NBA: All-Time Starting Five of the Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks started as the Buffalo Bisons in 1946 as part of the National Basketball League. They became the Tri-Cities Blackhawks after moving to Moline, Illinois the same year. The franchise joined the NBA in 1949 before becoming the Milwaukee Hawks in 1951.

After four years in Milwaukee, the Hawks moved to St. Louis wherein they won their first and only NBA championship in 1958. The Hawks made their debut in Atlanta in 1968 and they have been there ever since. The team has experienced ups and downs since then including a 48-year drought of not making it past the second round of the playoffs.

Throughout their history, the Hawks have produced a lot of good players and a handful of great players. They have a total of 18 players who are in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. So now, let’s take a look at the all-time starting five for the Atlanta Hawks.

Guard – Joe Johnson

A certified Hawks legend, Joe Johnson was acquired via sign-and-trade in 2005 that sent Boris Diaw and future draft picks that became Rajon Rondo and Robin Lopez to Phoenix. He helped end an eight-year playoff drought for Hawks in 2008, losing in seven games to the would-be champions Boston Celtics.

The Hawks made the playoffs four straight times with Johnson as the leader. He was also an All-Star six times during his stint in Atlanta. He even made the All-NBA Third Team in 2010. Ranking sixth in scoring, sixth in assists, and second in three-pointers made, Johnson’s No. 2 will surely be in the rafters once he retires.

Honorable Mention: Guard – Steve Smith

An NBA journeyman who played for six teams during his 14-year career, Steve Smith was in Atlanta from 1994 to 1999. He enjoyed the best years of his career with the Hawks being named to his only All-Star game in 1998. The Hawks made the playoffs every season during Smith’s time with the team.

Guard – Lenny Wilkens

Drafted sixth overall in the 1960 NBA Draft by St. Louis Hawks, Wilkens played his first eight years in the league with the franchise. He was named an All-Star five times as a member of the Hawks while finishing second in MVP voting in 1968. He formed one of the best one-two punch combos of the 1960s with Bob Petit.

Wilkens helped the Hawks made the postseason seven times during his tenure including an NBA Finals appearance in his rookie year. After his playing career was over, Wilkens became a head coach and he had 1,332 wins, as well as one NBA championship from 1979. He coached in Atlanta from 1993 to 2000, missing the playoffs just once.

Honorable Mention: Guard – Lou Hudson

Spending 11 seasons out of his 13-year NBA career with the Hawks, Hudson was named an All-Star six times from 1969 to 1974. He was also named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1970. Hudson is one of the greatest Hawks players of all time. He scored the first basket for the Hawks after relocating from St. Louis to Atlanta.

Center – Dikembe Mutombo

Spending just four and a half seasons with the Hawks was enough for Dikembe Mutombo to make this list. Signing a five-year, $55 million deal in 1995, Mutombo helped the Hawks become one of the best defensive teams in the league. He led the Hawks to three playoff appearances, two of which to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

While with the Hawks, Mutombo was a five-time All-Star and he made the All-NBA Third Team in 1998. He also established himself as one of the best defenders of his generation during his tenure in Atlanta, winning three of his four Defensive Player of the Year Awards there. His No. 55 jersey was retired by the Hawks in 2015.

Honorable Mention: Center – Al Horford

Drafted third overall by the Hawks in 2007, Al Horford helped the team made the playoffs every year in his nine seasons in Atlanta. He became one of the best big men in the league while with the Hawks that led to four All-Star game appearances. However, Horford left Atlanta in 2017 to sign with rivals Boston Celtics.

Forward – Bob Petit

A no-brainer, Bob Petit is one of the greatest power forwards in the history of the game. He spent his entire career with the Hawks leading them to their only NBA championship. Petit conquered the mighty Boston Celtics in 1958 to establish himself as one of the best ever.

In 11 seasons, Petit was a two-time NBA MVP, an 11-time All-Star, a ten-time All-NBA First Team selection, the 1955 NBA Rookie of the Year, and one of the 50 Greatest NBA Players ever. He ranks second in scoring, and first in rebounds in the Hawks all-time leaderboard. His iconic #9 jersey was retired by the franchise.

Honorable Mention: Forward – Paul Millsap

A prized free agent signing in 2013, Paul Millsap helped the Hawks become an Eastern Conference contender. He played his best basketball for the Hawks from 2013 to 2017, earning four All-Star selections. His departure signaled the Hawks’ current rebuilding process.

Forward – Dominique Wilkins

The greatest Hawks player ever is Dominique Wilkins. There is no doubt about that. The Human Highlight Film holds a lot of records in franchise history. He is the Hawks’ leader in points, points in season, points in a game, field goals made, minutes played, most games played, and many more.

In 12 seasons with the Hawks, Wilkins was a nine-time All-Star and made an All-NBA Team seven times. He was the scoring champion in 1986 and led the Hawks to eight playoff appearances. In 1988, Wilkins had the most memorable game in Hawks’ history, a duel against Larry Bird in the Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Honorable Mention: Pete Maravich

You thought I won’t mention Pistol Pete? Well, Pete Maravich started his legendary career with the Atlanta Hawks. In his four seasons with the Hawks, he was an All-Star two times and even made the All-NBA second team in his third year. His No. 44 jersey was retired by the franchise in 2017.