 37 games and made the playoffs, beginning a streak of postseason appearances.

The 2010-11 team won 44 games and pushed the top-seeded Chicago Bulls to six games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. However, Johnson’s massive contract limited roster flexibility, and the team could not advance past the second round.

The 60-Win Season and Conference Finals (2014-2015)

The 2014-15 season brought the best regular season in franchise history. Under coach Mike Budenholzer, the Hawks won 60 games, captured the Southeast Division, and won 19 consecutive games in January and February. Four Hawks players were named to the All-Star Game, led by Paul Millsap and Al Horford.

However, the playoffs brought disappointment. After sweeping the Brooklyn Nets in the first round, the Hawks were swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. LeBron James and the Cavaliers exposed the Hawks’ limitations, and the season ended in frustration.

Rebuilding and the Trae Young Era (2018-Present)

The trade of Paul Millsap and the departure of Al Horford began a rebuilding phase. The Hawks drafted Trae Young in 2018, trading the rights to Luka Doncic to acquire him. Young has developed into one of the NBA’s most exciting offensive players, with exceptional shooting range and playmaking ability.

The 2021 season brought a surprise run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Young led the Hawks past the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers before losing to the Milwaukee Bucks. The run demonstrated Young’s playoff capabilities and gave fans hope for the future.

Recent seasons have seen the Hawks struggle to find consistency around Young. The acquisition of Dejounte Murray in 2022 provided a defensive partner for Young, but the team has remained stuck in the middle of the Eastern Conference.

Atlanta Hawks: Championships and Playoff History

NBA Championships (1)

1958 NBA Champions

The 1958 St. Louis Hawks won the franchise’s only NBA championship, defeating the Boston Celtics in six games. The team was led by MVP Bob Pettit, who scored 50 points in the decisive Game 6, including 19 of the Hawks’ final 21 points.

The championship was particularly significant as it came against the dominant Celtics, who were led by Bill Russell and Tommy Heinsohn. The Hawks’ victory stands as one of only two times Russell’s Celtics lost an NBA Finals during their dynasty era.

Bob Pettit averaged 29.8 points and 17.0 rebounds during the Finals and was named the series MVP. The championship remains the pinnacle of the franchise’s history.

NBA Finals Appearances (4)

The Hawks have reached the NBA Finals four times: - 1957: Lost to Boston Celtics in 7 games - 1958: Defeated Boston Celtics in 6 games (Champions) - 1960: Lost to Boston Celtics in 7 games - 1961: Lost to Boston Celtics in 5 games

Conference Championships (0 in Atlanta)

Since moving to Atlanta in 1968, the Hawks have reached the Eastern Conference Finals twice but have not advanced to the NBA Finals: - 2015: Lost to Cleveland Cavaliers - 2021: Lost to Milwaukee Bucks

Division Championships (12)

The Hawks have won their division 12 times in franchise history.

Notable Playoff Performances

Bob Pettit: 88 playoff games, 25.5 PPG, 13.8 RPG Dominique Wilkins: 40 playoff games, 25.4 PPG Trae Young: 18 playoff games, 25.3 PPG, 9.2 APG

Atlanta Hawks: Notable Players

Hall of Famers

Bob Pettit (PF, 1954-1965)

The franchise’s first superstar won the first NBA MVP award in 1956 and led the Hawks to the 1958 championship. Pettit was a 10-time All-NBA selection and retired as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

Dominique Wilkins (SF, 1982-1994)

“The Human Highlight Film” was one of the NBA’s most exciting players. Wilkins won two Slam Dunk Contests and led the league in scoring in 1986. He is the Hawks’ all-time leading scorer.

Dikembe Mutombo (C, 1996-2001)

The defensive anchor led the NBA in blocks three times with the Hawks and won Defensive Player of the Year in 1997 and 1998.

Pete Maravich (SG, 1970-1974)

“Pistol Pete” dazzled fans with his flashy style and incredible scoring ability before being traded to New Orleans.

Franchise Icons

Lou Hudson (SG/SF, 1966-1977)

“Sweet Lou” was a six-time All-Star who provided scoring punch during the early Atlanta years. He averaged over 20 points per game for eight consecutive seasons.

Joe Johnson (SG/SF, 2005-2012)

“Iso Joe” was a five-time All-Star with the Hawks and led the team back to respectability in the 2000s.

Al Horford (C, 2007-2016)

The steady center anchored the 60-win team in 2015 and provided consistent production on both ends of the court.

Josh Smith (PF, 2004-2013)

The athletic forward was a defensive standout and fan favorite known for his spectacular dunks.

Trae Young (PG, 2018-present)

The current franchise star has established himself as one of the NBA’s premier offensive players with his shooting range and playmaking ability.

Recent Stars

John Collins: Athletic power forward with developing outside shot Clint Capela: Defensive anchor and rebounding specialist Dejounte Murray: Two-way guard acquired to pair with Trae Young Bogdan Bogdanovic: Sharpshooting wing from Serbia

Atlanta Hawks: Team Records

Career Records

Points: Dominique Wilkins - 23,292 Rebounds: Bob Pettit - 12,849 Assists: Doc Rivers - 3,866 Steals: Mookie Blaylock - 1,321 Blocks: Tree Rollins - 2,283 Games Played: Dominique Wilkins - 882

Single-Season Records

Points: Dominique Wilkins - 2,389 (1986) Rebounds: Bob Pettit - 1,156 (1961) Assists: Trae Young - 737 (2022) Steals: Mookie Blaylock - 212 (1997) Blocks: Tree Rollins - 343 (1983)

Team Season Records

Most Wins: 60 (2015) Best Record: 60-22 (2015) Most Points Scored: 8,544 (1970) Longest Winning Streak: 19 games (2015)

Retired Numbers

• 9: Bob Pettit

• 21: Dominique Wilkins

• 23: Lou Hudson

• 40: Jason Collier

• 44: Pete Maravich

• 55: Dikembe Mutombo

Atlanta Hawks: Fan Culture and Traditions

State Farm Arena

The Hawks play at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta. The arena underwent significant renovations in 2018, creating a more intimate and modern fan experience.

The Highlight Factory

The nickname “Highlight Factory” references the team’s history of exciting players, from Dominique Wilkins to Trae Young. The Hawks have consistently featured entertaining, high-scoring basketball.

Fan Traditions

Hawks fans have endured decades of playoff disappointment but remain passionate. The “True to Atlanta” slogan represents the team’s commitment to the city.

The 2015 Run

The 60-win season and 19-game winning streak created renewed excitement among the fanbase. Four Hawks were named to the All-Star Game, representing a team-first approach.

Recent Energy

Trae Young’s emergence has energized the fanbase, particularly after the 2021 playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals. The arena has become louder and more engaged with Young’s exciting style of play.

Atlanta Hawks: Current Status

Recent Performance

The Hawks have been competitive but inconsistent in recent seasons. After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, the team has struggled to find the right supporting cast around Trae Young.

Roster Overview

Trae Young remains the centerpiece, with Dejounte Murray providing defensive balance in the backcourt. The frontcourt features John Collins, Clint Capela, and Onyeka Okongwu.

Front Office

General manager Landry Fields and head coach Quin Snyder are tasked with building a contender around Young. The team has invested in young talent and draft picks.

Future Outlook

The Hawks need to find the right pieces to complement Trae Young’s offensive brilliance. With Young signed long-term, the franchise is committed to building a championship contender in the Eastern Conference.