Tuesday, July 26, 2022
The Atlanta Hawks were founded in 1946 and since then, they haven’t really found much success as a franchise. They only have one championship to their name and that’s when they were formerly known as the St. Louis Hawks. They did have a lot of talent, though, and still do.
Here’s my personal Atlanta Hawks Mt. Rushmore:
1. Bob Pettit
Pettit spent his entire 11-year career with the Hawks. He was a two-time Most Valuable Player (1956, 1959) who made the All-NBA First Team ten times (1955-1964) and the All-Star team 11 times (1955-1965). He also led the league in scoring twice (1956, 1959) and rebounding in 1956.
What really stands out is the championship that he won (and, to this day, the only one the Hawks won). The reason it stands out is because he led the Hawks past the Boston Celtics in the 1958 NBA Finals. The Celtics, led by Bill Russell, made the Finals every year between 1957-1966 and the one time they lost was against the Hawks.
As of right now, Pettit is the Hawks’ all-time leader in rebounds (12,849), second all-time leader in points (20,880), and eighth all-time leader in assists (2,369).
Wilkins spent 12 of his 16 years in the league with the Hawks. He was given the name “The Human Highlight” due to being one of the most acrobatic slam dunkers in NBA history. During his time with the Hawks, he was a nine-time All-Star (1986-1994) who made seven All-NBA Team Selections (1986-1989, 1991, 1993-1994). He also led the league in scoring in 1986.
Right now, Wilkins is the Hawks’ all-time leader in points (23,292). He is also their fourth all-time leader in rebounds (6,119), ninth all-time leader in assists (2,321), second all-time leader in steals (1,245) and seventh all-time leader in blocks (588).
3. Cliff Hagan
Hagan spent 10 of his 13 years in the league with the Hawks. While playing with the Hawks, he was a five-time All-Star (1958-1962) and made the All-NBA Second Team twice (1958, 1959). He even helped the Hawks win their 1958 championship.
He is the Hawks’ fourth all-time leader in points (13,447), ninth all-time leader in rebounds (5,116), and 10th all-time leader in assists (2,242).
4. Lou Hudson
Hudson spent 11 of his 13 years in the league with the Hawks. During his tenure with the Hawks, he was a six-time All-Star (1969-1974) and made the All-NBA Second Team in 1970. As of right now, he is the Hawks third all-time leader in points (16,049).
Honorable Mentions: Al Horford, Joe Johnson, Mookie Blaylock, Doc Rivers